Abstract
One of the fundamental parameters for low energy architecture strategies implementations is to allow solar sun penetration into buildings, which can contribute to free heating in buildings and reduce energy consumption during cold season; through many design strategies that could be applied to buildings.
 
 This is not easily achieved until a complete analysis of solar accessibility is done, which in turn enables us to decide whether such strategies are applicable or not.
 
 Amman city is a case where such analysis is a must due to the problems of fuel scarcity and high fuel costs as well. In addition, the topographical nature of Amman city is not plain; rather it is almost mountainous, which makes it important to ensure solar accessibility on slope sites.
 
 Much of modern apartments in Amman were built on sloped sites.
 
 Method of research will depend on selected cases for solar radiation quantification for a number of cases including mainly modern residential buildings built on slope sites; this method will depend mainly on graphical analysis for solar penetration (INSOLATION) and theoretical calculations for the different cases.
 
 Calculations of solar radiation were based on measured global irradiation, they were calculated for the under heated period for Amman; then a strategy were built to derive new set back values.
 
 Recommendations will be as a set of rule of the thumb for direct application for the practicing architect, and they are reflected as new setback values between buildings. It will be the first step towards a complete set of regulations to ensure solar accessibility to buildings constructed on slope sites in Amman city and for other regions of similar slopes, looking for the target of maximizing solar radiation availability for minimizing fossil fuel consumption as an introduction to the study of sustainable buildings in Jordan.
Highlights
1.1 Problem DescriptionThe concept of low energy architecture is an old one, and it goes back long time ago
Sun is important to give free heat to buildings’ indoors, while in hot climates, sun is not needed, rather indoor spaces should be protected from sun, because it is the main source of overheat, many design strategies deal with protection from sun during summer season (Watson D, Kenneth labs, 1983)
In order to understand the potentials of using solar energy on buildings facades, it is necessary to quantify energy received by facades under consideration, Great Amman Municipality (GAM) regulations are the same for all sites in Amman even for sites of different slopes
Summary
The concept of low energy architecture is an old one, and it goes back long time ago. The French architect Le Corbusier was aware of the importance of such relationship, he wrote: "It is the mission of modern architecture to concern itself with the sun", (Letchner, 1990). Architects were aware of the important relationship between sun and buildings; maximizing solar gains with strategies for energy conservation, gained attention since long time ago (O’callaghan P.W., 1978; Threlkeld J.L., 1970; Bruce A., 1977). Building applications for solar radiation utilization have been developed; as well, Jager F (1981) explained some of the most important methods and strategies. Sun is important to give free heat to buildings’ indoors, while in hot climates, sun is not needed, rather indoor spaces should be protected from sun, because it is the main source of overheat, many design strategies deal with protection from sun during summer season (Watson D, Kenneth labs, 1983)
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