1 post tagged “shadow study”

A friend of Wendy's is in an unfortunate situation.  She and her family own a three story building in the Richmond

district of San Francisco.  Their neighbor is proposing to build a new four story apartment building next door (to the south).

Although not opposed to the project, Esther and her family are concerned about the height of the structure, and,

among other things, the shadow it will cast on their building.  Last night we did a quick shadow study that shows that her concerns are valid.  In the Winter the proposed project would cast a shadow over the lightwell (bedroom windows) and front facade (living room window) all day long.

Sadly, the San Francisco Planning and Building departments are not easy to deal with (I know from personal experience).  The burden of proof that the proposed project will not have an adverse affect on neighboring properties has ended up falling to Esther, the affected party.  I am glad we are able to help, but I wish more architects would look beyond there own property lines.  It's easy to fall into, but design should not happen in a void.  Something we should all remember.