Testing Shadow Studies on the Summer Solstice in the real world

Photo taken at 10am on the Summer Solstice in 2024. The photo shows a printout of the shadow study that is part of the original rezoning application at 1665-1685 West 11th Avenue and this was used for the duration of the Q&A consultation (later updated). The page is approximately aligned with the curb across on the street across from the site. The shadow is cast by a lamp post (see other illustrations for comparisons)

It’s the summer solstice today (June 20, 2024). There’s an opportunity to verify some of the solar studies for rezoning applications and development permit applications by simply going into the field with a camera (and note some shadow studies are dated June 21). For this comparison, we used a printout of the shadow study included with the 22-storey tower rezoning at 1665-1685 West 11th Avenue. By simply taking photos of the direction of shadows cast by other structures in the context, it is possible to make a determination if the predicted direction of the shadows are in line with the real world.

Shadow studies in the City of Vancouver are generally created for rezonings and DP applications for 10am, noon, 2pm and sometimes 4pm on the summer solstice as well as on the spring and fall equinoxes. Certain proposals may include additional times and sometimes will include a shadow study for the winter solstice.

Going into the field and noting the direction of shadows is a simple alternative to computers models, web-based solar calculators, or drawing sections on a drafting table. The obvious limitation is that this comparison can only happen around the times used in shadow studies (equinox or solstice, give or take a day, at 10am, noon, 2pm and sometimes 4pm). Previously we compared the direction of shadows in the field on the Spring Equinox at 1245-1265 West 10th Avenue .

Shadow study (top illustration on printed page) at 10am on June 20th (summer solstice in 2024, a leap year). The real world shadow is there for approximate comparison (left). The Q&A for this rezoning at 1665-1685 West 11th Avenue took place between April 17 and April 30, 2024. Planning staff subsequently updated the shadow study on May 14, 2024 after the Q&A concluded.

Rough comparison of direction of shadow from NOAA solar calculator (right, at June 20, 10am) with photo of printed page in the field (roughly aligned with curb)

The direction of shadows and length of shadows for context are useful references for comparison, pictured is 10am on June 20, 2024 (Pine Street just north of West 11th Avenue).

Incorrect shadow study for rezoning at 2267-2275 W 7th Avenue (Open House Q&A June 19 to July 2, 2024). This can be verified in the field, or by comparing the direction of shadows against a solar calculator (like one by NOAA).

At 1245-1265 West 10th Avenue, a 20-storey tower rezoning. Public consult Mar 20 to April 2. Demoviction of two existing rental buildings. Shadow studies incorrect. With 2 towers on block and a 3rd under construction, this may violate Broadway Plan.

Shadows – Ground truthing Spring Equinox shadow diagrams (10am, noon, 2pm): A chance for the public to test the architects

Incorrect shadow studies for 1551-1581 W7th Ave rezoning (Acton Ostry Architects), and case study at 228-246 E Broadway & 180 Kingsway (same company). Big problems with renderings vs reality in the Broadway Plan area.