ARCHITECTURAL CORRELATION

MODULE 11: AREA 3 TOPIC 3 – SITE PLANNING and

TROPICAL DESIGN

Duration: February 2021

Session: Week 14
Number of Hours: Three (3) hours
Objective: To learn the principles of site planning and tropical design.

SITE PLANNING

Alternative Travel Modes- because parking consumes enormous space and typically
dominates the landscape setting of facilities, alternative modes of travel to the site and
carpooling should be encouraged. The impact of installation transport systems (e.g., bus
routes and pedestrian and bicycle paths) will be determined.

Base and Contour Maps - The base map contains legal boundaries and easements;
location of existing utilities, roads, paths, buildings, walls, etc.; local activities and
circulation; presence of water bodies; general vegetative cover (their condition, precise
location of trees, species); notation of rock outcrops or other visible geologic features;
contours and spot elevations at key points; compass directions; character or site environs
climatological data ecological data; summary description of the off-site context and its
changes

Chi – is the energy or force that connects people with their surroundings

Chinese Geomancy - Functional analogies concerning the ancient language that provide
guidance toward any change in the relationship between man and earth

Circulation – the user will determine the number and kinds of vehicles. Programming for
circulation will cover requirements for access and on-site circulation, estimates of the type
and quantity of parking demand, evaluation of alternative modes of travel, and the need
for a site traffic impact study.

Climate- Regional pattern of temperature, humidity, precipitation, sun angles, cloudiness,

wind direction and speeds

Cultural data - Resident and using population; Number, composition, pattern of change;
Social structure, ties and institutions; Economic status and role; Organization, leadership,
political participation; On-site and adjacent behavior settings- nature, location, rhythm,
stability, participants and conflicts; Site values, rights and restraints; Ownerships,
easements and other rights; Zoning and other regulations that influence site use and
character

Delphi- It is considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the Earth.

Density and Zoning- Density is an important sociological and legal element in most type
of development: it’s expressed in numbers of families or dwelling units per hectare. It may
also be used to express floor area ratio or gross floor area covering the site.

Design Requirements - The design vehicles (passenger car, delivery van, truck, tracked
vehicle, etc.) expected on site will be identified and listed. Design requirements for site
access and on-site vehicular circulation are usually determined by the largest design
vehicle on the list. Probable service requirements such as delivery (including loading
docks), maintenance, sanitation, and emergency will be identified.

Ecology- Dominant plant and animal communities – their location and relative stability,
self-regulation and vulnerability; General pattern of plant cover, quality of wooden
areas, wind firmness, regeneration potential; Specimen trees – their location, spread,
species, and elevation at base, whether unique or endangered, support system needed.

Ecology- It’s the study of the dynamic relations between a community of organisms and
its habitat. Organisms interact with their changing spatial environment to form a
COMMUNITY THAT PERSISTS BUT ALSO CHANGES. Understanding the ecological
relationships is important if we want to avoid irreversibility, sudden jumps or unpredictable
side effects or we want a self-maintaining improvement on maturity and stability of the
system; diversity of its species; level of yield in terms of energy exchange or biomass
improvement (according to site designers); stability and predictability; human comfort and
usefulness; interesting diversity; sensuous beauty; self-maintained; behavior-settings

Electrical/gas systems – is transmitted on primary high-voltage lines and then by the

use of transformers stepped down to secondary low voltage lines. Traditionally power
poles are placed about 36.00m apart and placed along streets with overhead wires.
elements oriented to human purpose; elements oriented to the site itself as an ongoing
system

Environmental conditions and hazards- Environmental conditions and hazards near

the site will be examined beginning with a review of the environmental assessments
prepared for the installation and the site. Storm drainage patterns, indicating direction of
flow, will be located. Storm water management areas which include the site will be
located. Floodplain areas, wetland areas and wildlife habitat areas (especially for
threatened and endangered species) will be identified.

Feng Shui (the Mandarin pronunciation is foong sewi, the Cantonese pronunciation is
Fung Shwey) literally means wind and water, two of the most fundamental forms of life’s
energy about understanding the secrets of how energy moves in our surroundings and
how they style our buildings and interiors affect us at a subtle level. It involves harnessing
beneficial CHI to enhance the success and good fortune of the individual.

Forum- The excellent examples of building facades used to give form and image of a
place - Evolved as an assembly of monuments and temples around a common open
zone. Designed to enclose and define space with a building form, both contains easily
identifiable spaces which are visibly coherent and rich in variety.

Functional Relationship - Functional relationships describe the need for various

activities and facilities have for mutual support. In planning, support can be operational
and/or physical. Functional relationships diagram graphically represents the necessary
support.
Functional Relationships Diagram - is a bubble diagram. It places proposed activities
and/or facilities, including circulation, in the ideal arrangement for efficiency, safety and
convenience. The diagram delineates the best locations for facilities in relation to each
other, irrespective of site considerations. It does not consider any site but forms the basis
for site design. A diagram may be developed through the following steps: Delineation of
the approximate square footage of the primary facility in a bubble or block. Delineation of
the approximate square footage of support facilities into bubbles or blocks and their
placement in relation to the primary facility. Delineation of major vehicular access and
circulation with weighted lines. Arrows should be used to indicate access points and
direction of traffic flow. Delineation of major pedestrian access and circulation with
weighted lines and arrows.

Future Expansion - Planning for future expansion which is neither programmed nor
prioritized in the master plan can be a problem. Often, it takes place in a casual manner,
depending upon whether the user raises the possibility. The facility’s potential for future
expansion should be addressed. Future expansion may refer to actual physical expansion
or increased usage of the primary facility. This is often difficult to predict and more difficult
to estimate.

General Site Context- Geological location, adjacent land use patterns, access system,
nearby destinations and facilities, stability or change in development pattern. Political
jurisdictions, social structure of the locality population change in surrounding areas.;
Ecological and hydrographic system of the region; Nature of the area economy, other
proposals or projects nearby and their effects on the site.

Genus Loci- the Latin term for 'spirit of place', the inherent character of a site that one
determines to define, enhance and protect.

Geomancy- The art of geomancy considers the relationships of natural hills, waterways,
and earth surface features as understood by the diviner-surveyor from a totally earth-
cosmos overviewed as a continuum in which all acts natural and the world was conceived
supernatural, conscious and unconscious were linked one with the next.
Goals of site planning and design - are to contribute t the overall functional efficiency,
conservation of resources, economic stability and quality of life of the installation.
Objectives in support of these goals for individual projects are to: Ensure the project
accomplishes its basic function with maximum efficiency and economy. Ensure a safe
environment. Provide proper relationships with surrounding facilities. Allow for expansion.
Contribute to overall project cost effectiveness. Create designs which contribute to the
quality of life of soldiers and civilian personnel. Provide energy-efficient design solutions.
Provide environmentally sensitive visually pleasing design. Take full advantage of natural
site amenities

Great Pyramid of Gizeh- The great pyramid’s dimensions were very purposeful which
they probably were present in them relationships to many physical measurements such
as the number of days in the year and the radius of the earth. Part of his calculations
involved a unit of measure he called the Pyramid Inch which he believed the Egyptians
used in building the pyramid which only differed from the British inch very slightly. The
meter was devised by man, whereas he believed the Pyramid Inch and was a
measurement provided by god.
Gridiron System - Orthogonal system was continually under refinement.; The
proliferation of grid system has been attributed to the Greek planner HIPPODAMUS. The
grid was immensely successful – simple to establish and easy to expand.

Historic and/or Archeological Resources – archeological or historic sites protected

from development will be located. Regulations governing activity near them will be
identified.

History of site - Past and future; History of the site and its visible traces; Public and
private intentions for future use of site, conflicts; Site character and images; Group and
individual identification with aspects of the site; How the site is organized in people’s
minds.; Meanings attached to the site, symbolic associations; Hopes, fears, wishes,
preferences.

Initial personal reconnaissance - FIRST SWEEP information determines the best use
for a given site; A preliminary observation focuses on site’s APPARENT CHARACTER
which may be recorded or illustrated through notes, sketches and photographs; collation
of existing data

Local microclimates - warm and cool slopes, wind deflection and local breeze, air
drainage, shade, heat reflection and storage, plant indicators; snowfall and snow drifting
patterns; ambient air quality, dust, smells, sound levels

Man-made structures- these are existing buildings: location, outline, floor elevations,
type; condition, current use.

Market analysis – socio economic feasibility is based on a market analysis

Nature, Place and Form - Qualities of nature define which places are sacred man-made
mountains as attempts to either connect the secular to the sacred or to imitate the cosmos
in its design trees were regarded as symbols of the cosmos.

Networks- are roads, paths, rails transit lines, sewers, water lines, gas, electricity,
telephone, stream – their location, elevations, capacity, condition.
Noise Abatement. The need to maintain an acceptable noise level with the primary facility
or to prevent the noise level of the primary facility from impacting the surrounding area
will be determined. Provides guidance in planning for noise abatement.

Off-site Conditions- Site analysis should extend beyond the project boundaries. Most
off-site conditions are related to man-made features and activities. Ongoing changes, and
those likely to occur without intervention – the dynamic aspects of the site

Outdoor Space - The need for outdoor space will be established. This includes active
use areas (e.g. formation grounds or outdoor classrooms), active recreation (e.g., playing
fields or tennis courts), and passive recreation.

Parking demand - The parking demand, or number of required parking spaces, for non-
organizational or private occupancy (POW vehicles and for all other vehicles
(motorcycles, trucks, recreational vehicles, etc. The types of parking spaces (e.g. visitor
or employee) and the number of spaces per type. The need for separation of parking
areas and any locational requirements (e.g. near the facility’s front entrance). Peak (or
highest) use hours for parking will be identified to determine the potential for shared
parking with other facilities.

Physical Data of Site – includes Geology and soil; Underlying geology, rock character
and depth, fault lines; Soil types and depth, value as engineering material and as a plant
medium, presence of hazardous chemicals or contaminants areas of fill or ledge, liability
to slide or subsidence, capability for mining

Physical security – such physical security factors as the proximity of uncontrolled public
use areas or vantage points from which standoff attacks could be launched will be
considered if the threats to assets within the facility dictate concern. If the threat includes
the use of explosives, the likely impact of collateral damage on nearby facilities will be
considered. Sources of air, noise and light pollution – immediate sources of pollution will
be identified and their impact upon the site will be evaluated information may be found in
the environmental impact assessments for the site and installation. The need and
potential for achieving mitigation will be indicated. Physical security includes the following
site considerations and needs: Facility setback from roadways, parking areas, the site
perimeter, other facilities and other use areas. Proximity between primary and support
facilities. Physical barriers to prevent or delay unauthorized pedestrian and vehicular
access and to resist weapons and/or explosives effects. Entry control points. Visual
seclusion or openness.

Population – is the basis of many planning decisions. Population characteristics within

an area can identify the potential user or consumer. These characteristics include
population change by births, deaths, migration, age, sex, race, family size – occupation,
income levels, housing accommodations, tax rates and assessments. This information is
important to show for example, who the urban consumers are or the direction of urban
growth.

Primary facilities – the principal functions occurring at the facility and the necessary
space requirements will be determined. Other items to be determined include the
following: Probable points of ingress and egress and need for control; Special architecture
configurations. Physical and visual connections to other facilities - Desired visual
presentation. Use and desired proximity of shared facilities (e.g. dining halls or
headquarters buildings.)

Problem Identification - For whom is the place being made/designed? For what
purpose? Who will decide the form? What resources can be used? What type of solution
is expected? In what location will it be best? Designers must- Clarify the given objectives;
Raise hidden ones for debate; Reveal new possibilities and unexpected costs - Speak for
absent or voiceless clients

Program analysis - translates user needs into physical criteria requirements for facilities.
The program is the basis of the functional relationships diagram. The functional
relationships diagram. The functional relationships diagram delineates the optimal
relationship among activities and facilities. Both the user mission and project
requirements will be verified by interviewing the user to determine the current status.

Project requirements - are fundamental to organizing and locating project elements on

site. Failure to anticipate true programmatic and spatial needs can create many problems.
Safety hazards – requirements and distances necessary for fire codes, flood damage
control, airfield and helicopter clear zones, and explosives safety from surrounding areas
will be considered.

Sensory qualities- Character and relationship of visual spaces and sequences

Sewer system – in residential development, septic system is commonly used. In more

sophisticated methods, sewage is usually disposed of in systems separate from storm.
Water is carried to a disposal plant where it is treated into effluent, which may be
discharge into a river, stream or other natural body of water.

Sha Chi and secret arrows – it contrasts to Sheng chi is Sha Chi Sha is unlucky chi. It
is the chi of problems, blocks, degeneration, sickness, obstacles, accidents and setbacks.
It is unbalanced energy.

Sheng Chi – another term for lucky or prosperous chi

Site analysis inventories - on and off-site conditions and evaluates how these dashed
lines translated into a written and graphic summary of opportunities and constraints. A
thorough site analysis is fundamental to responsive and responsible site design. It is
important to understand the potential impact various site elements can have on a project.
It is important to know how these elements interrelate and are impacted by changes to
each other. The involvement of different disciplines, as appropriate to the site, is essential
to understanding these relations and to preparing a sound analysis. A list of the number
and size of required structures and spaces and expected cost

Site Analysis- The elements studied in site analysis may be classified into two:
Site and User Analysis- Consider the site as a WEB of things and activities; Make a
personal reconnaissance and analyze the fitness of purpose. Site Context - To the
ancients, existence and well-being had direct functional relationship with the environment.
Location of a building or placement of a structure or a community is a process which
obligated one to consult with the gods before anything was touched. Reliance on “signs”
and “visions” large land ownerships were controlled by kings, pharaohs and maharaja

Site Conventions - Primitive cultures invented various strategies to explain the world,
creation and cosmos. The effort to provide some structure to the unknown, earth or
cosmos, was the essence of countless settlements to answer questions like: Where is the
right place?

Site Equilibrium- Any site is composed of many factors - above, below and on the ground
surface - which are interrelated and have achieved some sort of balance.

Site Inventory and Evaluation-A site inventory documents all existing conditions, both
on and off site. It evaluates the impact they will have on site development. The evaluation
may be simply a positive or negative assessment or may be rated on a scale. The data
collection procedures for master planning provide a useful start for preparing site
inventories. The site survey map serves as the base map for the inventory. The
information may be compiled on one or a series of maps, depending upon the size and
complexity of the site. Usually, off-site conditions are recorded on a single map at a scale
which addresses sufficient area surrounding the site. On- site conditions usually require
more than one map. These maps often reflect a combination of conditions which can be
expected to affect each other (e.g., soils and geology, drainage and topography, or
climate and vegetation). The overlay / composite method registers a series of maps to a
base map, allowing one map to overlay another. This method helps visualize how various
conditions impact or reinforce each other. Identification of key points, lines areas and
axes, areas best left undeveloped, areas where insensitive development is possible. In
rural areas area wells are often used but the distance from sanitary absorption field in
rural should be a minimum outside diameter of 30m

Site Plan- records the scale and organization of physical features, locates specific uses,
communicates the scope of construction and any modifications and identifies specific
zones of the landscape management practices.

Site Planning - Is the art of arranging the external physical environment to support human
behavior, activities involved are - selecting and analyzing site; forming land use plan;
organizing vehicular and pedestrian circulation; developing visual form and materials
concept; re-adjusting existing land forms; developing the construction details

Site Planning and Design Process- applies a man-made, or constructed, system upon
a natural, or ecological, system. Planning procedures, or courses of action, recognize the
opportunities and constraints presented by both. Each site is unique, and the functions
on each site present different problems and opportunities. Site design procedures
develop specific methods to create the optimal relationship between facilities and site.
The relationship among facilities, the site and its surroundings helps determine the
installation’s environmental and design quality.

Site Plans - Prepared for a substantial group of buildings of the development of larger
landscapes.

Site Program- State the purpose of the plan; Required physical characteristics;

Site Schematic Plan- Based on the preceding stages and programs patterns of activity
as they occur in some particular place; includes activity in relation to the physical form.
Building form and location; Outdoor activities; Surface circulation; Ground form

Site Survey Map - The topographic survey is the foundation of the site survey map. It
should be acquired as soon as practical for any project. The site survey should locate all
existing above and below-ground facilities and structures. It should show information
about area boundaries and size, topography, water bodies, drainage patterns, utilities,
roadways, vegetation and other site features. If additional information is needed, other
mapping resources include aerial photographs; installation documents.

Site Traffic Impact Analysis – this examines the existing and future offsite traffic on
adjacent roadways. It analyzes proposed on-site traffic. The principal purpose of the
analysis is to determine the proper location and design of site access.

Site Traffic Impact Studies- The need for a site traffic impact study is determined by the
condition of the site’s accessibility and the traffic volume projected to be added to adjacent
roads. This should be prepared for projects located near highly congested areas, high
accident locations and sensitive neighborhoods. The need for a study may also be
established using the following threshold: The project is anticipated to generate 100 or
more new peak direction trips to or from the site in the hour of peak traffic on the adjacent
roadway(s). A transportation plan should be prepared for facilities which can be
anticipated to expand and generate more than 500 peak hour trips. (Peak refers to the
greatest number of vehicles moving in a specific direction and/or at a certain time.) The
plan should be prepared for the horizon year (or final year of development) if the full
buildout will be significantly larger. Because a number of variations can occur when
developing trip generation data for a specific site, transportation and traffic engineers
should be consulted. A minimum site traffic impact study should include information
about: Trips distribution and traffic assignment- including their origin & destination,
purpose, time of day and volume. Existing and projected traffic volumes; Capacity
analysis - Volume of traffic or frequency of flights – to determine whether additional routes
are necessary; Traffic accident analysis. Traffic improvement plan of sites are within
25kms of airport – check noise zones and building heights restrictions.

Site Visit – a site visit is essential to developing an accurate site analysis. No other task
provides as much useful information. A site visit provides the opportunity to- Verify
existing information, especially if a current topographic survey is not available. Evaluate
the impact of existing on and off site conditions. Discover previously unknown conditions
and factors.

Socio-Economic Factors- The study of a community and its social and economic
structure is important in determining the feasibility of a project social factors have a broad
range of effects on community facilities and services. Sometimes new facilities displace
homes, businesses or other community activities.

Sources of Information - Sources include documents such as master plans. Past project
plans and reports also provide information. Site-specific topographic and geotechnical
surveys should be acquired prior to site reconnaissance.

Stonehenge - Not a temple but a calendar which documented and forecast changes in
the season as well as the lunar eclipse phenomenon. It provided a partial insight into the
tenuous sequence of planting, cultivation and harvest.
Storm drain system (with invert elevations near the site) – picks up surface water and
carry it to local streams or lakes where it can be discharged safely.

Subdivision of the site- areas of consistent structure, character, problems.

Summary of significant problems and potentials, including a summary of the key positive
and negative impacts of the proposal.

Support facilities – program and space requirements will be determined for: BUILDING
UTILITIES The necessary types of systems (water, sewer, electric, gas, communications,
etc.) The location and capacity of available trunk lines will be identified. Probable sizes
and loads Potential environmental controls (e.g. environmental protection sewage outflow
standards) Civil, mechanical, electrical and other appropriate engineering disciplines

Surrounding land use- The pattern of existing land use must be designated in relation
to the site. Community facilities public and semi-public, residential, commercial, industrial
and recreational are inventoried to denote overall trends in development that may have
bearing on use of land adjacent to and including the site under study. Inquiry into the
adjacent property owners to find out their future development plans is also recommended.

Telephone system – these lines are placed overhead on electric power poles or are
placed in underground conduits from the underground conduits service is directed into
each residence.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut- The temple was built for the great queen (18th dynasty)
to commemorate her achievements and to serve as a funerary temple for her, as well as
a sanctuary of god Amon-Ra. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is one of the
most dramatically situated in the world. Mountain has been utilized as a surrogate for the
pyramid associated with the sacred quality of hills.

The Forbidden City of Peking- The architecture of the walled complex adheres rigidly
to traditional special principles Orientation of the Forbidden city and for that matter all of
Peking follows a north-south line within the compound, all the most important buildings,
especially those along the main axis face south to honor the sun the buildings and the
ceremonial spaces between them are arranged to convey an impression of great imperial
power while reinforcing the significance of individual details – the relative importance of
a building can be judged not only from its height or without also by the style of its roof and
the number of figurines perched on the roof's ridges.

This balance may be static or dynamic - moving toward another equilibrium.

Ties to context – current and possible linkages, areas where consistent uses are
desirable, patterns or movement to be preserved.

Transportation-All existing and proposed transportation systems to and around the site
will be evaluated for their accessibility. The primary and secondary roadways will be
examined to determine potential access points, traffic loads and safety conditions
including potential hazards. Underutilized parking areas available for shared use will be
identified. Bus routes and loading zones convenient to the site will be identified.
Pedestrian and bicycle paths which may be connected to project development will be
identified.

Unique Character- Understanding the distinct character of the site can indicate practical
limits. Possible damages which may be inflicted on it by careless inference and hidden
potentials have to be identified.

User Mission- The user’s specific needs will be determined for the following: Functional
requirements. Creation of organizational efficiency and safety. Relationship to adjacent
functions. Contribution to the quality of life of the occupants.

Utilities- All utility systems which may be tapped for use will be located and their
capacities indicated. If an existing system is running or nearing its capacity, additional
growth in the area may require improvements to the utility trunk line beyond the immediate
site. Underground pipe line systems (e.g., fuel oil) will be located. Information useful in
evaluating utility systems is their availability and reliability and the distances from existing
trunk lines to the site.

Visual Context - The site’s view shed (area of visual enclosure) will be located if it
extends beyond the site boundaries. The degree to which the surrounding area
contributes to the site’s sense of enclosure or openness, creates desirable or undesirable
views from the site, contains visible scenic features, or may need to be buffered from the
site’s own visual condition. Viewpoints, vistas, focal points; Quality and variation of light,
sound, smell

Vitruvian Criteria - for the model cities- The shape of settlement, the Roman model was
a circle. The form of Roman cities reflected the criteria of Vitruvius, who theorized that the
shape of the city was created from the crossing of two roads dividing the world as a
compass and surrounding the region of that intersection with walls. The concept of
direction and orientation provided a basic mechanism for the development of various
geometric typologies

Water Data of Site - Existing water bodies – variation and purity; Natural and man-made
drainage pattern – amount, directions, blockages, flood zones, undrained depressions,
areas of continuing erosion. Water table – elevation and fluctuations, springs, flow
directions, presence of deep aquifers. Water supply – location, quantity and quality;
Topography; Contours; Patter of landforms – typology, slopes, circulation possibilities,
access points, barriers, visibility
Water system (with locations of fire hydrants near the site)- The most critical utility for
growth at the community level. Water lines are generally adaptable to most site layouts
and mains are located adjacent to roads where they can be serviced easily. User need
for water in cities - 50 to 75 gal/person.

Yin and Yang – the way of the heaven and earth

TROPICAL DESIGN

Absorptivity – ability of object to absorbs heat

Active Building Model – uses mainly plant and equipment to modify climate

Adjustable Sun Breakers – solar shading device can be pivoted to desired angle of
opening

Air Movement - Air flows from high pressure to a low pressure area. Air flows through
the path of least resistance.

Albedo –characteristic of surface. It is the fraction of the total radiant energy of the given
wavelength incident on a surface which is reflected back by that surface instead of being
absorbed

Altitude(ALT) – measured in a vertical plane, between the suns direction and the
horizontal plane; sometimes called elevation
And is very important for health and comfort reasons.
Architectural Elements

Azimuth(AZI) – the direction of the sun measured in the horizontal plane measured from
true north (S) in clockwise direction

Bioclimatic Chart – used by Olgyay to analyze and determine comfort conditions in

building interiors

Bioclimatic Design - is based on the analysis of climate and ambient energy represented
by sun, wind, temperature and humidity. Bioclimatic Design that is responsive to specific
regions and microclimates thus provides and enduring inspiration for architecture.
Bioclimatic Design has developed out of sensitivity to ecological and regional context and
the need to conserve energy and environmental resources. Bioclimatic approaches to
architecture offer a way to design a long term sustainable use of environmental and
material resources. (Watson and Labs 1993)

Blinds – control solar radiation and glare but least effective since it stops the sun’s ray
after it penetrated to the building interior
Blue skies, non-glaring sky; Typhoon prone;

Buffering – placing of screening system such as landscaping to create shade

Cladding elements such as lattice and screens reduces glare and promote ventilation;
Diffuses light to interior space; Acts as transition space between inside and outside
Climate – an integration in time of the physical states of the atmospheric environment of
certain geographic location

Climate responsive design - is based on the way a building form and structure
moderates the climate for human good and well-being (Hyde 2000)

Cold Climate – climate usually found near artic region such as Iceland, Greenland,
Russia and China. Can be divided into Cold Marine, Cold Dessert and Cold Continental

Comfort zone – a temperature ranges in which people felt comfortable

Conditioned Buildings –guarantee comfortable indoor conditions by using an active

system. Designer relies mostly on plant and equipment’; Less energy efficient due to over-
sizing and redundancy; Had localized problem of thermal comfort

Conduction- occurs when the material absorbed heat from the sun and the materials
transferred the heat to the materials in contact with it. Good example is the exchange of
heat from the soil to the slab.

Conductivity – speed with which heat passes through a given material once having
penetrated its surface

Convection- on the other hand occurs when heat transfer from hot material to the
surrounding air film. Another example for this process is the heat from the roof to the
ceiling cavities and the heat from the walls to the interior of the building.

Cool Temperate – Countries in North West Europe, Canada and parts of America such
as Alaska. Divided into Cool Marine and Cool Continental.

Coriolis Force- Rotation of earth deflects the air and creates air movement; the effect
tends to deflect moving objects to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in
the southern and is important in the formation of cyclonic weather systems.

Daytime Heating – land warms rapidly than water

Delay periodic heat flow – principles of bioclimatic which delay heat flow through
insulation value of the materials to improve comfort conditions and lower energy cost.

Direct Connection – design process of regionalist architecture which involves the direct
and creative development and adaptation for contemporary uses of the existing range
built forms, devices, patterns and aesthetics from the cultural and architectural images.
Does not use plant and equipment to modify the climate; Called “free running” because
internal temperature follows the climate; Thermal performance will be kept at external
shade temperature

Earth sheltering – solar shading technique for site with slope and good drainage capacity

Equatorial Region – regions between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn also
known as equatorial belt

Evaporation- is a change of phase of liquid materials to gaseous state. It can be

observed through surface evaporation of material by the help of airflow and high
temperature. These four processes help us to understand on how to maximize the sun’s
potential so that it will easier to achieve good design strategies.

External Wall – an environmental filter

Fixed Sun Breakers – solar shading device; these elements are overhangs, slanted
louvers/fins, vertical louvers/fins and egg crate type
Forward Connection- design process of regionalist architecture which design
considerations include an anticipation of the likely future historical consequences of the
building.

Fully enclosed –courtyard which uses of open space in deep plan building for light, air
and visual continuity

Heat Balance – the constant interchange heat between the sun, earth and atmosphere,
producing small climates that fluctuate markedly on a daily or seasonal cycle

Heat Loss – the transmission of heat from the air inside the building to air outside

Hot – Regions involved are tropical, subtropical and equatorial regions which include
Middle East, Northern India, and parts of Turkey, South East Asian Countries, Central
Africa and Amazon Basin in South America. Can be further divided into Warm Humid, Hot
Dry and Composite.

Hybrid Building Model –uses both active and passive building strategies to modify
climate; Uses plant and equipment to modify climate; Use of microclimate and fabric to
provide passive control; Use of building monitoring; system/computer systems that
regulates building control features and to achieve building’s energy efficiency; Also called
“PASSIVE LOW ENERGY ARCHITECTURE”

Inclined skins – inclination of walls that improved thermal performance

Contemporary Connection – design process of regionalist architecture which uses
selective use and localization of a current technology, forms and ideas that are relevant
to the program and context.

Indirect Connection – design process of regionalist architecture which are use of

contemporary interpretation into form be design of the general principles and lessons
derived through analysis of cultural and architectural tradition of the place.

Inertia – once set in motion, air tends to continue to flow in its initial direction until some
intervening force is met.
Land Breeze – wind from land directed towards the sea

Landscape Connection – design process of regionalist architecture which reflects,

incorporates and integrates the built configuration with the physical features and natural
history of the place (climate, topography and ecology).

Landscaping - encourages evaporative cooling by means of trees, shrubs and grass

cover.

Leeward side – air movement with negative pressure (-)

Macroclimate – climate of the entire region or country

Manufacturing process is less dependent on climate; Assembly sequence are faster and
can be designed to minimized exposure of builders to climate; Assembly process is less
weather-sensitive

Materials selection – materials should be selected according to its density and method
of fabrication. The weight is directly related to size and lifting restrictions of the
components and indirectly relates to the speed of construction.

Microclimate – climate of the immediate environments which include site features such
as hills, rivers, streams, lakes, position of buildings, trees etc.

Minimize conductive heat flow – principles of bioclimatic which can be achieved by the
use of insulation when outdoor temperature is higher or lower than the interior comfort
range.

Minimize solar gain – principles of bioclimatic which avoid overheating by minimizing

building surfaces exposed to the sun and use of radiant barriers or by insulation.

Minimized external air flow – principles of bioclimatic which use of siting and building
form to minimized wind exposure and reduce impact of winds.

Minimized infiltration – principles of bioclimatic which controlling of air leakage through

joints, cracks and faulty seals to avoid energy loss in buildings.

Modernization of traditional models for urban infill – The building is designed to

achieve economic efficiency as well as appropriate climatic design.

Nature of Air Movement – speed (m/s) and turbulence of air

Nighttime Cooling – land cools faster than water

Opaque elements-reflective & colored materials

Passive Building Model –uses the “natural energy” in the environment

Plants - helps absorbs the carbon dioxide in our environment and emit oxygen to our
surroundings that gives cooling effect.
Precipitation - amount, frequency and intensity of rainfall in the locality, usually
measured by Rain Gauge, can be expressed in MM or Inches.
Promote evaporative cooling - principles of bioclimatic which can be achieved by
evaporating moisture by use of air stream or water spray.

Promote radiant cooling – principles of bioclimatic which uses the exterior surface
material in order to emit or re-radiate heat.

Promote solar gain – principles of bioclimatic which uses passive solar technique which
utilized spaces to collect, store and transfer solar heat.
Promote ventilation – principles of bioclimatic which cooling of indoor space by cross
ventilation and stack effect.

Provide thermal storage – principles of bioclimatic which uses thermal massing by

insulating thermal envelope. It involves storing heat in winter and heat sink for cooling
during summer.

Radiation- is another heat process when hot object has a direct view of each other. The
sun usually emits solar radiation and thermal radiation.

Regionalist Architecture - seeks to incorporate in its design to the “spirit” of the place in
which it is located. Its intentions are for contextual architecture which responds self-
evidently to the local conditions. It should relate to the deeper sensibilities and tangible
realities of the place It also expresses the goals and identity of the user. It seeks
architectural significance by relating through built configuration, aesthetics, organization
and technical assembly of materials into certain place and time.

Relative Humidity(RH) – it is an amount of water in the air usually measured by

HYGROMETER expressed in(g/cu.m) or Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT) expressed in °F
or °C.

Roof - as defensive element to climate; An enclosure that resist forces of nature such as
wind, precipitation and sun; In cool climates, it retains heat and the access of rain; In
warm climates, it reduces solar gain during the day and promotes cooling at night

Sea Breeze – wind from the sea directed towards the land;

Semi –enclosed – courtyard type formed as residual spaces from the interlocking of
buildings that provide privacy

Semi-open – courtyard formed from a building using a minimum enclosure providing

access for ventilation and view

Sky – measured in hours of sunshine and cloud cover expressed in ratio and percentage.

Solar Chart – an earth based view of the sun’s apparent movement across the sky used
to facilitate the process of computing the sun’s angles. It is a two dimensional
representation of the sky vault projected to the horizontal plane.

Solar Control - utilizes beneficial sunshine for passive heating, day lighting and
minimizes liabilities of overheating through sun shading, orientation and related
fenestration designs. (Szokolay 1980)
Solar Geometry -Rays of the Sun vary with time and place (altitude)

Solar Radiation – amount of visible light, ultraviolet light and radiant heat.

Solar Radiation – primary source of heat gain which must be controlled to avoid heat
buildup.

Solar Shading Devices – element that shades building which devices depends upon its
location, orientation and form. Shading devices are more efficient on building walls and
roofs because it can intercept the sun’s ray before it can reach the interior of the building.

Special Kinds of Window Glasses – a physical treatment to window glasses. It can be

made into heat reflective, heat absorbing or heat reducing glass.
Staggered arrangement of building is recommended provided that smaller buildings are
placed in front of windward side.
Straight arrangement of building causes greater pressure on spaces between them.

Temperature – usually considered is Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT), it is a measurement

of air temperature taken within a shaded area (you may also use an umbrella to avoid
radiant heat) using a mercurial thermometer.

Thick Skins – those that uses depth and projections in the façade to achieve shading
effect

Thin skins – wall elements that rely on materials to modify indoor climate

Top-down construction sequence – The building is composed of prefabricated

components which can be simply assembled on site. Important features are:

Transparent elements – glass

Trees – landscape element that provides shade and reduces sky and ground glare

Tropical Climate – characteristics of - Warm Humid; High dry bulb temperature (DBT)
during the day; Small difference in temperature range(diurnal range); High relative
humidity (RH); Heavy rains during monsoon season; Presence of tropical storms; Sparse
Vegetation; Overpowering sky glare and sea glare ; Insects ,fungi and molds are
continuing problems ; Hot dry; Very high temperature (DBT) during the day.; Large
difference in temperature range; Minimal annual rainfall; Cloudless sky; Very limited
water supply; Presence of dry winds and dust storms

Tropical Climate – regions with annual mean temperature which is not less than 20° C,
usually located beside the equatorial region

Tropical Design - It is an art and science of designing a building that uses tropical climate
as basis upon which design evolves. Applicable to tropical, sub-tropical and equatorial
climates where discomfort due to heat and humidity are dominant problems.

Tropical Island Climate- Wide temperature range; Fairly constant humidity

Use of climate-oriented traditional ways of building – methods of construction is usually
highly specific, Materials and construction systems have developed based on the
availability of local materials.

Valve Effects – closing and opening of window systems which filter and allow light and
air to pass through

Vegetation and grass – landscape element that reduce temperature by absorption,

insulation and evaporation

Ventilation - comes from the Latin word ventus which means movement of air.

Veranda – a roofed platform along the side of the house; Minimal structural form that
reduces thermal mass; Open sides which allows transparency and coolness

Warm Temperate – Mediterranean Countries. Divided into Western Marine Type and
Eastern Marine Type.

Water features - such as pools, water spray and ponds are source to promote
evaporative cooling

Winds – direction, frequency and movement of air throughout the year.

Windward side – air movement with positive pressure (+)

Zenith Angle (ZEN) – is measured between the sun’s direction and the vertical and it is
supplementary angle of altitude: ZEN= 900- Latitude

REFERENCES:

Hong, F.L. (1999). Architect’s Guide to Climate Design: A Method for Checking Design
in Relation to Climate. Q.C. Philippines. UAP Diliman Chapter

Hyde, R. (2000) Climate Responsive Design. London. E & FN Spon.

Manahan, G.V. (1981). Passive Cooling Technology for Buildings in Hot Humid
Localities. Q.C. Philippines. UAP CPE 1981

Fernandez E.G. (1998). Strategies for Hot Humid Climates. Q.C. Philippines. UAP
Diliman Chapter CPE

Watson, D. and Lab, K. (1993). Climatic Building Design. New York. McGraw Hill

Watson, D. and Murray M. “Bioclimatic Design”. Time Saver Standards: Part I

Architectural Fundamentals. New York. McGraw Hill