Issue description
Archicad allows you to create a sun study, similar to a 3D flythrough. Sun studies visualize how light and shadows interact with a structure by simulating real-world conditions based on geographic location and time. This feature demonstrates the effectiveness of shading elements at various times. This article provides a step-by-step guide to creating a sun study.
Solution
Before starting, ensure that the site is properly located, including the correct orientation of the project north. This can be adjusted through Options > Project Preferences > Location Settings... where latitude, longitude, and the project north’s angle should be accurately defined. To verify the location, Archicad offers a “Show in Google Maps…” option to confirm the project’s geographic details.
Steps to Create a Sun Study:
1. Set the location:
- Go to Options > Project Preferences > Location Settings.
- Input accurate latitude, longitude, and project north values.
2. Navigate to Document > Creative Imaging > Create Sun Study…
3. In the Sun Study Window:
- Choose 3D Window to use the 3D model preview as the source, or PhotoRendering Window for more detailed, photorealistic images.
- Define the date to simulate the lighting conditions on the chosen day of the year.
- Adjust the exact time of the day to observe sun movement and shading.
- Set the result to be saved as MP4 Movie Files.
- Set Frame Rate: higher frame rates produce smoother animations but increase file size. You can also add a timestamp to indicate the time for each frame.
4. Preview the Sun Study:
- Click Show to preview the Sun Study without saving it. This allows you to check the results and make adjustments if necessary. To save the final animation, reopen the dialog and click Save.
- For shorter previews, adjust the frame range to limit the number of frames processed.
By following these steps, the Sun Study will effectively showcase how the structure's shading elements function throughout the day or season, making it an essential tool for passive design presentations.