ARCH 603 | Design in the Tropics

Types of Shading Devices

Submitted By : Submitted By :
Safin Mahmood Khan Synthia Zaman Mishu
Student ID : 2201051 Student ID : 2201054
 Vertical Shading Device

Aspects
Vertical (Fixed) : [Link] Gain Where to Use
-Effectively reduce heat gain on east and west façades by blocking low-angle -East- and west-facing façades — best for blocking low-angle sun in the morning and afternoon.
morning and afternoon sun. -Urban environments — where lateral privacy and side glare are concerns.
-Less effective at blocking high-angle midday sun (especially on south façades). -Windows or curtain walls needing glare protection without sacrificing too much daylight.
Advantages
2. Daylight -Effective at blocking low-angle sunlight, reducing heat gain and glare.
-Allow ample daylight from above and between vertical fins. -Allows good daylight penetration and preserves views.
-Provide softer, diffused light, minimizing glare without overly darkening interiors. -Enhances visual privacy from side angles.
-Low maintenance due to simple, fixed construction.
3. View .Disadvantages
-Preserve frontal and oblique views if fins are spaced appropriately. -Not effective for high-angle sun control (e.g., midday south-facing sun).
-Can create a framed view effect, which some find aesthetically appealing. -May limit side views if fins are too deep or closely spaced.
-Fixed design means no adjustability for changing seasons or sun paths.
4. Privacy -Can add façade depth and weight, affecting structural or aesthetic considerations.
-Improve lateral privacy, especially from nearby buildings or sidewalks. Examples
-Fins can be angled to block visibility into interior spaces while still -Vertical concrete fins on the Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris) for sun and design function.
allowing daylight and views out. -Aluminum blade systems on east façades of modern office buildings.
-Perforated metal screens in residential buildings for shading and privacy.
Vertical (Movable) : 1. Heat Gain Where to Use
-Actively reduces heat gain by adjusting to block low-angle sun on -East and west-facing façades — for managing low-angle morning and afternoon sun.
east/west façades. -South-facing façades — when adaptable to high-angle sun.
-Can be programmed to track sun position and optimize energy performance. -Urban buildings where privacy, glare control, and energy efficiency are needed.
-Opens in cooler hours/seasons to allow passive solar gain. -Ideal for offices, schools, residential towers, and smart buildings with daylight control systems.
Advantages
2. Daylight -Adjustable control over sunlight, glare, and privacy throughout the day.
-Offers flexible daylight control—adjust fins to reduce glare . -Enhances thermal comfort and reduces cooling loads.
-Can allow full daylight penetration when open or modulate it during -Allows dynamic daylighting and preservation of views.
peak sun hours. -Can be automated for optimal performance and energy savings.
-Adds aesthetic movement and a high-tech appearance to façades.
3. View Disadvantages
-Preserves or blocks views on demand. -Higher cost (materials, motors, automation systems).
-When open or angled outward, it provides clear outward visibility. -Requires regular maintenance for mechanical parts.
-When closed or angled inward, it offers glare reduction with partial view. -More complex design and installation process.
-Risk of mechanical failure or weather-related issues if not properly engineered.
4. Privacy Examples
-Allows variable privacy—users can adjust devices to obscure views -Al Bahr Towers (Abu Dhabi) – mashrabiya-inspired automated façade with responsive shading.
from specific angles. -Media-TIC Building (Barcelona) – dynamic skin adjusts to solar exposure.
-Particularly useful in urban or high-density settings, -Festo Automation Center (Germany) – vertical fins move to optimize lighting and temperature.
where privacy needs vary during the day. -Maison Hermès (Tokyo) – glass block façade with operable shading screens behind.
 Horizontal Shading Device

Aspects
Horizontal (Fixed) : 1. Heat Gain Where to Use
-Reduction in summer heat gain by blocking high-angle sun. -South-facing façades (northern hemisphere) — most effective.
-Helps lower cooling loads and improves energy efficiency. -Above windows/glass walls where summer sun is intense and winter sun is welcome.
-Still allows some winter sun for passive solar heating if properly designed. -Commercial buildings, schools, passive solar homes, and offices.
Advantages
2. Daylight -Reduces cooling loads by blocking high-angle summer sun.
-Allows diffuse daylight in, especially from the sky and reflections. -Low maintenance (no moving parts).
-May reduce direct sunlight, but not necessarily overall brightness. -Preserves views and daylight.
-If overdesigned (too deep), it can darken interiors—careful balance is key. -Can enhance aesthetics and façade articulation.
3. View Disadvantages
-Typically preserves outward views, especially when installed above eye level. -Less effective on east/west façades due to low sun angles.
-Because they're horizontal and placed high, they don't obstruct frontal or downward views. -May reduce daylight if poorly sized or located.
-Provides limited privacy.
4. Privacy -Fixed angle means no adaptability to seasonal or weather changes.
-Offers limited privacy—primarily from overhead views . Examples
-Not effective for lateral or street-level privacy unless combined with -Brise-soleil on Le Corbusier’s buildings.
-other elements like vertical fins or screens. -Deep overhangs on passive solar houses.
-Horizontal louvers on modern office buildings
-Concrete canopies on tropical architecture to manage solar exposure
Horizontal (Movable) : 1. Heat Gain Where to Use
-Highly controllable — can block sun during hot periods and open for warmth in -South, east, or west-facing façades — adaptable to changing sun angles.
cooler seasons. -Buildings with variable lighting/thermal needs, like offices, hospitals, schools
-Can significantly reduce cooling loads when automated with sensors. -Smart buildings or structures aiming for high energy performance and user comfort.
Advantages
2. Daylight -Dynamic control over heat gain, daylight, and glare.
-Adjustable access to natural light; can increase or decrease daylight as needed. -Enhances energy efficiency year-round.
-Helps avoid over-shading compared to fixed devices, maintaining better indoor brightness. -Improves occupant comfort and productivity.
3. View -Can be automated or manually operated based on needs.
-Unobstructed views when retracted or adjusted. Disadvantages
-Can be tilted to balance glare control with visibility. -Higher initial cost than fixed systems.
-Offers better visual connection with outdoors than fixed deep overhangs. -Regular maintenance required for motors and controls..
-More complex installation and system integration.
4. Privacy Examples
-Provides variable privacy — can be closed for visual protection and opened for openness. -Intelligent louvers on the Al Bahr Towers (UAE) that open and close based on sunlight.
-Allows user control based on time, occupancy, or orientation -Retractable shading systems in modern green office buildings.
(e.g., closing at night or during meetings) -Adjustable sunshades in passive solar homes for seasonal optimization.
-Motorized louvers on double-skin façades in contemporary architecture
 Egg-crate Shading Device

Aspects
Egg-crate (Fixed) : 1. Heat Gain Where to Use
-Effectively reduces heat gain from multiple sun angles (both high and low). -East, west, and south-facing façades — handles both low- and high-angle sun.
-Particularly useful in hot climates and on east, west, and south façades. -Hot and sunny climates — effective for year-round shading.
-Buildings needing consistent shading, like offices, schools, libraries, or residential towers.
2. Daylight -Locations where both sun control and visual design are important.
-Allows diffused daylight through the grid openings. Advantages
-Can result in uniform indoor lighting without harsh direct sun or glare. -Blocks sunlight from multiple angles (morning, midday, afternoon).
-Reduces solar heat gain and improves energy efficiency.
3. View -Allows diffused natural light, minimizing glare.
-Provides partial views—outward visibility is maintained through the gaps. -Provides a distinct architectural texture.
-Some obstruction depending on the depth and spacing of the fins. Disadvantages
-May partially obstruct views depending on spacing and depth.
4. Privacy -Can reduce daylight penetration if oversized or poorly designed.
-Offers moderate privacy—reduces visibility into the building from -Fixed design lacks flexibility for seasonal changes.
oblique angles. -Adds depth and weight to façades, requiring structural consideration.
-Less private than solid screens but more than fully open glazing. Examples
-Louis Kahn’s buildings, like the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad)
-Carlo Scarpa's works, where shading and form merge into sculptural grids.
-Modern passive solar homes with custom-fabricated egg-crate aluminum or concrete screens.
Egg-crate (Movable) : 1. Heat Gain Where to Use
-Highly effective at reducing heat gain by adapting to sun angles in real time. -East, west, and south-facing façades—adaptable to various sun angles throughout the day.
-Can be opened in winter for passive solar heating and closed in summer -High-performance buildings aiming for energy efficiency and dynamic lighting.
for maximum shade. -Urban areas needing variable privacy and view control..
Advantages
2. Daylight -Dynamic shading for all-day and all-season comfort.
-Allows precise control of daylight levels. -Optimizes daylight, heat control, privacy, and views in real time.
-Can optimize for natural lighting without glare by adjusting -Can be automated based on sensors or user control.
horizontal and vertical fins independently or together. -Adds visual movement and architectural expression to façades.
Disadvantages
3. View -High initial cost (materials, motorization, control systems).
-Offers flexible views—fully open configuration provides unobstructed views, -Requires regular maintenance for moving parts and systems.
while closed or angled settings partially filter them. -Complex to design and install, especially for retrofits.
-Some designs can preserve frontal views while blocking side glare. -Potential mechanical failure if not engineered properly for local climate.
Examples
4. Privacy -Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris) – although not egg-crate, its responsive screens
-Enhances user-controlled privacy—fins can be angled to block visibility inspired similar concepts.
from outside while allowing daylight in. -Al Bahar Towers (Abu Dhabi) – automated mashrabiya-like system offering multidirectional shading.
-Kiefer Technic Showroom (Austria) – dynamic façade with moving vertical and horizontal panels.