Rhino shadow analysis

Introduction

One of the simplest analysis options in Rhino and Grasshopper is the shadow analysis. This option allows to analyze the amount of shadow cast onto your design over time. For example sometimes sitting on a terrace in the summer some shadow can be preferred , but in autumn or spring more sun on the terrace can be preferred.

For an accurate analysis we need certain data:

• Location
• Orientation of the location
• Time and date.

There are several options for shadow analysis.

• The simplest option is to use the render engine of Rhino in combination with an accurate sun position. This option will be able to tackle complex geometry and no simplification of the geometry is necessary.
• A more complex option is to analyze the amount of shadow cast over a defined period. This second option is available in the Ladybug plugin for Grasshopper. The ladybug plugin is designed to be used in the early stages of the design process. It uses climate data files for accurate analysis in a range of climate related topics.

Shadow analysis in Rhino

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This option allows the use of complex models. No simplification of the geometry is necessary. To make a correct simulation of your shadows:

Rhino Panels

• Go to the pulldown menu Panels and open the Sun panel

This will give you access to the correct simulation of the sun position.

Sun Panel

• In the sun menu

1. The sun option has to be activated
2. The North direction has to be set to 152 degrees. This will orient the north correctly with your scene
3. The sun position gives a visual feedback on the position of the sun. For a correct setup we won't use the manual position option.
4. In the Date and Time part of the menu the dates and times can be changed. The input speaks for itself.

Sun Panel

• In the sun menu

1. The last setting is the location. The nearest location can be selected from the list or by clicking Here the location is set based on the location of the laptop. With these settings the sun is positioned correctly.

Render image with shadow

The light source the render process uses is now coupled to the sun settings menu. Any adjustment in the sun panel will translate to an altered correct sun position. Besides the sun, the render engine can use a sky dome. This sky dome simulates the light generated by the sky. The result is a more realistic render. However it might also result in a render where the shadows are less visible.

• Activating the skydome:

Light Panel

1. Go to the Panels pulldown menu.

Light Panel

1. Open the light menu
2. Click on the lightbulb next to the Skylight to activate or deactivate

Render viewport.

Render viewport

To render the viewport go to the Render Pulldown menu and select Render. The viewport will be rendered with the settings of sun menu.

Render viewport

To save the image use the file - save as option in the render menu.

Render settings

To change the render settings go to Render - Render Settings In this menu the resolution can be changed as well as the render quality. Be care full with pushing these settings to the best quality. The time to render an image can increase substantially.