Department of Environmental and Geographical Science
Abstract
Bibliography: leaves 166-174.There is a lack of information suitable for planners and architects to determine the distribution and intensity of solar radiation in urban spaces. New, tall buildings often reduce the quality of their immediate environment by intercepting sunlight before it reaches street level. While planners and the local authority recognise the necessity to rehumanise the city centre and to protect spaces with human appeal, certain squares are under threat of being overshadowed by the redevelopment of old buildings on their perimeter. This study explores an alternative to existing methods for evaluating the distribution and intensity of solar radiation. Greenmarket Square in central Cape Town was selected as a study area where radiometer readings at fifty-four points were made at one minute intervals from sunrise to sunset in midwinter. Several examples of graphical methods of depicting the readings are critically discussed and results of the field work are analysed in depth using one of the methods. An attempt is made to relate observations of solar radiation levels to human use of the Square. In addition to providing specific information necessary for a full understanding of the new procedures suggested, broadly-based background material on the subject of sun and shade in urban spaces is provided
