A shadow diagram, also known as a solar access or sun path diagram, is a detailed and strategic tool used in architectural and urban planning to illustrate the shadowing effects that a proposed structure might have on its surroundings. By depicting the length, position, and movement of shadows cast at different times of day and across seasons, shadow diagrams help stakeholders visualise how a building will influence sunlight exposure on nearby properties, public areas, and streets. Typically, the diagrams focus on specific times of year—most notably the winter and summer solstices, as well as the equinoxes—to capture the extremes of solar patterns. Within these days, key times like 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. are chosen to showcase how shadows shift, providing critical insight into the potential for overshadowing and its impact on the environment.

Shadow diagrams are essential for architects, urban planners, and designers who aim to create buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also mindful of the urban context and local environment. In urban centres where space is limited, access to natural light is often highly valued for both functional and psychological benefits. Natural light is known to improve mood, support energy efficiency, and enhance the overall quality of life. Thus, protecting solar access for surrounding properties has become a core consideration in sustainable urban design, and shadow diagrams help address this need by identifying potential conflicts between new and existing developments.

One of the primary uses of shadow diagrams is to evaluate the solar access for neighbouring buildings, as well as adjacent public spaces such as parks, plazas, and sidewalks. In densely populated areas, where buildings are closely spaced, inadequate sunlight can make spaces feel cramped, cold, or even gloomy. Shadow diagrams allow planners to understand whether a new building might reduce sunlight access to levels below those specified by building codes. These codes often stipulate a minimum amount of sunlight that certain properties and public areas should receive, particularly during the colder months when sunlight is more limited. When a proposed structure threatens to cast large shadows that encroach on these requirements, development applications may be subject to conditions or revisions to lessen the adverse impact.

Additionally, shadow diagrams play a crucial role in protecting solar rights, which are important for energy efficiency in buildings. As rooftop solar panels become more widespread in both residential and commercial contexts, ensuring uninterrupted sunlight becomes even more essential. Overshadowing caused by new developments can directly reduce the energy output of solar installations, thereby impacting energy efficiency and sustainability goals. By identifying potential shading issues early in the design process, architects can adjust building orientation, height, or facade design to balance development objectives with energy efficiency considerations for surrounding structures.

In regulatory contexts, shadow diagrams often serve as part of the documentation submitted in development applications. Many municipalities and planning authorities have specific criteria regarding overshadowing, particularly for properties in residential zones where prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is seen as a fundamental right. Excessive shadowing not only risks community pushback but may also result in project delays or rejections, prompting design teams to be meticulous in how shadow impact is addressed. To meet planning regulations, developers may adjust building setbacks, height limits, or even modify the building’s footprint to reduce shadowing impacts, maintaining compliance and fostering positive relations with the local community.

Beyond regulation compliance, shadow diagrams also support sustainable urban development practices. As cities strive to create vibrant, livable, and ecologically responsible spaces, careful consideration of sunlight and shading can promote healthier environments. Access to natural light in urban areas helps to reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating, particularly in winter months, thereby lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. When designers use shadow diagrams effectively, they contribute to urban landscapes that are functional, energy-efficient, and human-centric, aligning with broader goals for sustainable development.

In essence, shadow diagrams are more than just technical drawings; they are a bridge between the functional requirements of a structure and its social and environmental responsibilities. By using these diagrams, architects can design buildings that are not only respectful of their immediate surroundings but also supportive of broader urban liveability goals. Shadow diagrams ensure that each new project integrates harmoniously within the existing cityscape, fostering a built environment that is mindful of both present and future needs. As such, they remain an invaluable tool in the pursuit of responsible, balanced, and sustainable architectural and urban planning.

Here are some critical components of a shadow diagram:

1. Location and Orientation: The diagram is specific to a particular location on Earth, and it considers the geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) and the orientation (azimuth) of the site or structure.

2. Time Scale: Shadow diagrams can be created for different time scales, such as daily or annually. Daily diagrams show the movement of shadows throughout a single day, while annual diagrams show the variation in shadows throughout the year.

3. Solar Position: The diagram depicts the sun's path throughout the chosen time frame. This includes the sun's angle above the horizon (solar altitude) and its position along the horizon (azimuth) at different times of the day or year.

4. Objects and Shadows: The diagram typically includes representations of objects or buildings on the site. These objects cast shadows, shown on the diagram, to illustrate how the shadows change in length and direction as the sun moves.

5. Key Times: Important times, such as sunrise, solar noon, and sunset, may be marked on the diagram to highlight critical moments when shadows are longest or shortest.

6. Annotations: Labels and notations are often added to the diagram to provide information about specific shadow lengths, angles, or times.

Architects and urban planners use shadow diagrams to assess various aspects, including:

• Daylighting: Understanding how natural light will enter a building throughout the day to optimize interior lighting and reduce energy consumption.

• Solar Gain and Passive Heating: Evaluating how sunlight will affect the heating and cooling requirements of a building.

• Outdoor Space Design: Designing outdoor areas that provide shade during hot periods and sunlight during colder months.

• Urban Planning: Determining the impact of new buildings on existing structures and public spaces in terms of shadow casting.

• Solar Panel Placement: Finding the best locations for solar panel installation to maximize energy generation.

Shadow diagrams are valuable tools for making informed decisions in design and planning, ensuring that structures and spaces are functional and energy-efficient while considering the surrounding environment and neighbouring properties.

Sunlight and shadows affect people and their use of open space all day long and throughout the year, although the effects vary by season. Sunlight can entice outdoor activities, support vegetation, and enhance architectural features, such as stained glass windows and carved detail on historic structures. Conversely, shadows can affect the growth cycle and sustainability of natural features and the architectural significance of built features.

The potential impacts of shadow, along with the associated loss of sunlight attributed to development proposals and new zoning provisions is becoming an increasingly critical planning and design concern for councils as they strive to accommodate growth in a more compact urban environment. Shadow Diagrams is able to assess the sun-shadow impact of proposed built-form scenarios or development proposals on their surrounding neighbours with the assistance of computer technology, allowing us to generate realistic shadow casting at critical times of the day and dates during the year. Whether they are used to assess the impacts of minor additions to single-family dwellings or significant high-rise buildings, our sun-shadow simulations have proven to be an effective communication and evaluation tool in the planning and design process.

In general, all Development Applications for new construction or addition to existing buildings must be reviewed to determine whether such shading might occur.

A shadow study can play a vital role in securing your planning application. It allows local planners to make informed decisions on applications by identifying the impact that a proposed development will have on its surrounding environment in terms of the shadows cast.

Shadow studies can illustrate the shadows cast by a proposed development at any time of the year. However industry standard times are December 21st, March 21st and June 21st at 9am, 12 noon and 3pm. These times are the Winter and Summer solstice and the spring Equinox. They cover the full spectrum of shadows that will be cast (longest to shortest). A shadow study should not be confused with a daylight analysis. A daylight analysis is the calculation of lost light in an existing building due to a proposed development.

Why are shadow diagrams used by architects?

A shadow diagram is typically required in various situations, primarily in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and environmental impact assessment. The main purpose of a shadow diagram is to illustrate how sunlight or shadows will affect a particular area, building, or site. Here are some common scenarios where shadow diagrams may be required:

1. Urban Planning and Zoning: Local governments and planning authorities often require shadow diagrams as part of the development approval process. These diagrams help assess the impact of new buildings on neighbouring properties, public spaces, and the overall urban environment.

2. Architectural Design: Architects and designers use shadow diagrams during the design phase to understand how shadows will interact with their buildings throughout the day and across seasons. This information can inform decisions about building orientation, window placement, and shading devices.

3. Heritage Assessments: When proposing changes to a heritage-listed building or a historic area, shadow diagrams may be necessary to demonstrate that the changes will not negatively impact the cultural or historical significance of the site.

4. Solar Access Studies: Shadow diagrams are used to assess how proposed developments might affect the amount of sunlight received by adjacent buildings, public spaces, and private gardens. Ensuring adequate solar access is essential for maintaining the quality of life in urban areas.

5. Environmental Impact Assessments: Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as highways or bridges, may require shadow diagrams to assess potential impacts on the natural environment, including how shadows may affect vegetation, water bodies, or wildlife habitats.

6. Residential Property Sales: In some cases, property sellers may provide shadow diagrams to potential buyers to showcase the property's exposure to sunlight at different times of the day and year.

7. Solar Panel Installations: For residential or commercial properties considering solar panel installations, shadow diagrams help determine the best location for solar panels by analysing potential shading from nearby objects.

8. Energy Efficiency and Green Building Certification: Shadow diagrams may be necessary for obtaining certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or other green building standards to demonstrate that a building's design maximises energy efficiency and minimises reliance on artificial lighting.

9. Tree Management: In urban forestry, shadow diagrams can be used to assess how the growth of trees or vegetation may be affected by existing or proposed buildings, helping in tree preservation efforts.

The specific requirements for shadow diagrams can vary depending on local regulations, project scale, and the intended use of the information. Architects, urban planners, and developers typically work with professionals who specialise in creating shadow diagrams to ensure compliance with local requirements and to make informed design decisions.

What is Daylight Analysis?

Daylight analysis refers to the process of studying and evaluating natural daylight within a building or an outdoor environment. It is commonly used in architecture, interior design, urban planning, and sustainable building design to assess how natural light interacts with a space, and it can have significant implications for energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and overall building performance. Daylight analysis typically involves several key aspects:

1. Daylight Modeling: This involves using computer software or physical models to simulate how natural light enters and interacts with a building or space throughout the day and year. These models take into account factors such as building orientation, window placement, and the surrounding environment.

2. Daylight Metrics: Various metrics and measurements are used to quantify daylight performance, including illuminance (measured in lux or foot-candles), daylight factor, and daylight autonomy. These metrics help assess factors like the amount of light available, uniformity of light distribution, and the percentage of time a space receives sufficient daylight without the need for artificial lighting.

3. Glare Analysis: Glare occurs when excessive brightness or contrast in a visual field causes discomfort or impairs visibility. Daylight analysis can identify potential glare issues in a space, helping designers mitigate them through the use of shading devices, diffusers, or other design strategies.

4. Energy Efficiency: Understanding how natural light can be maximised in a building can lead to energy savings by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This is important for sustainable building design and can contribute to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.

5. Occupant Comfort and Wellbeing: Adequate natural daylight is associated with improved occupant comfort and wellbeing. It can enhance productivity, mood, and overall satisfaction for building occupants.

6. Regulatory Compliance: Many building codes and green building certifications (e.g., LEED) have daylighting requirements or incentives. Daylight analysis helps ensure compliance with these standards.

7. Design Optimisation: Architects and designers use daylight analysis to optimise building layouts, window sizes, and configurations to achieve the desired lighting conditions while minimising energy consumption.

8. Visualisations: Daylight analysis often includes visual representations, such as renderings or daylighting simulations, to help stakeholders and designers understand how natural light will affect a space.

In summary, daylight analysis is a critical aspect of building design and urban planning, aiming to harness natural light to create more sustainable, comfortable, and functional spaces while considering factors like energy efficiency, glare control, and regulatory compliance.

Client Testimonials

“I’d like to say a huge thank-you for your promptness, care and quality of work you have provided to me over the past week. I was working to a very tight deadline and you and Shadow Diagrams were able to accommodate immediately. I highly recommend your company and service and would recommend other costumers employ you” - Lauchlan Waterfield

"We engaged Shadow Diagrams to provide us a report in regard to overshadowing from our neighbour's proposed development application. We find that they are very professional, efficient and the fees are very competitive. They responded our enquiries promptly. We are very happy with their services and would not hesitate to recommend them to any one” -  Mary J.

“Thanks for the shadow diagrams. It was exactly what I needed to submit a DA. Awesome services! “ - Mark Pigram

“It has been such a pleasure working with the team at Shadow Diagrams. They knew exactly what the council requirements were. They’re skilled, reliable, professional, responsive, and receptive to feedback and a pleasure to work with.” - Sondra Musa

“Your drawings were clear, informative and convincing. Last week, I was informed that the council rejected my neighbour’s DA application for a floor addition. Thank you!” - Amber Postma

“Excellent Customer Service and great turnaround time” - DeMont DeSign http://www.demontdesign.com.au

The following are just some of the types of clients who have sought our services

Architects, builders, developers and urban planners striving to

• Minimise shadow impact of a project on adjacent property

• Maximise solar access (or daylighting) to certain areas of a site or building

Homeowners, body corporates and councils officials concerned about about the shadow impact of a proposed development on a neighbourwood

Solar energy professionals

Collision re-constructionists, lawyers and police officers looking for sun position data related information related to a collision or crime scene

Photographers and film industry professional looking for sun rise/sun set times (or sun position info) for future dates

Industry Affiliations