This paper discusses the effects of urban design parameters (street width and orientation) and building design parameters (roof shape and building envelope design) on solar access to the urban canopy, and on the viability of passive solar heating strategies in residential buildings. Solar access to the urban canopy is calculated using trigonometric equations based on the sun's position in the sky and the geometry of the canyon. Secondly, the passive solar heating potential in terms of the heat demand and solar heat gain of a single dwelling in different urban settings is calculated with aid of TRNSYS, a transient simulation tool. The outcomes of both the solar access to the urban canyon and the passive solar heating potential for individual dwellings are analysed to see whether the thermal conditions outdoor and indoor conflict or accord. In addition, this analysis is translated into guidelines for urban designers and architects that propose conditions for favourable solar access outdoors as well as indoors. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.