Evaluation of methods for modelling daylight and sunlight in-high rise Hong Kong residential buildings

Two alternative modelling approaches, physical scale modelling and numerical simulation, have been applied to the design assessment of daylight and sunlight in, and around, high-density Hong Kong housing. The ability to include both self-shading and site obstructions is crucial to this application area, which severely constrains the methods used for both approaches. While physical scale modelling could assist in estate planning, it was not feasible to study both external and internal spaces at the same model scale, even in a large, advanced facility. Due to the need to include context surroundings, physical scale models in this application would be unlikely to be able to inform design on detailed internal conditions. Numerical simulations could effectively focus on both issues and the data produced could couple to detailed modelling of other aspects, e.g. the calculation of cooling load or peak internal temperatures. Numerical modelling at this level has significant drawbacks, however, including the investment in time and expertise necessary to achieve reliable results, and the requirement for rigorous testing and validation for general acceptance of results.