Urban planning instruments to improve winter solar access in open public spaces

There is general consensus about the lack of open green spaces in Buenos Aires. Due to this, different actions are been proposed to improve the quality of existing ones. This paper analyses potential modifications of built forms to allow better winter solar access and ameliorate microclimatic conditions of those spaces, increasing their usability throughout the year. A typical urban configuration, within the dense residential grid, is simulated to evaluate the effects, advantages and limitations of this proposal. In one case, volumes are shaped following existing planning codes. In the other, modifications to avoid shadows on the open space during the cold period of the year are included. Resulting environments are evaluated and compared taking into account urban and economic implications of the decisions involved.