ANALYTICAL EVALUATION OF SUN-SHADING DEVICES ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS UNDER HOT CLIMATE CONDITIONS: A REVIEW OF GLOBAL PRACTICES
Keywords:
Sun-shading devices, energy efficiency, public buildings, hot climate, structural loads, thermal performance, kinetic facades.Abstract
The rapid increase in cooling demand for public buildings in hot and arid climates necessitates the adoption of passive design strategies. Sun-shading devices represent a critical architectural and structural intervention to mitigate solar heat gain, reduce energy consumption, and improve indoor thermal comfort. This review article provides a comprehensive analytical evaluation of both static and kinetic sun-shading systems. By synthesizing global case studies, this paper assesses the thermal performance, structural implications, and daylighting efficiency of various shading configurations. The analysis demonstrates that optimized shading systems can reduce cooling loads by 20% to 42%, depending on the facade orientation and system adaptability. Furthermore, this review critically examines the structural impact of these devices, highlighting the transfer of wind and dead loads to the primary structural framework. The findings suggest that while kinetic systems offer superior thermal adaptability, their structural complexity and maintenance costs remain significant barriers. The article concludes with integrated design recommendations for hot climate regions, emphasizing the balance between thermal performance and structural resilience.
