474: lighting and thermal performance of innovative shading devices: new insights into their aesthetics and control in a Mediterranean climate

Abstract

With a view towards minimising energy demand for cooling and artificial lighting in buildings, this paper evaluates innovative shading devices and how they can balance a generous degree of control mastering seasonal natural light with thermal gains in a typical Mediterranean climate such as Malta. The study evaluates the potential success (or failure) of such shading devices, from both their aesthetic and functional perspectives, as part of a passive design strategy adopted by the architect. Through environmental design and solar geometry, experimental simulations were generated in architectural science modelling software package Ecotect© developed by Andrew Marsh. Moreover a novel computer model termed Solar Control© was developed by the authors in order to assist architects at an early stage during design.