Siting a structure or an open space for the presence of natural sunlight is a major design decision. To determine where direct sunlight will fall within a given structure use a sun path diagram specific to your latitude. The diagram shows the sun's path for the summer and winter solstice (the longest and shortest days of the year) and the Spring and Fall equinox (when the length of the days is the same, or equal). Align your plan's north arrow with north on your diagram to arrive at the configuration.

Twenty five years ago ...

the Wright-Ingraham Institute organized and ran a conference in Baja California on the interrelationships of food, people, environment, land and climate called "A Query Into The Quarter Century." Fourteen distinguished scientists from across the country participated. Rereading the findings twenty-five years later, we cannot ignore their relevance for today's works, particularly as they might apply to architects, land planners and other design professionals.

"The treatment of land as a resource, not a commodity, is viewed as top priority in considering economic allocation factors, improvements and reclamation of soil, development of more efficient water systems, and more efficient use of land."

"Every day governments, commissions and councils the world over approve plans for urbanization that encroach upon land that was previously cropped."

"In the developed countries urban land use has been a filling-in process in which land speculators have played a key role. Now, a filling-in process in cities is required with priority given to policies which encourage greater density of settlement in areas presently urbanized."