Images of Your 3 Design Proposals
Proposal 1: Building with inspiration from architecture in Singapore.
Proposal 2: High ceilings with a large amount of surface area on top to allow for plenty of coverage for solar while still high lighting the panoramic views of park.
Proposal 3: Moon shaped circular building that is directed towards the views of park to allow for as much visibility of nature as possible.
Side-By-Side Comparisons of Your Analysis Results
Solar Energy Analysis Comparison
Daylight Potential Comparison
Sun Hours Comparison (view facing southeast)
Your Recommendation for the “Best” Design Option
As I was designing my building and running the different analysis tests on each of them I realized how crucial some of the conceptual design features will impact the use and operation of the building. I wanted to design a building that was more horizontal than vertical to allow for plenty of room for solar power however the site location that I chose (New York) is surrounded by high rises, making it very costly to build horizontally.
In order to adapt to the site conditions of the building I wanted my buildings to have high ceilings and be orientated towards the sunlight/park. This orientation is beneficial to the end users because it will allow for more daylight to come in and provide a connection with nature.
After comparing the results of each of my tests I ultimately picked Proposal #2 as the best design due to its overall better performance in producing solar energy and capturing daylight. Although proposal 1 and 2 had similar Average solar potential, Proposal 2 had Total Energy output. I attribute this to the higher ceiling and large square footage of the top roof. For the Daylight potential, proposal 2 came out middle of the pack, I believe this is due to Proposal 3 having more floors and being taller overall, allowing it to shine better than the others. \
Using January 31st for the Sun hours analysis yields results for what the buildings daylight will look like during the winter. Proposal 2 also came out middle of the pack but had a more evenly distributed square footage of sun on the facades of the building. I believe this stems from the building being more cube like than the rest and should result in better heat retention during the colder months.
Considering the results of each of the tests and the site that was provided, I recommend proceeding with Proposal 2 for a building that end users will enjoy even during the cold months.