Solar access/shading and building form: Geometrical study of the traditional housing cluster in Sana'a

The study employs three-dimensional computer modeling for visualizing the solar access and shading in the traditional housing cluster of Sana'a historical city. It investigates the geometrical relationships among the building form and the sun location, and motion, in the critical times of the year It also investigates the methods for controlling the different components: of the solar energy (solar radiation, sunlight, daylight) and its potential impact on the thermal performance of the houses. It analyzes the results and establishes design rules of thumb that are graphically and textually described. The rules of thumb are valuable design tools in the initial stages of design and for evaluating design alternatives or existing buildings.