ECOTECT ANALYSIS IN THE AREA OF SAINT GERVASI BCN Maria Margariti
For the project of Barcelona 0 emissions, we are working on a representative section of the area of Saint Gervasi and I focus on the vegetation. After research we concluded that the amount of CO2 absorbed by the vegetation of the area is not enough to cover the emissions of CO2 emitted by the traffic and the residences. Therefore, through ecotect, I would like to find out the best spots to place trees in order to improve the CO2 absorption, and find ways to reduce the emissions of CO2 in the area. As a first step, after importing the 3d model of the area created in Rhino, through shadow settings, I was able to find out the shadow range of the buildings and see which parts of the area are not shaded. Therefore, the areas not covered with shadow would consist better spots to plant trees, as they would benefit from the sun, and could provide shade and decrease the temperature of the ground.
Shadow range of the buildings
Also, for more detailed information it is possible to display shadows on the 3d model, for specific time hours.
Shadows of the buildings on the model in visualise tab at 15:00h
Or even to display shadows on selected objects by selecting the surfaces in the 3d eidtor, tag them as shaded in the shadow display tab and then display shadows.
Display shadows on selected objects
It is also possible to watch the whole annual movement of the sun, by going to the shadow settings and activate the daily and annual sun path.
Daily and annual sun path 3d visualization.
And for further information, I can select a surface, use “Calculate” > “Sun Path Diagram” and get all the detailed shading information on 2d diagram. By changing the sun position on the model, the diagram is automatically updated.
Sun Path diagram of the overshadowing percentage of the subdivided roof.
Continuing on with the research of improving CO2 absorption, using the command “Solar Access Analysis”, I performed a “Sky Factor & Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)” analysis for the whole year on the grid placed on the level of the roads. With this calculation I was able to find out which parts of the city get the most photosynthetically active radiation and therefore would consist better spots to plant trees.
“Sky Factor & Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)” analysis on the grid.
“Sky Factor & Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)” analysis on the grid (visualise view)
In order to increase the amount of vegetation in the area, green roofs could be created. For that purpose, I tested on a block of buildings the potential of each roof, by calculating the amount of solar radiation that hits each roof. At first, I selected the roofs and with “Modify” > “Surface Subdivisions” > “Rectangular Tiles” I subdivided the surfaces. Then I performed “Solar access analysis” > “Sky Factor & Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)” analysis on them, in order to check if they could consist suitable surfaces to be transformed in green roofs.
“Sky Factor & Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)” analysis on subdivided surfaces.
“Sky Factor & Photosynthetically Active Radiation” analysis on subdivided surfaces( visualise view)
Furthermore, on a specific roof I applied “Sun Path diagram” > Solar stress – Direct + Diffuse in order to see during which hours and period of time the roof gets the most solar amount radiation.
“Sun Path diagram” > Solar stress – Direct + Diffuse on selected roof
Then by pressing “Show in visualise page” I was able to see the same information in 3d, on the model.
Visulisation of “Solar stress – Direct + Diffuse” on a selected roof
Moreover, with the use of “Spatial Visibility Analysis” > “Visibility of Selected Objects” I was able to test on a couple of facades the visibility of a green roof from that facades.
“Spatial Visibility Analysis” . On the grid placed on the facade are shown the areas from where the subdivided green roof can be seen.
“Spatial Visibility Analysis” . On the grid placed on the facade are shown the areas from where the subdivided green roof can be seen.
Wind analysis On a specific area I applied wind analysis in order to see the movement of the air around the buildings and find the spots where the air is strong enough and could move the amount of CO2 emitted by the traffic in the area.
Wind Analysis> Flow vector on XY axis
Wind Analysis> Flow vector on XZ axis
Wind Analysis> Air Flow Rate
Wind Analysis> Cell Pressure
Wind Analysis> Cell Pressure in 3d format
Wind Analysis> Cell Pressure with the command “ show node values� activated.