Wind microclimate around buildings: Characteristics and control

Abstract The three-dimensional microclimates of an individual building and of groups of buildings are documented by flow visualization using the novel “smoke-wire” technique in simulated turbulent atmospheric surface layers. The impact of flow modules identified in these microclimates on the velocity field near the models and on the wind loads acting on them is documented for a family of surface layers. Attempts were made to control conditions adverse to pedestrian comfort by means of fences near a building. Because of the complex interaction between these fences and some of the flow modules, the shelter offered by an isolated fence in the surface layer is not obtained near a building.