Figure 2.12 - Depicting some aspects of wind flow in and around courtyards

On summer mornings when there is no wind, the inside of the tower, which has been cooled by the night air, will suck air in from the warmer outside in a reverse stack effect, forcing the not-too-hot air through the summer chamber in reverse. When the tower heats up, the stack reverses and the cooler courtyard air is used again, thus in fairly hot climates, this delicate technique provides fresh air to the summer room for the most of the day. The higher the ambient air speed at vent level at the top, the greater the temperature and pressure differential between the top and bottom of the tower, the higher the ambient air speed. Within the tower, air velocity rise as a result of this.

Figure 2.12 - Depicting some aspects of wind flow in and around courtyards

(Source - Climate Responsive architecture: A design handbook foe energy efficient building)

2.3 Climate responsive building design

The building design is complex and involves the building to be built around complex parameters of the natural environment. As a result, building typologies differed from location to location, giving the constructed form a particular vernacular character that adapted effectively to climatic circumstances without relying on any active mechanical methods to keep the inhabitants thermally comfortable. Similarly, as the buildings were designed keeping in mind the impact of the climate on them, so was the use of local materials or native technologies, that did not have an adverse impact on the local micro climate of the place at large. The structures rely on climate-responsive building design to provide thermally suitable living conditions for the residents. Although the basic goal of created spaces remains the same in modern times, namely to provide inhabitants with healthy and comfortable living circumstances.

Some steps to achieve climate responsive design involve:–

o Site analysis o Sun direction

o Window considerations

o Minimize the building footprint o Design for natural ventilation o Relax the occupants comfort standards o Modelling and analysis o Multiple Iterations

2.3.1 Parameters for climate responsive building design

The goal of climatically responsive design, according to architect and environmentalist Arvind Krishan, is to manage the circumstances outside and within such that they are constantly inside or as close to the comfort zone as feasible.

The prevalent climatic conditions are generally harsh for most parts of the year and hence the importance of the building design in moderating the indoor conditions to suit the

occupants.

By adopting proper site planning, building form, and envelope materials, the disparity between natural climatic conditions and a thermally acceptable constructed space may be reduced opening, daylighting, and other factors into a climate-responsive building design, without relying on active measures. Design begins with the context as the most significant aspect, with the geographical location as well as the local climate playing a critical role. The identification, understanding, and control of the climatic effects at the location of the building are crucial.

Table 3 : Climate modification strategies and building tactics for warm-humid climate type

Climate type Adverse climatic elements Climate method Response strategies

Warm-Humid High heat, High humidity Insolation Small diurnal variation Minimize heat gain Maximize ventilation Maximize shading 1. Thin bar building with an east-west axis. 2. Cross ventilation 3. High ceilings 4. Ventilated roof 5. Window shading all the year 6. Shaded Veranda

(Source - Sustainable building design for understanding of climate - A case study in warm humid region in India)

2.3.2 Activities areas

Traditional architecture is an excellent illustration of the balance that occurs between the

region's environment, local materials, inexpensive technology, architectural processes, living style, customs, and socioeconomic situations. While building a home, residents seek to satisfy climatic constraints, culture, social, economic, and religious issues.