Sun-path model as a simple helping tool for architecture students in understanding saving energy building design

Abstract

Understanding the sun-path in designing an energy-saving building is essential. Saving energy is approached by daylight provision, which needs access for lighting the room during the day. In some latitudes, the building also needs the thermal mass to warm up the building during the cold time, requiring the sun’s heat radiation. The sun path on the regions creates various ways to design buildings. There is multiple architecture software embedding the sun-path feature. However, the software is not easily installed for free, and some other constraints become the challenges for students to learn it. Therefore, this article figures out the project-based learning in utilizing sun path in 3D models for architecture students. The methods comprise the small project designing sun path in 3D models in various latitudes supported by Andrew sun-path software. This study aims to understand the position of the sun throughout the year, which in building design is useful for saving energy in ventilation and lighting applies. The result is the students’ knowledge achievement for understanding the sun position and the site and building analysis toward the sun for obtaining the saving energy building design.