Each bar is oriented to face in the direction of the panel it represents. Once a link to the data is established, the grasshopper definition draws a type of bar graph. Our visualization requires two sets of data: cumulative incident solar radiation and the “normal” direction of each face (panel) analyzed. While Ecotect does have the ability to produce tabular representations of this data (shown below), it does not have a way to plot both solar heat gain and orientation in a single graphic.Įcotect does provide raw analysis data which can be exported as an excel file and referenced into grasshopper. Reconciling multiple 3d images can be confusing and very difficult to put into context. The images above demonstrate a typical set of screen captures used to communicate the results of Solar Radiation Analysis. In order to effectively share information for all sides of a building, multiple images are required. Users can rotate a model in real-time while the program is running or export screen captures to share results. Surfaces are color coded to represent varying levels of solar heat gain. Typically, results from solar radiation analysis in Autodesk Ecotect are displayed in 3d. As part of the research effort, we have developed a grasshopper definition that generates a graphic representation of both heat intensity and panel orientation in a single frame. Unfortunately, Ecotect does not have a way of communicating all of the results of this analysis in a single concise graphic format. These are areas where glazing should be minimized and exterior sunshades should be considered. Results indicate where solar heat gain might be an issue. Incident Solar Radiation is one of the most common types of analysis performed by architects at the conceptual design stage. Last fall a custom data visualization developed by our research team was featured on the information is beautiful website as part of their information is beautiful awards. In this post we discuss why we developed the graphic and how it is used.