Solar Orientation
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Solar Orientation
Solar Orientation is the careful placement of buildings or spaces so that they use the sun's path to help with energy use and comfort. In environmental design, a smart way to use solar orientation is by shaping window sizes and positions on different sides of a building to match the sun's movement during the day and across seasons. For example, longer roof overhangs can block high summer sun but let in lower winter sun, helping to keep indoor temperatures steady. Designers can use simple sun path diagrams to decide where to put outdoor spaces like patios or gardens, so these areas get the right amount of sunlight for plants or for people to enjoy. This approach can lower the need for heating and cooling, and it can make spaces brighter and more pleasant.
sun path diagrams, passive solar design, daylighting, building envelope
CITATION : "Kevin Green. 'Solar Orientation.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/solar-orientation?E=481819 (Accessed on October 13, 2026)"
Solar Orientation on Design+Encyclopedia
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