Urban transformations and solar accessibility

a study on Florianópolis

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution of solar radiation accessibility in an urban context by analyzing past, present, and hypothetical future scenarios. Urban planning tools, including the Spacemate diagram, are employed to assess how urban morphology influences the availability of solar radiation. The case study is conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, and the methodological framework integrates spatial mapping, historical and prospective scenario modeling, annual dynamic solar simulations, and a systematic evaluation of the resulting data. The results indicate that ongoing urban transformations have led to a substantial reduction in solar radiation availability per square meter of built area, particularly in high-rise and high-density developments. Compared to the 2003 scenario, reductions of up to 64% are observed in the projected future scenario. These findings highlight the urgent need to incorporate solar accessibility criteria into urban planning instruments to support climate-adaptive and energy-efficient cities. Integrating solar radiation parameters into urban regulations may help mitigate the negative impacts of excessive densification while promoting more sustainable patterns of urban development.