2. The Influence of sunlight on the architectural shaping of buildings
Humankind always considered and used natural local resources in the long run of history. Unique local features
of buildings and structures were formed due to this reason. Historical examples of structures designed to protect
buildings from heating are broadly known, as well as methods used to improve thermal properties of conventional
dwellings in Northern lands.[1]
Prevailing winds and incoming solar radiation were considered in city planning and buildings construction.
Consider a few examples.
Acoma Pueblo is a settlement built by American Indians in the 12 th century A.D. which isstill
inhabited. Acoma Pueblo has rows of three-level, apartment-style buildings which face south. The roof for one
level would serve as the floor for another (Fig. 1). Settlement was designed to make maximum use of solar energy in
the winter period and to minimize solar heating of buildings during the summer period [2].