Sun, Climate, and Site Analysis

The sun's position changes throughout the day and across seasons. Solar altitude (angle above the horizon) and azimuth (compass bearing) determine how much direct sunlight reaches a building's surfaces. At 40°N latitude, the summer noon sun altitude reaches about 73°, casting short shadows, while the winter noon altitude drops to roughly 27°, creating long shadows. Architects use sun-path diagrams—circular charts plotting the sun's arc for each month—to predict when facades, windows, and outdoor spaces will receive direct sunlight, enabling informed decisions about orientation and shading.