Climate responsive design

Environment
Published: 30 November 2010
Edited: 28 August 2018
by Emilis Prelgauskas
ISSN: 2207-466X

This note was reviewed and retained for legacy in August 2018.

In hot arid climates, cooling is the dominant need in order to attain comfort. In this paper, architect Emilis Prelgauskas highlights the natural forces (wind, solar gain, moisture) that can be harnessed for cooling, and the resulting passive building elements which contribute cooling effect when integrated into the built form. With these, natural ventilation and cooling can achieve comfort sufficient to lessen or even obviate the need for mechanical air-conditioning.

The Mediterranean courtyard of the old Treasury, Adelaide
The Mediterranean courtyard of the old Treasury, Adelaide – a natural air-conditioning device. Image: Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury.
 Note Summary
  1. Introduction
  2. Climate responsive building design
  3. Design elements
  4. Energy efficiency in buildings
  5. Conclusion