Climate Change & Thermal Comfort

Question 1

What are some global factors affecting city environment?

Answer 1

• elements connect within the structure
• functions within intended use
• transmit the total loads
• spread the load evenly
• resist ground movement
• resists external elements
• design statements based on vision and materials at that period

Question 2

What are two important aspects when designing a building?

Answer 2

• solar gain

- stability

Question 3

What is the building design process?

Answer 3

human comfort/ considerations + tech –> materials & methods

Question 4

What affect do external factors have on comfort in a space? (external climate)

Answer 4

• temperature
• wind speed/direction
• sun paths
• topography
• risk of flooding
• other factors

Question 5

What affect do internal factors have on comfort in a space? (internal climate)

Answer 5

• primary materials including wood, steel, glazing etc

- secondary materials including insulation, plaster, textiles etc

Question 6

What are some direct impacts of climate change on our buildings?

Answer 6

• reinforcement of design strength (wind, thermal stress, snow)
• change of heating and cooling loads, and water demand
• deterioration of the indoor thermal environment
• increase in energy consumption

Question 7

What is the main problem in the way we are building right now in terms of climate change?

Answer 7

• we are ignoring the location of the site
• we are not designing climate responsive buildings that can have much less environmental impact
• we are trying to make architectural statements
• we are not accounting for the greater demands of resources

Question 8

How does sloping/topography affect shading and solar access?

Answer 8

• affects the sun’s angle
• affects the amount pf exposure to the sun at different times of the year
• locations of buildings can affect solar access and shading
  (both winter and summer sun needs to be taken into account)

Question 9

What was significance about the walkie-talkie building in London?

Answer 9

Skyscraper in central London (20 Fenchurch Street) had very intense glare due to the glass facade, the architect Rafael Vinoly had not considering external shading.

Question 10

What is a smooth surface?

Answer 10

Reflects more light and therefore is a more intense colour (think glass facade)

Question 11

What is a rough surface?

Answer 11

Absorbs more light and therefore appears darker