Literature Review: Dynamic Shading

Perhaps the oldest and best developed type of dynamic façade technology is the external shade.There are many variations on external shading devices but well designed shading solutions and fenestration can reduce solar heating gains by 15%. These are of particular interest in hot climates to avoid solar heat gain. 


Shades are dynamic when they are movable either manually by the occupants or automatically controlled.  In the cases where the shades are automatic they may be integrated with some sort of sensor  so they are continually moving to be in the optimal position for the environmental conditions. 
Shading variation of a buildings shading device with sun path variation
http://c-sgroup.co.uk/
How shading in a building varies depending on the time of yearhttp://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/
 

Effective shading is dependent on the orientation of the building façade. When shades are utilized effectively they can reduce solar heat gains in the summer and maximize them in the winter in order to enhance occupant comfort.

Building with mechanical shutter shading device on external facade.http://www.e-architect.co.uk/




As technology advances so too has the external shading device.  We are now seeing more examples than ever before of movable shading devices being incorporated into kinetic façade  systems.

GSW headquarters building in Berlin, Germany. The building has manually operated shading devices over the windowshttp://architecturerevived.blogspot.co.uk/





Opposite, is the GSW headquarters building in Berlin, Germany. This is an example of passive shading devices that can be manually operated to suite individual needs or comforts.




Solar heat gains can have a huge impact on overall energy consumption of a building.  But basic shading devices can be installed at reasonable costs making it an investment worth considering to reduce overall energy costs.  The energy savings that can be made through utilizing various shading devices and techniques were analyzed in more detail and an economic analysis conducted.