A design workflow for effective solar shading of pedestrian paths

Shading pedestrian paths is strategically important to ensure accessibility and comfort for pedestrians in cities. Limited applicability in practice of previous research about the effectiveness of natural and artificial shading devices was found. This paper proposes a workflow to design effective installations of shading devices on sidewalks; it relies on a design tool developed prioritising compatibility with other software/processes for its application to urban design. The methodology was tested on the city of Milan; the performance of 60% linear path in shade was set as the design goal. Based on solar radiation exposure of urban canyons, a time of the day was associated with each simulated summer scenario. A library of shading devices was compiled allowing designers to test various proposals. The workflow was applied at first to theoretical urban canyons, then to a real case study sidewalk. Results included a catalogue of solutions with installation guidelines, a table to estimate the recommended number of shading devices for each sidewalk location, and the opportunity to iteratively test master planning proposals. Four applications of the workflow were proposed in response to resources availability and increasing outcome suitability. The workflow would support urban designers in implementing solar radiation exposure analysis in their practice.