Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun is the chief cause of skin cancer and is also involved in the development of Vitamin D in humans. This poses an interesting challenge, especially for people living in locations at mid to high latitudes. Through an integrative research review and controlled testing the amount of UVB humans receive in the landscape has been explored. Two existing computer models along with personal dosimeter badges were used to evaluate how much UVB students at a school in Waterloo, Ontario received under various conditions in February, 2013. Results showed that it is possible to get the equivalent of 1000 I.U. of vitamin D in February in Waterloo under ideal weather conditions, but not in most conditions. With this information, a guide has been created to optimize UVB for outdoor spaces in all seasons that children may use in northern climates. The design guide includes a summary of the geophysical variables that affect how much UVB reaches the earth’s surface and key concepts to understand including the difference between diffuse and direct radiation. This study provides evidence-based research in the area of climate responsive landscape architecture. / Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation

Buildings in the United States account for nearly 68% of all U.S. energy consumption due to their reliance on electrical lighting and mechanical systems. Beginning in the 20th century, emphasis on developing the glass curtain wall created increased energy demands on lighting and mechanical systems. Consequently, the building’s curtain wall is a direct cause of significant energy loads. This research project investigated how current parametric design tools and energy analysis software are used during a performance-driven passive solar design process to develop facade systems that lower the energy use intensity (EUI) of a building and increase natural daylight to an acceptable illuminance level (lux). Passive solar shading strategies were employed to realize the proposed design process through a proof of concept project that retrofits the facade of an outdated office building in a hot-mediterranean climate. Incremental steps were taken using parametric software (Revit Architecture 2015) to increase the passive solar and daylighting performance capabilities of the facade system and Autodesk Green Building Studio was employed to measure, compare and contrast the results of each design.