Study of the Potential of Natural Light in Low and High Density Urban Environments in the Oasis City of Mendoza, in Summer

Abstract

In urban geometries, the heights of building facades and the components of public spaces may constitute surfaces that modify the natural light proper to the sunny climate of the region. This study assesses the lighting potential of two urban canyons located in high and low building density areas of the oasis city of Mendoza, taking into consideration the same street orientation axis and tree species in summer. The study is conducted according to a Protocol for Natural Lighting Measurement in urban environments. As the results show, the contribution of the reflected component is reduced in the case of 30-meter wide urban canyons as the facades in the high building density area are influenced by the significant width of the streets. Furthermore, the view of the sky vault is obstructed by the trees, experiencing their maximum foliar growth in that season. On the contrary, the influence of the diffused component is, in both cases, increased.