CHACO/Pueblo Bonito: A Computer Analysis Applied to an Ancient Solar Dwelling

Abstract

This article describes an application of a computer analysis technique to determine solar radiation reception characteristics of an urban space. The intent is that this technique would be applicable to a comprehensive environmental planning and design effort. Pueblo Bonito, the building studied, is an ancient pueblo structure in New Mexico which is believed to have mitigated seasonal and daily variations in insolation. The building is analyzed to determine the optimum orientation and the solar radiation reception characteristics of the entire building and of certain sectors of the building. The form of Pueblo Bonito is compared with a control structure proven effective in other studies. The computer program in this study is capable of accounting for shadow patterns created by the building and by objects near the building.