Built Sunshade in New Zealand Public Spaces

March 14, 2017

Abstract

New Zealand has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Internationally, the provision and use of shade is considered a key strategy in the prevention of skin cancer, but there has been little research undertaken on how well shade canopies in public spaces provide UVR protection for their users.

This research examined six public shade canopies in six different locations in New  Zealand which opened in 2014 and 2015. Firstly, the principles of designing for UVR protection are explained. Secondly, based on interviews with local government planners, public health professionals, facility managers, architects and sun‐shade designers, each case study reports on the project initiation process, the project brief and feedback on the performance of the shade structure. Using information from site surveys, the UVR protection provided at the centre of each canopy is estimated. Key learning points from each project are identified.

The findings present insight into possible initiation processes and designs for future ‘sun‐safe’ public spaces in New Zealand.

Source:

Mackay, Christina. Built Sunshade in New Zealand Public Spaces. A research report commissioned by Health Promotion Agency New Zealand. Open Journal Systems 2017. http://sunsmart.org.nz/learn-more/shade (Note that full text is available through Open Journal Systems)