A shading screen (or brise soleil) can reduce heat accumulation in building by deflecting direct sunlight from the building’s exterior walls and windows, while still allowing light to enter. Louvers were often used to deflect sunlight during the hottest part of the day from hitting the building facade while allowing for airflow into the building to assist with passive cooling. Shade structures can be be integrated with the design of the building, or retrofitted as part of a building facelift. Designs can makes use of new building materials and digital design that allows for geometric patterns with highly reflective materials that help to control the accumulation of solar radiation in the building, which can improve indoor thermal comfort and reduce energy demand for cooling.

Image: Monash University’s Chancellery building at Clayton