A Review of Architectural Design Intervention Strategies on External Shading Devices using the Sun-path Diagram Analysis in the Tropics

Abstract

Tropical building facades frequently trap excessive solar radiation, necessitating strategic architectural interventions. Central to this challenge is the sun-path diagram, a fundamental tool for understanding solar geometry to enhance building performance. This systematic review investigated optimal shading designs derived from sun-path analysis to improve Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and occupant comfort in tropical buildings. Adapting the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, this study synthesized peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2026, sourced from databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and other sources. The research identified specific shading design parameters that effectively mitigate solar gain and glare while enhancing user well-being. Findings revealed that shading systems designed via sun-path analysis significantly improve IEQ by reducing solar heat gain and eliminating discomforting glare. Furthermore, the integration of traditional sun-path diagrams with digital simulations and parametric modeling allows for higher precision in addressing varying climatic conditions. This evolution in design methodology enables the development of bespoke shading devices tailored to specific tropical microclimates. The review concludes that the integration of sun-path diagrams with digital simulations and parametric modeling tools significantly enhances the precision of shading design for diverse climatic conditions.