Sunlight as a common good. A comparative study of the overshadowing of public spaces adjacent to contemporary multifamily housing developments based on the Wrocław example

Kazanecka-Olejnik, Lea

doi:10.37705/TechTrans/e2025010

Abstract

Sunlight plays a crucial role in everyday life. Contemporary regulations and research emphasize solar access to buildings, with more limited consideration to open spaces (OSs). This preliminary study aims to explore current overshadowing tendencies in OSs adjacent to recently built residential developments. This comparative analysis is based on simulated shadow patterns observed on March 21^st on OSs adjacent to residential buildings completed between 2010 and 2024 in the centre of Wrocław. OSs were analysed in relation to density and their main characteristics, with respect to comparative benchmark based on BRE guidance. Over 150 OSs were identified. The results indicate that 75% of total analysed area received at least 2 hours of sunlight. Nevertheless, nearly 30 OSs received that amount on less than 20% of their area. They were mostly small and enclosed. The varied results indicate that further consideration should be given to overshadowing and its potential performance indicators.

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Sunlight as a common good. A comparative study of the overshadowing of public spaces adjacent to contemporary multifamily housing developments based on the Wrocław example

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