ARCH 1192 – TROPICAL DESIGN

RSW NUMBER: 1
TITLE:
DATE GIVEN: JUNE 19, 2020
DATE DUE: JUNE 22, 2020
REFERENCE: -AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS,
ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS
STANDARDS NINTH EDITION
-TROPICAL-LECTURE.PDF
-TROPICAL-LECTURE2.PDF
-TROPICAL-LECTURE3.PDF

OBRERO, KURT JAVEN C |AR.MICHAEL TABAO

SOLAR GEOMETRY
The Earth’s daily rotation about the axis through its two celestial poles (North and South) is
perpendicular to the equator, but it is not perpendicular to the plane of the Earth’s orbit. In
fact, the measure of tilt or obliquity of the Earth’s axis to a line perpendicular to the plane of its
orbit is currently about 23.5°.
We call the plane parallel to the Earth’s celestial equator and through the center of the sun the
plane of the Sun.
The Earth passes alternately above and below this plane making one complete elliptic cycle
every year, therefore the Rays of the sun vary with time and place

The sun moves across the sky at a rate of 15.04° per hour
The earth’s polar axis is inclined at 23°47’ from the vertical
Summer Solstice
 On the occasion of the summer solstice, the Sun shines down most directly on the
Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere
 On the day of the summer solstice, the sun is above the horizon for the longest period
of time in the northern hemisphere. Hence, it is the longest day for daylight
 June 21

Winter Solstice
 On the day of the winter solstice, the smallest portion of the northern hemisphere is
exposed to the Sun and the Sun is above the horizon for the shortest period of time
there
 The Sun shines down most directly on the tropic of Capricorn in the southern
hemisphere on the occasion of the winter solstice.
 December 21

Vernal and Autumnal Equinox

 There are two occasions throughout the year when the center of the Earth lies in the
plane of the Sun.
  Since the Earth’s North – South axis of rotation is perpendicular to this plane, it follows
that on these two days every location on the Earth receives 12 hours of sunshine. These
two events are known as the vernal and autumnal equinoxes
 March 21 and September 21

SUN PATH
Solar Altitude Angle = the angle with height above the horizon. Ranges from 0° when on
horizon to 90° when directly above (noon)
Solar Azimuth Angle = the sun’s position as projected on a horizontal plane.
Metro Manila is located at 14.5° N Latitude

Two Methods for Calculating Solar Angles

• Using graphs
• By mathematical calculation
Solar Chart = Sun Path Diagrams
Different Solar Charts for Different Latitudes

Stereographic Sun Path Diagrams of Manila, Philippines

Relationship between building and environments
1. LANDFORM ORIENTATION

Climatic Implications
Landform orientation has little meaning when the land is flat. However, the orientation of
slopes would make a difference.
In northern latitudes (away from the equator) south slopes receive the most radiation while
north slopes receive the least direction radiation.
In the southern latitudes, just the reverse happens. East and west oriented slopes receive direct
radiation mostly during the morning and evening, respectively.
Building Design
In hot climates a north slope would be preferable as it would receive the least direct radiation.
Other Possible Effects
While the prime need is to minimize heat gain, there is also a period when heating is required.
This would make the building warmer during winter and cooler during summer. The amount of
daylight available needs to be considered.
Further, we also need to consider the airflow pattern for the slopes we are building on. Building
placement from the point of airflow and that of solar radiation may not always be the same.
Often we need to reach a compromise based on greater need.

2. VEGETATION PATTERN
Climatic Implications
Vegetation and trees in particular, very effectively shade and reduce heat gain. It also causes
pressure differences, thereby, increasing and decreasing air speed or directing airflow. They
can, therefore, direct air into the building or deflect it away.
Plants, shrub and trees absorb radiation in the process of photosynthesis. As a result, they
actually cool the environment.
Building Design
In hot-dry climates where heat gain is to be minimized, trees can be used to cut off the east and
west sun. Hot breezes can also be effectively cut off. Planting deciduous trees is very useful in
hot dry climates. They provide comforting shade in summer and shed their foliage in winters
allowing sun. Evergreen trees can be used in cold climates to cut off breezes. However, they
absorb solar radiation and, thereby, cool the place.
In warm humid regions vegetation can be employed to maximize airflow. However, if they are
not planted carefully would end up reducing air speeds.
Other Possible Effects
Trees and vegetation would also increase humidity levels. This needs to be considered when
employing trees in hot-dry and warm-humid regions.
Basically vegetation controls the sun’s effect by filtration of the direct solar radiation,
The effectiveness of specific plant materials in climate control depends upon the form and
character of the plant, the climate of the region, and the specific requirements of the site.
The extent of the impact of vegetation upon the climate should not be underestimated.
The principal uses of vegetation of special importance are:
Large and small trees and shrubs may be used to screen out undesirable winds
 Trees may be used to channel winds
Deciduous trees will screen out direct sunlight during the summer but allow it to pass through
in the winter
Planted areas will be cooler during the day, and experience less heat loss at night

3. STREET WIDTHS AND ORIENTATION

Climatic Implications
The amount of direct radiation received on the is determined by the street width. The
orientation affects the time of the day when the radiation is received. Modulating the street
width and orientation can very effectively control solar radiation.
Theoretical Understanding
The street width to building height ratio determines the altitude up to which solar radiation can
be cut off. Similarly, the street orientation determines the azimuth up to which solar radiation
can be cut off. As a result, they can be used effectively to minimize or maximize heat gain.
Street width to building height ratio also affects the daylight received.
Building Design
In hot dry climates the prime need is to minimize heat gain be achieved by cutting of the sun.
Small street width to building ratio ensures shading
In cold climates, wide streets, especially the east-west streets allow buildings to receive the
south sun.
In warm-humid climates the primary need is for air movement. Streets should, therefore, be
oriented to utilize wind patterns.
Other Possible Effects
In many cases, we may not have a say over street pattern or width, however, Corrective
measures can still be taken but our approach then would be at different level.

4. OPEN SPACES & BUILT-FORM

Climatic Implications
Open spaces have to be seen in conjunction with built-form. Together can allow for free air
movement and increased heat loss or gain
Theoretical Understanding
An open area, especially a large one allows more of the ‘natural climate of the place to prevail.
So, obviously, large open space allows for free air movement.
Open spaces gain heat during the day. If the ground is hard and building surfaces are dark in
color then much of this radiation is reflected and absorbed by the surrounding buildings. If,
however, the ground is soft and green then less heat is reflected. Shading by surrounding
buildings and trees can reduce heat gain to some extent..
Building Design
In modern cities, buildings produce much heat of their own. In such cases heat loss becomes
important. In fact, the phenomenon of heat build-up in cities leads to the formation of heat
islands. The size and scale of open spaces must, therefore, be optimized. If the open space is
too large, then there can be too much heat gain. If it is too small, then there may be insufficient
heat loss at night.

Further, surface characteristics are important. The ground is soft and preferably green. Building
surfaces should not be very reflective. Shading by trees or buildings would also reduce heat
gain.
Since the hot-dry climate might also have a cold season, trees should be deciduous so as to
allow the winter sun.
In cold climates open spaces should be small. Surfaces could be hard and absorptive. Compact
planning is, of course, preferred. They should allow the south sun into the buildings. Trees, if
any, should be deciduous.
In humid climates buildings should preferably not be attached to one another. Streets and open
spaces should be oriented with respect to wind patterns. The open spaces and the funnel effect
can be used to maximize airflow within the complex.
Other Possible Effects
Daylight levels would be affected by the form of planning. Compact planning would reduce the
scope for daylight, while ‘open’ planning allows more daylight. Fenestration would
consequently be affected.
5. GROUND CHARACTER

Climatic Implications
Depending on the ground surface, incident radiation can be absorbed, reflected or stored and
reradiated later. In other words, radiated heat gain could be decreased, increased during the
daytime or increased during the night-time.
Theoretical Understanding
The color and texture of a material’s surface determines its reflectivity.
The lighter the color and smoother the surface, more the reflectivity of the material.
The darker the surface and rougher it is, the lower the reflectivity.
Such materials would store more heat and reradiate it mostly at night when the surroundings
are at a lower temperature. Vegetation utilize sunlight for photosynthesis. They absorb and
consume the radiation. In this case the heat is neither reflected nor reradiated.

Building Design
In hot climates ground surfaces should preferably be green in order to minimize heat gain.
Where hard surfaces and paving are unavoidable they should be rough but not dark. This would
make the ground less reflective but not highly absorptive.
In cold climates heat gain would be maximized by reflecting the heat or storing it. Ground
surfaces should preferably be paved dark but smooth. This would increase absorptivity and
reflectivity.
In humid conditions ground character is of consequence only when it can absorb moisture.
Other Possible Effects
The ground surface would also reflect daylight. Especially in sunny climates this could lead to
uncomfortable glare. For this reason also, hard paving should be minimized and, where
necessary, should be rough.
6. PLAN FORM

Climatic Implications
The plan form of a building affects the airflow around and through it and The perimeter to area
ratio of the building is an important indicator of heat loss or gain. It, therefore, plays a role in
ventilation, heat loss and heat gain.
Theoretical Understanding
In the case of radiative gains or losses, the perimeter is a crucial factor.
Greater the perimeter to area ratio the greater the radiative heat gain during the day and the
greater the heat loss at night. Similarly, smaller the perimeter to area ratio the lesser will the
heat gain be during the day and lesser the loss at night.
Building Design
In hot climates the perimeter to area ratio should be kept to a minimum and This would cause
minimum heat gain.
In the cold climates too the perimeter to area ratio should be minimal and This ensures
minimum heat loss.
In warm-humid climates the prime concern is a plan form for maximizing air movement. Here
too, minimizing the perimeter ratio is useful as it minimizes heat gain.

7. PLAN ELEMENTS
Climatic Implications
Water bodies and vegetation help in cooling a space by evaporation and the absorption of heat.
Water bodies and greenhouses also aid in space heating. Courtyards, and in certain cases, wind-
towers cause heat loss and enhance ventilation. Thus plan elements can help in heating, cooling
and even ventilation.
Theoretical Understanding
As mentioned earlier, water bodies are effective means of evaporative cooling. A high specific
allows water to absorb a comparatively large quantity of radiation. On the other hand, in cooler
climates it can act as a heat storage material.
Vegetation. It has already been seen that vegetation can absorb radiation and, therefore, effect
cooling.
Courtyards and verandas. These can lead to very airy structures. Air movement would be
desirable in warm-humid conditions. Shaded courtyards can be quite effective as reservoirs of
cooler air in hot climates. At night, cool air tends to collect in the court.
Building Design
In hot climates it is very desirable to integrate plant and vegetation, wherever possible, into the
plan form.
In cold climates heat gain is the primary aim. Greenhouses and glass boxes are examples of a
very effective heat traps.
 In humid climates courtyards and verandas aid in ventilation. Wind catchers may also be
employed.

Other Implications
As mentioned earlier, water bodies and vegetation can make warm climates uncomfortable due
to the humidity. Further, vegetation and water bodies may exclude daylight or cause glare.

8. BUILDING ORIENTATION

Climatic Implications
The building orientation determines the amount of radiation it receives. The orientation, with
respect to air patterns, affects the amount of natural ventilation possible.
Building Design
In the northern hemisphere, north faces receive minimum direct radiation and south faces
receive the maximum. This however is not entirely true

9. SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO

Climatic Implications
The surface area to volume ratio is an important factor determining heat loss and gain.
Theoretical Understanding
The greater the surface area the more the heat gain/loss through it. So small surface area to
volume ratio imply minimum heat gain and minimum heat loss.
Building Design
In hot-dry climates surface area to volume ratio should be as low as possible as this minimize
heat gain.
In cold-dry climates also surface area to volume ratio should be as low as possible to minimize
heat losses.
In warm-humid climates the prime concern is creating airy spaces and the materials of
construction should be such that they do not store heat.
10. ROOF FORM
Climatic Implications
The roof can be used as a source of daylight into the building. Its form and overhangs also affect
air movement patterns.
Theoretical Understanding
Daylight can be obtained by either a horizontal (unshaded) or vertical (shaded) roof lights.
Building Design
The roof can be relied upon as a means to enhance the light levels indoors. The nature of the
roof light would change with the climatic context.
In overheated areas, roof lighting would be shaded to prevent heat gain. In under heated areas
roof lighting would be unshaded making it a supplementary source of heat.
11. FENESTRATION PATTERN AND CONFIGURATION

Climatic Implications
The fenestration pattern and configuration involve the area, shape, location and relative
positioning of the windows. This would affect the air movement, daylight and glare indoors.
If unshaded, the area would also affect radiative heat gain.
Theoretical Understanding
The area of the opening should affect air movement and daylight. It directly affects the amount
of light and breeze allowed in.
The position of the opening affects the distribution of light indoors as it affects internal
reflections. size openings at the floor level, window level and ceiling levels distribute the light
differently.

Theoretically an opening could have any shape. For our purposes, however, we are concerned
with basically two categories – narrow and long openings and not narrow or broad openings.
The first is typified by a strip window, the second by a square or circular one. Due to their
dimensions they would affect internal air speeds. This would also affect light distribution
indoors.
Building Design
In hot-dry climates windows need to be appropriately shaded. It is preferable if they are small
in area. smaller openings would allow sufficient daylight
In warm-humid climates fenestration areas should be large to facilitate ventilation. Large
overhangs would be desirable in cutting off diffuse solar radiation.
In cold climates fenestration should be large, unshaded but sealed. This would enable heat gain
but reduce cool breezes.
 Fenestration location would be of little consequence. In composite zones where all three
conditions may occur, window shades hold the key. The shades must cut off summer sun but
permit winter heat gain.
High windows (ventilators) provide the best distribution of the direct and diffuse light.
However, they also maximize the potential for glare.
Low windows allow ground reflected light. Light being reflected from the ceiling provides the
most uniform ventilation.
The middle located window, in comparison, distributes neither sky light nor ground reflected
light well.
Other Implications
In cold climates heat loss through the window at night can be substantial.

12. FENESTRATION CONTROLS

Climatic Implications
Glazing, shades, light shelves, fly wire nets and the cross sectional area of the windows can be
important controls. They trap solar radiation, cut it off, increase daylight level, keep out insects
and modify air velocities. They are, therefore, able to affect and control heat gain, daylight and
ventilation.
Theoretical Understanding
Glazing is the most commonly used ‘control’ device for trapping solar radiation. Shades, vertical
and horizontal, control radiative heat gain. The solar altitude and azimuth during the
overheated period can be determined. Therefore, the projection of the horizontal and vertical
shades can be adjusted so as to cut off the sun.
Light shelves are horizontal projections in a window. They can be inside, outside or partly
within and partly outside the glazing. With reflective upper surface it brings more light into the
rear of the room. They can also function as horizontal shades cutting off the vertical sun.
Flywire nets are intended as control devices for insect. However, they also reduce air velocity
indoors.
Sun shading devices
- Horizontal types
Horizontal Sun Shades are generally used on the North-Facing and South Facing Sides of a
building
- Vertical types
Vertical Sun Shades are generally used on the East-Facing and West- Facing Sides of a building

- Eggcrate types

Combination of Horizontal and Vertical Shades

 Building Design
In hot climates, if glazing windows are used then they need to be shaded from the sun.
In cold climates, optimum glazing is advisable. Shading of the window is undesirable. Light
shelves, if needed would be very effective due to the low sun angle.
In warm-humid climates window shades are not so much of an issue since solar radiation is
largely diffuse. Fly wire nets are all the more necessary due to the insects that thrive under
these conditions.
In many cases though, we may be dealing with a composite climate. We would then need to
design shades that cut off in the summer but allow the sun in the under heated period.

13. WALLS
Climatic Implications
As far as materials are concerned, what applies to roofs is valid for walls as well. The difference
is that more direct radiation is incident on the roof than the wall.
Theoretical Understanding
There are more walls than just their material.
In a 24 hour cycle, radiative heat gain takes place only during the sunshine hours. At other
times, though radiative heat loss does not occur, conductive heat loss takes place since glass
has a very high U-value. This is especially true of cooler climates where external temperatures
may be much lower at night.
 Building Design
Wall materials, like roof materials should be of low U-values in hot and in cold climates. In
warm-humid climates walls should have a low thermal capacity.

14. ROOF MATERIALS

Climatic Implications
Roof materials determine the amount of heat transfer through the roof inwards or outwards as
well as the time taken for this heat to take place.
Theoretical Understanding
Each material has a characteristic specific heat. When it comes to heat exchanges we are
concerned with both the specific heat of the material and the amount (or mass) of the material.
The product of mass and specific heat is known as the thermal mass. The thermal mass (or
capacity) is an indicator of the heat storing ability of a material. Heat flow through materials is
determined by the conductance and resistance of the material.
Two points have to be made. One, when heat flows through a material, a certain amount of
heat is absorbed by the material. Two, heat flow is not instantaneous but depends on the U-
value and thickness of the material.
Therefore, for any material of a given thickness, there is a certain amount of time lag before the
heat is transmitted. Since some of the heat is absorbed, not all of it is transmitted. This leads us
to two other significant properties of materials – the time lag and the decrement factor. T
he time lag is the time difference between the maximum outdoor and maximum indoor
temperatures and the decrement factor is the ratio between the two.
 Building Design
In hot and cold climates the roof should have a low transmittance value. This would ensure
maximum heat gain and heat loss, respectively.
In warm humid climates heat storage is undesirable. The roof should, therefore, be light,
probably having high U-values and low heat capacities.

15. EXTERNAL COLORS AND TEXTURES

Climatic Implications
The surface characteristics affect heat transmission into the building.
Theoretical Understanding
The color of surface affects its reflectivity and, therefore, the heat is absorbed. The surface
texture could vary from smooth to rough. A rough textured surface causes self-shading.
In comparison, a flat surface allows greater heat transmission. However, a smooth flat surface
would be more reflective. This again would minimize heat gain.
Similarly, a light color would be more reflective while dark color would be more absorptive.
Building Design
In hot climates surface colors should be light while textures should be rough. This will result in
greater reflectivity, shading and re-radiation.
In cold climates surface textures should be dark and flat though not smooth. This would ensure
maximum absorption and minimum shading and re-radiation.
In warm-humid climates, again, the aim would be to minimize heat gain. Light colored and
rough surfaces therefore, are preferable.

16. INTERNAL MATERIALS

Climatic Implications
Internal materials, primarily furniture, can store much heat making conditions more
comfortable or uncomfortable.
Theoretical Understanding
Different materials have different values of specific heat. So the thermal capacity of different
types of furniture items would be different.
Building Design
In hot climates and warm-humid climates, furniture should be as light as possible and thin walls
so that it does not store heat.
In cold climates, on the other hand, heavy furniture and thick walls is preferable.

17. INTERNAL FINISHES

Climatic Implications
The internal finishes of a space would affect the daylight levels indoor. Under certain conditions
it would also affect heat loss.
Theoretical Understanding
The reflectance of internal surfaces would affect daylight levels. Further, the reflectivity (or
emissivity) of radiation would affect heat losses when the U-value of the material is low.
Building Design
Internal reflectance should be as per the desired daylight conditions.
Light colored surfaces increase daylight.
Rough/dark surfaces decrease daylight.
Shiny surface decrease heat loss if u-value is low.