Sunlight plays a major role in building design. In colder climates, you may want to maximize sunlight for warmth and daylight. In hotter climates, you may want to reduce sun exposure to keep interiors cool.
The Sun Hours Analysis measures how many hours a point on the ground or building receives direct sunlight on specific dates. It considers shading from buildings, terrain, and vegetation in your model.
Workflow
- Select the building to be analyzed.
- If no building is selected, all of the buildings in Forma Building Design will be included.
- Choose the Sun Hours tool.
- Choose which building surfaces to include in the analysis:
- All surfaces
- Facades
- Windows
- Roofs
- Specify the Analysis Date.
- Try several dates at different times of the year for a better understanding of the availability of sunlight.
View the Results
- View the results in the 3D view or an Elevation view.
- Use the analysis slider at the bottom center of the screen to filter the value range and focus on specific performance thresholds.
- Use the Inspect tool (located to the right of the scale bar) when you need an exact value for a specific point.
- Click anywhere on the building to place inspection points and view detailed results for those positions.
Additional Resources
To learn more about the features of Sun Hours analysis and the feedback available, read these articles:
- Introduction to Sun Hours Analysis
- Comparison of the Forma Sun Hours Analysis to Traditional Methods and Reality
- The Technology Behind the Sun Hours Analysis