Import 3D Freeform Model
Design 3D Model
Design 3D Window Shading
Design 2D Horizontal Overhang
Design 2D Vertical Fin

HelpDesign 3D Window Shading

Interactively design window shading:

With the built-in shade designer, horizontal overhangs, vertical fins, pergolas and a screening object can be positioned in 3D, and animations can be run to simulate shading effects. Shading can be sized, positioned and angled as required. Animations can be run on a daily or annual basis.

  • From the Date & Position dialog, specify Date, Latitude and Longitude.
     
  • From the model display, click on the Shade Designer button. The interactive Shade Designer will open, and you will be presented with a range of options to select and position window shading for horizontal overhangs, vertical fins and pergola-type shading. You can also select and position a screening object. As settings are changed in the Shade Designer, the model is immediately updated.
     
  • Additional settings in the Shade Designer allow you to specify wall depth and size of window opening. Units are displayed in millimetres or inches.
     
  • In the Shade Designer, click on the File menu to retrieve, save or reset shade settings.
     
  • Use the Camera controls to change camera position and zoom level. Click on the Reset button to reset the camera to its default position.
     
  • Alternatively, use the left mouse button to navigate the model. Use the mouse wheel to zoom in/out.
     
  • The Orientation setting allows you to rotate the model around the vertical axis. Orientation relates to the angle of the model relative to North in the sense NESW. Thus, North is zero degrees, East is 90 degrees.
     
  • Control the shadow animation with the Start, Single Step, Start/Stop and Reset buttons. As the animation progresses, current azimuth and altitude are displayed.
     
  • To change the speed of the animation, modify Time Interval in minutes.
     
  • The Sun Path settings allow you to select daily or annual sun paths for the animation. If daily sun path is selected, the animation proceeds from sunrise to sunset for the currently selected date. If annual sun path is selected, the animation proceeds from the beginning to the end of the year for the time as specified in the Date & Position dialog.

Abbreviations:

Mag. Var. Magnetic Variation
D. Saving Daylight Saving