Quantitative and qualitative aspects of solar light in high-density urban spaces for sunny climates. winter period

Abstract

The city of Mendoza, located in the central-western region of the Argentine Republic, has a semi-arid climate and therefore high levels of solar radiation throughout the year. However, these effects are mitigated by the building density and foliation periods of urban trees. Hence, the objective of this research was to carry out a qualitative and quantitative study of daylight conditions during winter. Natural light was examined through two cases that are characteristic of the city, using a combination of in situ measurement techniques and subjective assessments of the spaces by users. The results on visual comfort in outdoor spaces show that beyond differences in light, the subjects are adapted to the light environment of the region, to the different conditions generated by the urban morphology, and consequently to the diversity of contrasts that this can cause in the urban space.