SketchUp: Shadow Studies

Discover how to approach shadow studies with SketchUp. Learn how to calculate and draw solar azimuths, geolocate and reorient a massing model, animate time-lapse shadows, and more.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know
• Using the exercise files

1. Obtaining Sunlight Angles

• Solstices, equinoxes, and hemispheres
• Geolocating a project site
• Calculating and drawing solar azimuths
• Projecting solar altitudes
• Creating tool for azimuths and altitudes

2. Using a Massing Model to Analyze Shadows

• Geolocating a massing model in SketchUp
• Saving scenes at key times of day and year
• Determining urban site based on shadows
• Analyzing shadows cast by trees
• Integrating solar tool and massing model
• Designing an awning using the solar tool
• Animating time-lapse shadows

Conclusion

• Next steps