Solar-shading systems designed to increase user satisfaction in public buildings, a case study of Britam Towers in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Solar-shading systems play various roles to the users of public buildings and may vary from user to user but some of the common user’s needs for these systems include; thermal comfort, energy-saving, daylight, and glare reduction. Understanding these needs can help Designers and Architects select from a wide array of Solar-Shading types and see which of them serves the needs of the users better. The Types of Solar-Shading Systems include either internal systems which are placed inside the building or can include external systems which are placed to the outside of buildings. To clearly understand the role Solar Shading Systems, play to satisfy Users’ needs, a case study of a Public Building in Nairobi, Kenya; Britam Towers, was selected. The case study found out that architects, designers, and developers play a preeminent role in coming up with projects that can better serve the User’s needs by creating designs that better suit the needs of the users have for using such Solar-Shading Systems. These designs may vary from building to building, region to region but the main withstanding factor to be noted is the functionality issue, as the Solar-Shading Systems should be able to meet the needs of users effectively and in turn, increase the user’s satisfaction.