Architectural Responses For UVR Protection ñ Creating Prototypes For Interactive Architecture For Shade Design

Purpose: Toronto has Canada’s first policy on shade to support prevention of skin cancer, caused by environmental UVR. Shade is a key component of skin cancer prevention. An architectural studio produced prototypes of interactive structures for shade for evaluation by parks planners and testing in a park setting.
Methods: The architecture studio applied Australian methods and techniques for designing and evaluating shade. Consultations with park users and managers identified site constraints and needs. Recreation facilities and activities on the site were mapped. Locations for placing shade devices to maximize their effectiveness were located. A typology of interactive approaches was developed and applied to shade structure design. Designs were produced, digital and scale models built, and schemes were evaluated as to their effectiveness in producing shade in desired locations.
Results: Twelve designs demonstrating six methods of interactivity were presented for a five specific recreational sites within the park. Computer renderings simulated shade creation during diurnal cycles of peak UVR in these locations. Feedback was elicited from park users and managers and was applied to policies developed for capital projects in Toronto parks.
Conclusions: Successful collaboration between health promoters, parks planners and architects can create UVR protection through shade. Architectural interactivity is an innovative tool for shade creation.
Funding: Ryerson University Department of Architectural Science.