Sunlight optimization in residential area design: Introducing sOSA - A comprehensive indicator for swift assessment of outdoor sunshine exposure

Abstract

The increasing density and height of residential buildings have heightened the concerns regarding inadequate sunshine exposure in outdoor areas. With multi-objective optimization experiments, existing evaluation measures, such as Sunshine Times (ST), are not able to sufficiently capture the spatial features required to find the best design for outdoor sunlight conditions quickly. Spatial Outdoor Sunshine Autonomy (sOSA) is proposed in this paper as a comprehensive indicator for the rapid assessment of cumulative sunlight exposure in various outdoor scenarios. The definition of the indicator is first presented through formula derivation. Subsequently, the rapid simulation method of the sOSA indicator in Rhino is demonstrated. Utilizing the Maigao Bridge Block in Nanjing as a prototype, the application of this indicator in multi-objective optimization experiments for new residential area planning and design is showcased. Finally, the results are evaluated, and the suggestion is made to combine sOSA with ST maps and wind speed cloud maps for enhanced practical guidance.