The Impact of Sun Hour and Sky View Factor on Hospital Buildings Design: a Parametric Design Analysis in Konya, Turkey,

Abstract

During the initial phases of hospital design, consideration of parameters such as sun hour and sky view factor can profoundly impact the well-being of patients and healthcare personnel. This study examines the use of parametric design techniques, facilitated by Rhino and the Grasshopper plugin, to create an algorithm for evaluating the effects of sun hour and sky view factor parameters on the health and well-being of patients and healthcare personnel. The algorithm aims to analyze the impact of solar hours and sky view factor parameters on the design of hospital buildings in Konya, Turkey. For this purpose, Numune Hospital, City Hospital, and Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in Konya were selected for analysis. The identified hospital buildings and their built environments were modelled to scale for analysis. The study found that sun hour and sky view factor levels were higher in outward-facing blocks of the examined hospitals, while they were lower in lower-rise blocks that were closer together. The research suggests that taking into account sun hour and sky view factor parameters during the design of hospital buildings can assist designers in making informed decisions at both urban and architectural scales.