Hannah Al Khalifa’s Post

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Senior Daylight Consultant @ Syntegra Group | Daylighting/Sunlight Analysis

🌞 Exploring Daylight in Urban Environments: Should Density Influence Standards? 🌇 Recently, I had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking discussion with Simone Pagani MSc MSLL on the intricate relationship between urban design and the availability of daylight within built-up areas. One of the pressing questions that emerged was whether the varying densities in urban environments should prompt distinct standards for acceptable levels of daylight and sunlight exposure. This issue gains significance when contrasting bustling city centres like London with more spacious neighbourhoods like Hampstead. In densely populated urban cores such as the Square Mile, towering skyscrapers and closely packed buildings often cast shadows, significantly impacting natural light at street level. This raises concerns about public health, well-being, and the overall livability of these areas. Conversely, in less dense neighbourhoods like Hampstead, with more open spaces and lower building heights, there tends to be a greater abundance of natural light, fostering a different urban experience. Should there be a nuanced approach to setting standards for daylight and sunlight exposure in urban planning, considering the varying densities of different areas within a city? Advocates for differentiation argue that uniform standards may overlook the unique characteristics and needs of each neighbourhood. They propose tailoring standards to reflect the specific context of an area, enabling urban planners to better balance density and livability. However, establishing varying standards could complicate regulatory frameworks and planning processes, potentially leading to inconsistencies or inequities across the city. As cities evolve, it's crucial to strike a balance between density, functionality, and quality of life. While uniform standards offer simplicity and consistency, they might not always account for the diverse needs of urban environments. Perhaps a nuanced approach, recognising differences between densely built-up areas and spacious neighbourhoods, could pave the way for more holistic and sustainable urban development. What are your thoughts?  Should there be differing acceptable values for daylight and sunlight in urban areas based on density, or do uniform standards suffice? Thank you Simone Pagani MSc MSLL for the inspiration for this post 💡 Share your perspectives below! ☀️🏙️ #UrbanDesign #DaylightPlanning #SunlightExposure #UrbanDensity #SustainableCities #UrbanDevelopment #CityPlanning #QualityOfLife #UrbanEnvironment #CommunityEngagement

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