Assessment of solar access in urban environment: The case of the renewal of a city block in Espinho, Portugal. Issue 7 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marques, Bruno; Corvacho, Helena; Brandão Alves, Fernando
• Other Names: Jones Phi guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Indoor + built environment. Volume 25:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 1075
• Page End: 1084
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Urban renewal -- Urban design -- Solar access -- Energy needs -- Urban density; Indoor air pollution -- Periodicals; Sick building syndrome -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 613.5
• DOI: 10.1177/1420326X16639668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1420-326X

Abstract

The research project carried out aimed to establish guidelines for urban design, especially adjusted to specific climatic conditions and to local design practice. With the aid of a simulation program, Townscope III, several urban scenarios were characterized in what concerns solar access. Some results are presented for the specific case of a block in Espinho. Four different building models were tested. Solar access was evaluated and its repercussion on heating and cooling energy needs of the buildings was estimated. A virtual scenario with an increase of the density of the urban surrounding area was also assessed.