The following is an outline of the knowledge and practical skills required at each achievement level in the area of shading device design.
Achieving a level requires passing the assessment for that level. Assessment can be undertaken for free on the Square One website or at one of many accredited training centres around the world. Each level must be passed consecutively - it is not possible to achieve Level 2 without having first successfully achieved Level 1.
Level 1 (Understanding) - View
At this level users should be able to access an analysis model and extract the basic information they need without having to go through another user. This typically means understanding what metrics are referenced and how to display them in a visual or tabulated form, as well as being able to extract the images and/or tables required for use in other documentation or drawings.
Knowledge
- Understand solar position.
Read More... - Know how to interpret sun-path diagrams.
Read More... - Understand overshadowing.
Read More... - Understand incident solar radiation.
Read More... - Know how insolation affects thermal performance.
Read More...
Practical Skills
- See when an object or point is in shade or not.
Read More... - Incidence, absorption & transmission.
Level 2 (Capability) - View & Assist
Level 2 users should be able - under supervision - to carry out most of the basic tasks such as creating and editing building models suitable for this kind of analysis, undertaking most of the simpler calculations and formatting results appropriate to the specific needs of each project.
Knowledge
- Understand the fundamental principles behind shading device design.
Read More... - Know the different basic strategies for solar control, their advantages and disadvantages.
Read More... - Be able to calculate horizontal and vertical shading angles.
Read More..
Practical Skills
- Internal & external shading devices.
- Generate a date/time optimised shading device.
Read More - Trace solar profiles over shading surface.
- Trace solar profiles over another building.
Read More... - Extrude lines & planes towards sun.
Level 3 (Proficiency) - View, Assist & Produce
Level 3 users should have basic proficiency, being able to independently build models suitable this type of analysis, undertake those analysis and produce the results and/or other deliverables required for any project.
Knowledge
- <<More here>>
Practical Skills
- Shading masks.
- Seasonal shading coefficients.
- Calculate solar stress data.
- Project solar shading potential.
Level 4 (Expertise) - View, Assist, Produce & Manage
Level 4 users require real expertise, able to determine the types of analysis required to solve specific design problems, devise the work flows and schedules required to undertake them and effectively manage and supervise the whole process to ensure the timeliness and quality of all deliverables.
Knowledge
- <<More here>>
Practical Skills
- Fit 3D analysis grid.
- Solar shading potential for multiple windows.
- Exactly shade a complex shape by a set of complex surfaces.
[Read More...]
Level 5 (Innovation) - "Break New Ground"
To reach Level 5, users must demonstrate real innovation in the application of air flow analysis within a design project. There is no direct assessment for this level, instead individuals or firms are required to submit a short article for review by the Natural Frequency editorial board that describes a specific project and details the innovative application of shading device design and/or analysis.