Elements, Factors, and Concepts of Climatic Design

University of Batangas – Lipa City

College of Engineering and Architecture
Architecture Department

Submitted to: Ar. Joanne Cristabel S. Bernardino

Pamela Anne Ghail Sarmiento

ARCH2B
September 20, 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I
Introduction 3
Background 3
Purpose 3
Scope 4
Chapter II
Part 1 – Climate, Weather, and Climatic Design 5
1.1 What is Climate? 5
1.2 What is Weather? 5
1.3 What is the difference between climate and weather? 5
1.4 What is the Koppen System? 5
1.5 What are the types of Climate? 6
1.6 What are Climatic Elements to be considered in Design? 7
1.7 What is the Climate of the Philippines? 9
1.8 What are the important elements of climate and weather
in the Philippines? 9
1.9 What are the climate types in the Philippines? 10
Part 2 – Monsoons, Prevailing Winds, Typhoon, Hurricane, Cyclones,
Tropical Depressions and Tropical Storms 11
2.1 What is Monsoon in the Philippines? 11
2.2 What is prevailing winds? 12
2.3 What is Typhoon, Hurricane, Cyclones, Tropical Depressions
and Tropical Storms? 12
Part 3 – Tropical Design and Tropical Climates 13
3.1 What is tropical design? 13
3.2 What are the characteristics of tropical climates? 14
3.3 What are the design objectives and considerations for tropical
Climate? 14
CHAPTER III
Conclusion 17
Recommendation 17
References 19
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Background

The Philippines is a highly vulnerable country due to the relatively high

temperature, high humidity, heavy rainfall, frequent floods, droughts, and
typhoons. With these drastic challenges ahead, adaptable and sustainable design
is becoming increasingly important. According to Ray, S. R. (2019), in the face of
catastrophic natural events, architecture is every so often the first line of defence.
But then again architecture can also harness nature to empower inhabitants.

According to Serrano, V. (2018), making future socialized housing projects

that incorporates adaptability and social inclusivity will not only address urban
development problems but will also contribute to the transformation of sustainable
and resilient communities. Designing spaces that are flexible and adaptive, while
integrating a socially-inclusive design process will enable physical development
professionals achieve social sustainability and strengthen disaster resiliency.

In the end, possible considerations and recommendations are made

regarding what elements should be taken into consideration during the design
process, as well as how these elements can contribute to making the Philippines
more resilient against possible extreme weather events.

Purpose

With the climate consistently changing, storms now becoming stronger, and
the weather becoming hard to live on, the world must start to develop architectural
design and forms that adopts nature and its aspects. The purpose of this paper is
to provide education on the elements, factors, and concepts of climatic design
specifically in the Philippines that will benefit both the government and the
community.
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Scope

This paper will consist of providing background to the climate and its
elements in the Philippines, identifying current characteristics and considerations
for tropical climate design, and the possible impacts posed by these factors in
architecture today.
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CHAPTER II

Part 1 – Climate, Weather, and Climatic Elements in Design

1.1 What is Climate?

Climate refers to the average state of the atmosphere or weather in a long
period of time at a given location. It may include information on the average
temperature in different seasons, rainfall patterns, and sunshine. According to the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO), at least 30 years is the tracking period
used for describing a climate in a certain region.

1.2 What is weather?

Weather refers to the current state of the atmosphere in a short period of time
at a given location with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm,
clearness or cloudiness. It can change from time to time.

1.3. What is the difference between climate and weather?

Climate is a synthesis of weather. It is the weather of a location averaged

over a period of time which is typically 30 years. Weather is only the given state of
the atmosphere that can change in minutes or hours. Temperature, humidity,
precipitation, cloudiness, visibility, and wind are all components of weather.

1.4 What is the Koppen System?

Wladimir Köppen (1846-1940) was a German botanist and climatologist
best remembered for defining and charting the world's climatic zones. For more
than 70 years, he was a driving force in the growth of climatology and meteorology.
According to the National Geographic, the Köppen climate classification system is
one of the most common climate classification systems in the world. It is used to
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denote different climate regions on Earth based on local vegetation. The Köppen-
Geiger system uses colors and shades to classify the world into five climate zones
based on criteria like temperature, which allows for different vegetation growth.

1.5 What are the types of climate?

1.5.1 Tropical or equatorial zone (represented by blue colors on most maps)
In a year, the average temperature in a tropical climatic zone is 64 degrees
Fahrenheit with an average of 59 inches of rain falls each year. This zone includes
the region 20 degrees on each side of the equator, which has a variety of tropical
rainforests, savannas, and chaparrals.

1.5.2 Arid or dry zone (represented by red, pink, and orange colors on most
maps)

Dry regions have relatively little moisture. The likelihood of evaporation

exceeds the likelihood of precipitation. Lower elevations in the Western United
States have these climates. Annual rainfall in low-latitude deserts is often less than
0.1 inch.
1.5.3 Warm/mild temperate zone (represented by green colors on most maps)
It refers to the normal weather in locations with hot, humid summers and
moderate winters. Temperate zones are classified as being in a marine temperate
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climatic zone if the prevailing winds are from the west. Temperate zones are
dominated by deciduous woods and meadows.
1.5.4 Continental zone (represented by purple, violet, and light blue colors on
most maps)
Warm summers and cold winters are typical for those who live in a
continental climatic zone. They may also expect strong snowstorms and
temperatures below -22 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsoon seasons occur in certain
continental zones. During the summer and winter, there may be significant rains.
1.5.5 Polar zone (represented by gray colors on most maps)
Temperatures in the polar climatic zone never rise beyond 50 degrees
Fahrenheit. This climatic zone may be found near both poles.

1.6 What are the climatic elements to be considered in Design?

According to Zareaian et.al. (2013), here are the climatic elements that need
to be considered in Design:

1.6.1 Weather Temperature

The most essential climate aspect influencing climate design is weather

temperature. The maximum and lowest temperatures in the location determine the
planned size in designing various points of a structure, as well as the material
used. As a result, the amount and quality of building materials change depending
on the region: tropical, cold, or temperate.

1.6.2 Soil Temperature

The temperature of the soil and its variations are important throughout the
year. The soil surface has the largest temperature changeability throughout the
year, which is caused by closeness to air and its variations. The deeper we go into
the soil, the less temperature fluctuations we have, such that yearly variations in
soil temperature are induced in a certain depth termed depth or attenuation depth
temperature. Given that a building's foundation is in the soil, understanding soil
temperature, particularly glacial soil temperature and depth, is critical in material
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selection and defining a building's foundation. Furthermore, understanding the

depth of glacial soil can help with the installation of gas and water pipes.

1.6.3 Sunshine

The rate of receiving sunlight is affected by various factors, including

latitude (angle of sunshine), cloud cover, and daylight hours. The angle of the
stretch of sunlight decreases as latitude decreases. Along the vertical line to the
horizon and the more sunlight received Sunshine hour is unrelated to cloud cover;
when one increases, the other drops. Temperature is high in locations where the
earth's surface receives a lot of sunlight.

1.6.4 Wind Direction and Speed

Knowing the wind direction of each location and the frequency of wind from
that direction (prevailing wind) is a significant aspect in determining the
aerodynamic direction of building design so that light buildings are not impacted in
the event of severe winds. Wind speed is also crucial since high-speed winds can
cause separation and physical damage to various elements of a building,
particularly light ones. Understanding the average wind speed at the project site,
as well as the seasonal and yearly dispersion of wind speed, are critical
considerations in fortifying against wind power. The greater the region's mean wind
speed, the stronger the building must be.

1.6.5 Rain Fall

The quantity of rainfall is one of the most important deciding elements in

building construction, particularly ceiling design. Buildings in rainy places must
have gable roofs so that water erosion is decreased, due damages are avoided,
and no water remains on the roof. Otherwise, the negative impacts of rain and its
penetration into structures would become more severe.
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1.7 What is the climate of the Philippines?

According to PAGASA, the Climate of the Philippines is tropical and

maritime. It is characterized by relatively high temperature, high humidity and
abundant rainfall. It is similar in many respects to the climate of the countries of
Central America.

1.8 What are the important elements of climate and weather in the
Philippines?
According to PAGASA, temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which are
discussed hereunder, are the most important elements of the country's weather
and climate.

1.8.1 Temperature

The mean annual temperature in the Philippines, excluding Baguio, is

26.6o C based on the average of all meteorological stations. The lowest month is
January, with an average temperature of 25.5oC, while the hottest month is May,
with an average temperature of 28.3oC. Latitude has little effect on temperature
variation, however height has a bigger impact on temperature difference.

1.8.2 Humidity

The moisture content of the atmosphere is referred to as humidity. The

Philippines has a high relative humidity due to its high temperature and proximity
to bodies of water. The average monthly relative humidity ranges from 71% in
March to 85% in September. Warm temperatures combined with high relative
and absolute humidity cause high sensible temperatures across the archipelago.
It's most miserable from March to May, when the warmth and humidity are at
their highest.

1.8.3 Rainfall

In the Philippines, rainfall is the most important climatic factor. The

distribution of rainfall across the nation varies based on the direction of moisture-
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bearing winds and the placement of mountain ranges. The average annual
rainfall in the Philippines ranges from 965 to 4,064 millimeters.

1.9 What are the climate types in the Philippines?

According to Sales, there are 4 types of climate in the Philippines
1.9.1 Type 1

Dry season from December to May and wet season from June to
November. During the months of June to September rain periods is at maximum.
Places that has this type of climate are exposed to southwest moonsoon.

1.9.2 Type 2

No dry season occurs from December to January. Places that has this
Type are exposed to North East Moonsoon. Tropical Cyclone are frequent in
this areas.

1.9.3 Type 3

Seasons not very pronounced relatively dry. For 6 months , places

experiencing this type of climate are located inland . Southwest moonsoon
greatly affects this areas.

1.9.4 Type 4

Rainfall is more or less evenly throughout the year. North East Luzon,
Southern part of Luzon, Southern Mindanao, and few areas in Visayas
experience this type of climate.

Part 2 – Monsoons, Prevailing Winds, Typhoon, Hurricane, Cyclones,

Tropical Depressions and Tropical Storms

2.1 What is Monsoon in the Philippines?

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Monsoon is a seasonal prevailing wind that occur in the country every

year. The Philippines has two type of monsoons which is the Northeast
Monsoons or Amihan and Southwest Monsoons or Habagat.

2.1.1 Northeast Monsoon or Amihan

The Northeast Monsoon is a cool and dry northeast wind that sweeps
down from Siberia and China to Southeast Asia. This season is distinguished by
mild to moderate rainfall and a prevailing chilly breeze that begins between
November and end sometime in April.

2.1.2 Southwest Monsoon or Habagat

The Southwest Monsoon is characterized by frequent heavy showers and

humid weather. Winds from the west combine with heavy rain to form hazardous
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typhoons. From late June through October, the nation is affected by the
southwest monsoon (occurrence may also vary each year). Because of the
regular rainfall and extreme humidity, the Philippines' low season occurs
throughout the Habagat season.

2.2 What is prevailing winds?

Winds form as high-pressure air masses try to find low-pressure locations.

Prevailing winds are mostly predictable and are called after huge regions of the
Earth where they develop. Convection cells move air and aid in temperature
regulation across the world.

2.3 What is Typhoon, Hurricane, Cyclones, Tropical Depressions and

Tropical Storms?

2.3.1 Cyclones
Tropical cyclones, which include hurricanes and typhoons, are the same
weather event. Meteorologists use the term "tropical cyclone" to define a
revolving, structured system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over
tropical or subtropical seas and has closed, low-level circulation. According to
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PAGASA, the tropical cyclone's energy is thus obtained from the huge release of
the latent heat of condensation.
2.3.2 Typhoon
Typhoon is a tropical cyclone that reaches maximum sustained winds
of 74 miles per hour or higher. This term is used in Northwest Pacific.

2.3.3 Hurricane
The only difference between a hurricane and a typhoon is the location
where the storm occurs. In the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern
North Pacific, the term hurricane is used.

2.3.4 Tropical Depressions

The weakest tropical cyclones are called tropical depressions. When a low
pressure region is accompanied with thunderstorms that create a circular wind
flow with maximum sustained speeds less than 39 mph, a tropical depression
emerges.

2.3.5 Tropical Storms

If a depression intensifies such that its maximum sustained winds

reach 39 miles per hour, the tropical cyclone becomes a tropical storm.

Part 3 – Tropical Design and Tropical Climates

3.1 What is tropical design?

According to Archian (2013), Tropical Design is the strategic arrangement

of elements in buildings and structures to respond to specific conditions of weather,
sun and climate prevalent in the Tropic Region. Tropical architectural design
concepts include regional evaluation, climatic aspects, site selection, solar
orientation, solar control on the environment and building, forms, wind impacts,
and air flow patterns, thermal effects of materials, and heliothermic planning.
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3.2 What are the characteristics of tropical climates?

According to London (2018), climates around the world are classified
according to the Köppen Climate Classification System. The classifications in
this system are based on temperature and precipitation averages on a monthly
and yearly basis. One of the classifications is that of tropical wet climates, or
rainforests. Humid tropical climates have distinguishing characteristics other
than temperature and precipitation. Tropical humid climates have distinct
locations and abundant animal and plant life.

3.3 What are the design objectives and considerations for tropical Climate?

3.3.1 Form
When the goal is to give superior thermal comfort to the user and protection
of both the living rooms and the outdoor areas in a hot, windy, and sometimes
humid environment, shape is one of the key concerns for passive design. In order
to limit heat gain, inward-looking structures with inside courtyards for the
construction of cooling spaces are required. When combined, the volumetric
impact for clustered cooling in huge buildings is another avenue to investigate in
urban design.

3.3.2 Orientation
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Another passive design strategy concentrated into the design along with the
form is to encourage clustered arrangements for heat absorption and shading
opportunities, which is heavily influenced by the varying amount of solar radiation
falling on different sides of the building at different times of the day. Aside from
solar orientation, another consideration is the building's orientation, as well as the
directions of the prevailing winds, for optimal cross-ventilation and cooling of the
structure.

3.3.3 Sun Study

For a tropical zone, where peak temperatures can reach 30 degrees
Celsius and diurnal variations can reach 20 degrees Celsius, studying the sun
and daylight, as well as its solar radiations and energy analysis, is critical if one
plans to segregate the external spaces, interiors, and light-sensitive spaces while
incorporating the typical passive design elements such as mutual shading and
adaptability to the seasonal regions change of the sun.

3.3.4 Openings
Openings are crucial in a building because they determine breathability
largely through the exchange of air, although their placement and size vary
depending on the geographical goals. Regardless, it must be ensured that the
wind entering the house does not pass over hot surfaces and that the openings
are large and operable while remaining manageable in terms of rain, insects, and
other natural gears.

3.3.5 Planning

Building planning or zoning entails careful study of room-by-room layouts,

consideration of different seasons and times of day when the spaces are utilized
the most extensively, and better identifying the spaces as principal or auxiliary in
connection to the former two. The architect must take advantage of the climatic
advantages of the accessible spaces in the overall plan, as well as consider the
transformability of spaces throughout the day and night for segregation of areas
with higher internal radiant loads and areas with active requirements for
conventional cooling.
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3.3.6 Ventilation
A consistent flow of air circulating through your home is essential for
maintaining a healthy interior temperature. This movement may be achieved by
letting cold air to flow from one side of a room to the other. This is known as
cross ventilation, and it happens when air has an unrestricted passage across a
room or structure. Large windows and doors are desirable, but the sort of window
or door should also be considered. Users should also place them to promote air
flow across the space rather than just one spot.

3.3.7 Wall Materials and Construction

Because of their thermal properties, lightweight materials are often

preferable for tropical regions. Concrete blocks, cast-in-place concrete, or
masonry bricks are chosen in various tropical locations. On a framed
construction method, materials such as wood, metal, and cement boards cool
quickly. This procedure offers a more pleasant sleeping environment.
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CHAPTER III

Conclusion

The Philippines is indeed one of the world's most disaster-prone locations.

This nation is frequently hit by typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, and storm surges. Buildings and houses have benefited humans and
the community by giving shelter and protection. The role of architects and
engineers in adapting and designing structures that focuses on the climate,
whether in high or low temperature regions, has been more important than ever
with the pressuring use of these elements considered “green” and
environmentally friendly. There is a need to promote the notion of resilience in
design through education, advanced research, and development. Nature
conservation and responsible resource use promote the well-being of all and the
future of future generations. Moreover, examine all regional aspects of the
projects and devise effective solutions that connect climate and the design. With
advances in technology and study, a number of solutions to climate concerns
have been discovered. It is vital that we analyze them rather than being happy
with the notion that whatever we have done in the past to solve climatic
difficulties was optimal and will remain true for all periods.

Recommendations

As a result of shifting climates and weather patterns, architects now have

the chance to step up in designing more typhoon-resistant structures. New and
renovated cities, whether historic or not, must evolve over time for the benefit of
future generations. Taking full advantage of the nature and its elements before
using any artificial mechanisms for a certain space would contribute to the
continuous problem of climate change, carbon emissions, and energy
consumption.

Natural ventilation and sun protection are fundamental techniques for

ensuring environmental comfort. The facades of a building should be protected
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against intense solar radiation. The use of mechanical ventilation is an option for
those who also want to soften the heat. But proper orientation and prevailing
natural winds are the best tools in these occurrences. Also remember that the
use of eaves and thermal insulation can be considered when designing a project.
This regionalist design must also be founded on sustainability and intelligent use
of urban space. This manner, the user may save money on building sites while
also achieving speedier outcomes. Natural challenges stimulate the human
imagination and inspire the development of new technology to overcome them.
As a result, our society may expand and occupy diverse parts of our world,
whether they are cold and humid or hot and dry.
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References

Archian (2013). Tropical Design Lecture 1: Global Climate and Solar Architecture
https://archian.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/tropical-design-lecture-1-global-
climate-and-solar-architecture/

Architropics, 7 Strategies For Designing A House In The Tropics,

https://architropics.com/designing-a-house-for-the-tropics/
Ching, M. (2019), Construction Company Philippines: How Temperature Affect
Buildings, https://www.rmjeconstruction.com/construction-company-
philippines-how-temperature-affect-buildings/

Conejos, S. (2018), The role of architects in climate change adaptation and

urban resilience, https://www.united-architects.org/news/the-role-of-
architects-in-climate-change-adaptation-and-urban-resilience-451
De Jesus, A. (2011) Green Architrends: Tropical Architecture”, Philippine Daily
Inquirer, http://business.inquirer.net/19613/tropical-architecture

Mission, J. (2012), Climate – Adaptive Architecture in the Philippines,

http://uapccd.blogspot.com/2012/09/climate-adaptive-architecture-in.html

Mour, P. (2022) 10 Things to remember when designing in Tropical climate

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a2129-10-
things-to-remember-when-designing-in-tropical-climate/

NASA, What is the difference between a tropical storm and a tropical

depression? https://gpm.nasa.gov/resources/faq/what-difference-between-
tropical-storm-and-tropical-depression

National Geographic (2022). Prevailing Winds

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/prevailing-winds

NOAA (2017). What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/eutrophication.html

Laborda, P. (2021). Philippines' seasons: What are Amihan and Habagat?

https://www.divescotty.com/underwater-blog/amihan-habagat-
monsoon.php

London, J. (2018). The Characteristics of a Humid, Tropical Climate

https://sciencing.com/characteristics-humid-tropical-climate-
8520547.html
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PAGASA, Climate of the Philippines

https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/climate-philippines
Patrick/Discover Philippines, (2020) Climate of the Philippines,
https://www.discoverthephilippines.com/climate-of-the-philippines/

Ray, S. R. (2019). Ocho Balay: The Design and Developmental Construction of a

Typhoon Shelter for the Rural Areas in the Philippines.
https://pea.lib.pte.hu/handle/pea/19347

Sales, H., 4 Types Of Climate in the Philippines,

https://www.academia.edu/8208267/4_Types_Of_Climate_in_the_Philippi
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Shastri, J.D. (1959), Effect of Climate on Architectural Expression,

https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-168634

Serrano, V. (2018). Disaster Resilient Residential Planning through the Integration

of Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response to
the Economic and Socialized Housing Project Standards in the Philippines.
https://sciforum.net/paper/view/5988
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Buildings (From Urbanization Architecture Approach)
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