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In order to accurately study the building, we had to model the exterior and include the sun shading devices. We used 3D Studio Max to model, and then study the sun shading devices.  We then specified its location and time of the year that were of interest.  We determined that studying the effectiveness of the sunscreens several times a day for every month would give us an accurate representation of its current effectiveness. - We then, after seeing the results, got determined the not so strong points and determined a partial solution. - On the renderings below, there are existing conditions and modified conditions shown for each month of the year.

The images below show the east side of the bank in January over seven hours The east side of a structure is one of the more difficult orientations to effectively shade because all of the effective devices either block views or are very difficult to make aesthetically pleasing.  As one can see above, in the morning until about lunch time the east side  is in direct sun because the shading device used is not the right configuration.  We did some minor modifications in hopes of alleviating some of the solar gain.  As you can see below, we added two vertical elements which work better on the east side. Upon retrospect, if total sun blockage through these windows are a necessity,  several fins can be fitted closer together without obstructing the view and the effectiveness of the window too much. - 

The images below show the east side of the bank in June over seven hours. Again, the existing condition shows little to no sun protection on the east side.  Below, the vertical fins we added didn't even help that much.  During the summer, the sun is low in the east for a longer time and it is very difficult to shade the eastern side and accommodate similar aesthetics or devices.  An egg crate or angled fin shading devices would be a much more successful solution, however the view out the window may be limited.  Having an very open bank lobby with lots of glazing is often times a security issue, and shading devices are usually overlooked.-

Exterior shots The above shots show the south facade at various times during the day (for illustrative purposes only)

12 months of shadow studies

The images below show shadow studies from January to December.  They are used to study the main entrance canopy and the shading devices located on the southern facade. We took the liberty to model our modifications to the existing condition in order to achieve better results in sun blockage.  The modified models images are on the bottom of each group of thumbnails.

January The sun during the winter months track low in the sky, so the sun shading devices are not working too well.  However, that could be acceptable because the building during the colder months may need heating, and the solar gain could contribute to needed heating, and sun breaks in the Seattle climate are rare during the winter.

February -

March

April

May

June

July During the summer months when the sun contributes the most to the cooling load, the sun screens function very well, the main canopy covers and shades the entire southern glass facade, while acceptably shading the smaller front windows.  We opted to add a little extra depth to each one of the sunshades, to close the small gap of sunlight at the lower windows bottoms.

August

September

October

November

December - 

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