Transmedia Characters: Theory and Analysis

Abstract

Abstract. The perimeter blocks in cities are usually rectangular and follow the streets. Thebuildings are mostly of similar height within each block. However, perimeter blocks can bedeveloped in many various forms. Geometric options such as chamfered corners, variedbuilding heights and different positioned openings in a broken perimeter block are analyzed inthis paper regarding the aspects of views and daylight in city planning. The choice ofevaluation criteria is based on scientific discourse in the field of daylighting. As in the newEuropean standard, “Daylight in Buildings”, the following three parameters are included incalculations: solar radiation, daylight level and view out. Computer-based daylightingsimulations and calculations of view parameters are performed for different designs of theperimeter blocks with equal density, FAR = 1.33. The simulations have been carried out forStockholm. That means roughly the same shadows as in Oslo, Helsinki, Tallinn, St Petersburgand Anchorage, all close to the same latitude (60°N). In lower latitudes, e.g. Southern andCentral Europe the shadows are shorter. Nevertheless, the ranking of the alternatives will besimilar. This study confirms that geometrical changes can improve the conditions for viewsand daylight in the perimeter blocks. The advantages in the tested urban design alternatives areconsiderable compared to the perimeter block of the standard type.