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WAVE: SUN SHADE PROPOSAL
PROF. MARIA MINGALLON FALL 2012
Design and fabricate a sunscreen for the windows of the first year studios, at the Macdonald-Harrington Building of McGill University. Each team will need to design and fabricate a sunscreen to cover at least 2m long window area. A solar digital analysis via the use of algorithms in Grasshopper3D, and adapted to specific project needs, shall be used throughout the design phase. Through an exterior design that takes a basis upon the solar analysis of the room, we engaged in a parametric design that pinpoints specific areas of maximum solar concentration. By separating a series of slender panels, we allow for light to permeate through, and by utilizing the sinusoidal curve, and varying the width of the panels according to the extracted data, the areas of high concentration were consequently blocked. In choosing materials we considered price, carbon footprint, and how the materiality of the shade would affect the room and possibly McGill campus as a whole. We chose to use wood, a renewable resource, to give a natural and organic quality to the studio and to harmonize the materiality of the room and McGill campus with its masonry facades, and wooden frames. The construction of our prototype has led to many discoveries and ideas that can have countless benefits. The simplicity of the design and its aesthetics create a pleasant spatial experience that reduces 46
glare and sunlight exposure, while still preserving natural light penetration and views to the exterior. Its functionality is proven to be effective, and its design will create a beautiful addition to any facade. Our experiments have proven the many benefits and attributes of our sunshade, as well as the improvements that are necessary if the installation were to be implemented on a larger scale. The design of our installation is proven to be adaptable, sustainable, and energy efficient. The script allows for the design to be applied to any window surface, anywhere in the world. As well, it allows for the design to be customizable and adjustable for the amount of sunlight allowed into the space. Our sunshade has also shown to reduce heat gains and energy consumption. Furthermore, its simple construction can be adapted to have a very minimal carbon footprint. Its functional design is very beneficial for any space, and its simplicity and adaptability make it easily reproducible and usable for any window surface.