Hello all,

I've been asked by a client to complete a shading analysis that quantifies the impact of an exterior canopy on the comfort of occupants outside of the building in a courtyard area. In the past, I've done solar irradiance simulations to show the effect of shading, but irradiance doesn't directly translate to comfort in a straightforward way.

I'd like to be able to quantify how the canopy will increase the amount of time that occupants will want to spend outside in the courtyard. For example - per this metric, the number of comfortable hours in the courtyard will increase by X% over the year.

I know the heat index is commonly used to assess comfort, but this only includes temperature and humidity, not a solar component.

Has anybody completed a study like this? If so, what metrics did you use to provide meaningful feedback on the effect of the exterior shading on occupant comfort (outside of the building)?

Thanks,

Coles Jennings PE, BEMP, LEED AP BD+C
Sr. Energy Engineer, Building Sciences Manager | Mason & Hanger
A Day & Zimmermann Company
D 804.521.7045 | O 804.285.4171 | F 804.217.8520
4880 Sadler Road, Suite 300 | Glen Allen, VA 23060
Mason & Hanger
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