Heliodon

Earth is constantly facing environmental problems due to pollution exacerbating global warming. Global warming has become a worldwide issue and therefore we humans are in constant search for solutions. Today architecture is changing the face of the cities as the rapid development is happening around us however, its impact on the environment remains a question. Globalization and urbanization trends constantly pressuring cities to undergo multiple spatial challenges with little or complete disregard to the climatic concerns.

EVS as a subject in Architecture is to understand the relation of the built environment with the surrounding context, that is governed majorly by the presence of the sun which is the most important source of creating a favorable environment. Hence it becomes very essential to understand and analyze the sun as a source and respond to the solar gain on buildings. Studying and analyzing different instruments of Heliodon is important to understand the movement and position of the sun in an effective manner.
Heliodon is a device used to simulate the sun and shadow patterns that occur at various locations and time zones across the globe that helps to evaluate sunshade data accurate enough for education or demonstration purposes. The device is designed keeping in mind the rotation of the earth and the position of the sun throughout the year and time of the day without being physically present in a particular location. The Heliodon device has three parameters: months, time and Latitude, which helps to understand the position of the sun at a given time of any month at any latitude. To show this the device consists of 6 circular rings which shows the months, a horizontal device which consists of a light source which shows the time, altitude and azimuth of the sun and a circular disc which helps to rotate the six rings as per the required latitude. Building models prepared by students then can be kept on the Heliodon device to experience the realistic sun and shadow patterns as their full scale counterparts, this helps the students to understand solar geometry and solar design strategies using this device.

Hence, in order to set up this device, in consultation with the environmental studies group I have prepared detailed drawings of the device so that it can be fabricated and can be displayed for the use of students.
This working model of Heliodon will help the students of architecture to understand the basic concepts that will allow them to design low energy solar responsive buildings.

Ar. Sachin Vedak