Simple and Effective Shading Strategies
Shading Devices in Trento, Italy
While in Trento, Italy, I snapped the perfect photo for my daylighting course. The building on the right uses many of the strategies that I discuss with my students:
- The generous roof overhang is shading the windows on the third and fourth floors. The shutters are open, allowing the occupants to have a view, indirect daylighting, and natural ventilation.
- The second floor shutters are closed, and the awning-function is shading the windows. This allows some indirect light and ventilation while lowering the solar heat gain.
- The first floor shutters are open and the window opening is fairly deep, providing direct and indirect daylighting, views, and natural ventilation.
I’ll be contrasting this photo with one of a typical modern New England “colonial” house with decorative shutters. I find it quite fascinating that we have forgotten how functional and effective shutters can be.
Erin Nunes Cooper, AIA, LEED AP is an Architect, Green Building Consultant, and the owner of 
You’re absolutely right. Exterior and interior plantation shutters have far more use than simple decoration. Light control, ventilation, and I dare say insulation are other important values to consider.