A brise-soleil, French for sun breaker, is an exterior shading structure, usually a set of horizontal or vertical fins fixed to a facade, that blocks direct summer sun before it reaches the glass. It cuts solar heat gain and glare while still letting in daylight and the lower winter sun,...
Daylighting in architecture is the controlled use of natural light, admitted through windows, skylights, and other openings, to illuminate interior spaces. Architects shape building orientation, opening size, glazing type, and shading so that daylight replaces electric lighting for much of the day, cutting energy use while improving comfort and health....
Natural vs mechanical ventilation comes down to how a building moves fresh air through its spaces. Natural ventilation uses pressure differences from wind and temperature to drive airflow through openings, while mechanical ventilation uses fans and ducts to control air volume, filtration, and heat recovery regardless of outdoor conditions. Picking...
