This article, originally prepared for architecture students, explains the principles governing the sun's position in the sky and its application to architectural sunlighting studies. It details how factors like geographical latitude, time of year (solar declination), and time of day influence sunlight. The article provides key solar orbit equations, introduces practical tools like the matchbox sundial and heliodon for simulating sun movement, and describes methods for visualizing sunpaths. It also discusses architectural applications such as checking sunlight penetration around buildings and through windows, and designing fins and canopies for solar protection, emphasizing the importance of understanding sunlight geometry in building design.
Mathematics of Dialling,
Sundial Design & Layout