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DESIGN, ELEMENTS AND STRATEGIES
A more integrated view of both the passive and active systems is recommended for architectural and mechanical systems selection and design. Numerous opportunities exist for design improvements and innovative solutions:
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Interaction of location and climate parameters. Climate interpretation involves examining the macro-conditions, particularly insolation, humidity, airflow and rainfall on the building typology. If the building is to be bioclimatic, the layout should be highly influenced by the macroclimatic conditions. The use of psychometric information can assist in identifying the main bioclimatic strategies for building design. Synthesis of location, climate and building elements. The influence of location involves interpreting meso- and microclimatic conditions. One aspect of design is concerned with selecting elements that respond effectively to local conditions. New combinations of building elements help to address issues of thermal, acoustic and visual comfort. For example, microclimatic factors can be enhanced through courtyards to channel ventilation for improved thermal comfort, reduce glare and provide barriers to environmental noise. Synergies between passive and active cooling/heating strategies. The opportunities for linking passive and active systems to achieve greater synergies have significant benefits for energy reduction. Lack of synergy occurs when air conditioning is used as a Band-Aid to poor passive design. Opportunities for synergy include use of shading solutions, which reject heat but allow diffused light to reduce electric lighting.
CLIMATE AND LOCATION Veronica Soebarto and MΓ‘rcia Agostini Ribeiro Macroclimate conditions An important stage in design is gaining an understanding of the influence of local conditions on the climate. Szokolay (1991) defines three types of macroclimates for buildings: 1 2 3
hot temperatures that are mostly above the comfort zone; moderate temperatures that are below and above the comfort zone; cold temperatures that are mostly below the comfort zone.
Meso- and microclimate conditions Meso-climate conditions will enhance or reduce macroclimate conditions. The effects of topography, vegetation and other physical characteristics
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