Environmental Analysis in Architecture – Sun & Wind Mapping Using SketchUp Tools
Why Environmental Analysis Matters
In architectural design, Environmental Analysis helps us understand how natural forces interact with a site. Sunlight, wind, noise, humidity, and vegetation all play a role in shaping comfortable, sustainable spaces.
Ignoring environmental factors can lead to overheating rooms, poor ventilation, or unpleasant outdoor areas. That’s why architects use environmental diagrams to make data-informed design decisions early in the process — and to explain them clearly to others.
In this post, I’ll show you how I created an Environmental Analysis Diagram using the Sun Diagram plugin and a library of Dynamic Symbols in SketchUp.
Tools Used in This Diagram
To build the diagram shown in this post, I used two key tools inside SketchUp:
Sun Diagram (SketchUp Plugin):
This plugin lets you generate accurate sun path and shadow analysis for any time and date. It helps visualize how sunlight affects the site and nearby buildings — essential for context awareness and passive design decisions.
User guide for Sun Diagram is available here: https://sundiagram.com/sun-diagram
- Dynamic Symbols (SketchUp Plugin):
Dynamic Symbols is a SketchUp plugin that allows you to create animated symbols and switch between different states with just one click.
User guide for Dynamic Symbols is available here: https://sundiagram.com/dynamic-symbols/
- Both tools are designed to speed up the diagramming process while keeping your presentation clear and professional. Download plugins for free here:
and
Step-by-Step Guide: Create Architectural Diagrams Using SketchUp
Benefits of This Approach
With this diagram, you can:
Make better passive design decisions
Communicate clearly with clients and stakeholders
Save time by not switching between software
Keep your diagram editable and integrated within your design model
Architects and students alike can benefit from a clear, structured workflow like this — especially in early design stages.
Download project files
You can download the project file from the link:
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Final Thoughts
Creating an Environmental Analysis Diagram doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With tools like Sun Diagram and Dynamic Symbols, you can generate data-driven, visually clear diagrams right inside SketchUp — without plugins overload or switching to Illustrator.
Stay tuned for more diagram templates, and feel free to use this one in your own projects.