 Above is a summary matrix of the pros
and cons of Platform Heliodon
methodology. The best method varies
with each user and each situation.
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This method involves building a sun-peg device, attaching it to a model and placing them on the floor of a darkened room and moving a focused -beam light source around the model at a distance to achieve desired sun angles on the model.
Concept:
+ EASILY UNDERSTOOD CONCEPTUAL BASIS: This heliodon is easiest to understand in that it replicates the real-life experience of the sun moving through the sky from east to west across a given site. Therefore, conceptually it is best when trying to understand the general pattern of sun and shadow movement across a site.
Accuracy:
- LIMITED METHOD ACCURACY:
Due to the divergent nature of a point source of light (ie. the sun lamp), the further a model is from the light source, the more accurate the casting of shadows. This method places the sun lamp very close to the model. Due to the arc of the handheld sun over the model it is often difficult to get much distance between the light source and the model, particularly for high summer sun angles. It is also often difficult to obtain a small, beam-controlled handheld light source. As a result, the accuracy of the shadow casting is compromised, particularly toward the edges of the pool of light projected onto the model. The shadows are most accurate at the exact center of the light beam on a direct axis from the lamp center to the position at which it points to the model.
Operational Complexity:
- CHALLENGING METHOD LOGISTICS AND COMPLEXITY:
Accurately moving the sun lamp usually requires a choreographed effort from multiple persons to smoothly move the lamp in three dimensions, manage the electrical cord, watch the sun peg position, and observe and/or document the resulting shadow and sun patterns.
Model Complexity:
+ SIMPLE MODEL CONSTRUCTION AND ADJUSTMENT:
The model sits on a flat surface with the sun lamp being the only thing in motion. Therefore loosely constructed study models may be used on this device. This allows some quick, simple changes to be made to the model during testing.
Model Size:
- LIMITED MODEL SIZE:
The method suggests a zone of reasonable accuracy limited to the near center of the beam of the handheld light source. Within this zone, accuracy is greatest at the center of the light beam and diminishes toward the edges. This directly influences the scale of models that can be studied using this method. Some issues of scale can be overcome by studying only a sub-portion of a larger model that is placed within the center of the light source's beam.
Mobility:
+ INCREASED METHOD MOBILITY:
The method can be used in any moderately sized darkened space with electric power.
Weather Dependency:
+ WEATHER INDEPENDENCE:
Use of this method is not dependant upon Muncie weather.
Availability:
+ INCREASED METHOD AVAILABILITY:
With a desk lamp containing a PAR or Reflector directional light source this method can be performed in any darkened interior space. Sun peg Devices can be constructed from everyday materials using photocopies of diagrams for the proper latitude from the following references:
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, B. Stein, and J. Reynolds
Sun, Wind, and Light: Architectural Design Strategies, G.Z Brown.