INFLUENCE OF URBAN CANYONS ON INDOOR DAYLIGHT AVAILABILITY IN TROPICAL CLIMATES

Authors

  • Luíza de Jesus Meneses Universidade Federal de Alagoas
  • Ricardo Victor Rodrigues Barbosa Universidade Federal de Alagoas
  • Ricardo Carvalho Cabús Universidade Federal de Alagoas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/arq.2025.211.04%20

Keywords:

Daylight availability, urban canyons, H/W ratio, reflectance, tropical regions

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of urban canyons on daylight availability in indoor environments in tropical regions. The analysis considered variations in canyon proportions (H/W ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0), solar orientations, Vertical Angle of Obstruction (VAO), and façade reflectances. Simulations were conducted using the TropLux software for a reference room placed in different canyon configurations, with façade reflectances of 0.900 and 0.427. The evaluation was based on the following metrics: Annual Average Illuminance (AAI), Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), and Annual Solar Exposure (ASE). Results indicate that deeper canyons reduce daylight availability, although autonomy was achieved in all analyzed scenarios. Moreover, façade reflectances significantly influenced the available illumination, emphasizing their relevance in design strategies. Excessive levels of daylight were also observed in North, East, and West orientations, suggesting the need for appropriate daylight control strategies. In this context, the study highlights the influence of canyon geometry and façade reflectances on daylight availability, reinforcing their importance in the design of buildings for tropical climates.

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Published

2025-12-17

How to Cite

Meneses, L. de J., Barbosa, R. V. R., & Cabús, R. C. (2025). INFLUENCE OF URBAN CANYONS ON INDOOR DAYLIGHT AVAILABILITY IN TROPICAL CLIMATES. Arquitetura Revista, 21(1), 61–80. https://doi.org/10.4013/arq.2025.211.04

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2025): JAN-DEZ

Section

Articles

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