Simple Visualization of Sun,facade, Window and Shade

The raison d'etre of using Excel for designing/ decision making is that the solution is not a black box and professionals besides relating to basic principles can play with it through and create scenarios. Transparency of formulas and correlations when supported with basic visualizations however can authenticate decision making.

Seeing is believing. Optimal solar passive design requires varying requirements.

The transparent quantification when supported through the visual confirmation of snapshots would expedite and transform decision making. Project management agility requires that all stakeholders especially the client are engaged in the design. Here your decisions can be validated even by laymen.

Newer versions of Excel are focusing on visualization as well. 

Problem Definition:- 

Decision on solar passive optimization (considering 8760 hours) have been taken through trade-offs for creating shading during summer months and allowing the sun during winter months. Daylight optimization has been done with optimal window size and shading that cuts direct sunlight to cutting glare at the minimum first cost. The client and the multidisciplinary project team need to be presented and convinced through a visualization that they can validate.

Please visit my earlier blog for background. The solution has been further simplified by following the formulas and conventions in the book “Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design” by  S. V. Szokolay.

Please download the workbook here, experiment and comment. You need to know some basic building science. Use Excel 2016 to make the best of the application.