Dr. Nadeeka Jayaweera

 A Parametric Approach to Optimize Solar Access for Energy Efficiency in High-Rise Residential Buildings in Dense Urban Tropics 

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   Dr. Nadeeka Jayaweera

Supervisor: Dr. Upendra Rajapaksha, Dr. Inoka Manthilake

Department: Architecture

Faculty: Architecture

This research investigated the shading effects of the urban context on solar access in terms of energy savings and daylight in high-rise residential buildings in the tropical city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The methodology consisted of demonstrating a parametric urban context utilizing simulation software Rhino3D and the Grasshopper interface.

Archsim and DIVA4 plugins were used to simulate the effects of the urban context on spatial daylight autonomy and annual energy use for cooling. Four main outcomes of the study were reported. The research redefined solar access for the tropics, prescribed building setbacks for optimum solar access, informed optimum building density for the high-rise residential building typology and developed a best performance external shading scenario for a high-rise residential building façade.  The research outcomes established in this study provide a much-needed platform to initiate the dialogue on solar rights in dense urban tropics such as in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  

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Abstract 

 An Initiative by MoraMinds                                                                                1 this post on 1

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