AIR FLOW AROUND

BUILDINGS

ARC 810: APPLIED CLIMATOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE,
ONDO STATE, NIGERIA.

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
 LIST OF SUBTOPICS

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Wind Pressure and Suction
2.3 Effect of Other Buildings
2.4 The Wind Shadow Effect

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
 2.1 INTRODUCTION

The wind flow around a building plays an

important role in determining the air flow pattern
within the building.
Data concerning wind speed and direction are
gathered during site analysis.

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
 2.1 INTRODUCTION
FACTORS AFFECTING AIR FLOW AROUND BUILDINGS
ARE:

The shape of the building.

Height of the building.
Orientation of the building.
Planning of the building.

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
2.2 WIND PRESSURE AND SUCTION

The wind creates a pressure on the windward-side

of the building and suction of the leeward side.
The wind is deflected over the roof and around
the sides of the building, creating a suction.

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
WIND PRESSURE AND SUCTION contd.

At an angle to a
rectangular and L-shaped
buildings, wind pressure is
experienced on the two
windward sides while
suction is experienced on
the other two.

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
2.3 EFFECT OF OTHER BUILDINGS

The proximity and height of

neighbouring buildings affect
wind flow patterns.

ARC 810: Building Climatology

Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
2.4 THE WIND SHADOW EFFECT
The area where suction is
effective is the wind shadow of
the building.
Wind shadow results in poor
ventilation.
Buildings spaced at least six
times their height and
staggering are remedies.
ARC 810: Building Climatology
Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria