Climate-conscious architecture—design and wind testing method for climates in change

The main objective of this research was to develop practical tools with which it is possible to improve the environment, micro-climate and energy economy of buildings and plans in different climate zones, and take the climate change into account. The parts of the study are: – State of art study into existing know-how about climate and planning. – Study of the effects of climate change on the built environment. – Development of simple micro-climate, nature and built environment analysis methods. – Defining the criteria of an acceptable micro-climatic environment. – Development of the wind test blower. – Presenting ways to interpret test results and draw conclusions. – Development of planning and design guidelines for different climate zones. An important part of the research is the development of the CASE wind test instrument, different wind simulation techniques, and the methods of observing the results. Bioclimatic planning and architectural design guidelines for different climate zones are produced. The analyse tools developed give a qualitative overall view, which can be deepened towards a quantitative analyse with wind testing measurements and roughness calculations. No mechanical rules are suggested, but complementary viewpoints and practices introduced to a normal planning process as well as improvement of consultative knowledge. The “method” is that there is no strict mechanical method, but a deeper understanding of bioclimatic matters. Climate-conscious planning with the developed CASE method, make it possible to design a better micro-climate for new or old built-up areas. Winds can be used in to ventilate exhaust fumes and other pollutants, which improves the quality of air and the healthiness of the urban environment. The analyses and scale-model tests make it possible to shield cold windy areas and to diminish the cooling effect of wind on facades. According to studies in Scandinavian countries this will bring energy savings of 5–15 per cent. The method can be used to: – Evaluation of the cooling effect of wind. Areas and facades exposed to wind. – Evaluation of the wind comfort at the pedestrian level. Windy areas, relative wind speeds. – Enhancing wind-forced ventilation. Positive and negative pressures at the inlets and outlets. – Analysis of the diffusion of pollutants. Ventilation of streets and areas. – Avoiding the damages caused by wind. Planning and designing wind protective solutions. – Characterisation of the wind loading of small and medium-size street architecture items. Designing wind resistant and protective items and plantings. – – Analysing the drifting of snow. Placing of snow fences.