Analysis tool for bioclimatic design strategies in hot humid climates

Abstract

Housing projects design in cities should be based on an understanding of the urban local climate; selection of fitto-purpose thermal comfort models and implementation corresponding design guidelines and best practices. In this context, we developed an analysis tool for bioclimatic design recommendations for architects in Madagascar. The aim of this tool is to support the decision-making process of architects and urban planners by proposing environmental design guidelines for Antananarivo and Toamasina, the two largest cities on the island. Firstly, we performed a climate zoning of the island based on altitude, solar irradiation and dry bulb temperature. Secondly, we developed a bioclimatic analysis based on temperature and humidity levels. The results show that ASHRAE adaptive comfort model is the best model for both cities because it can tolerate higher humidity limits of up to 80% or more. The natural comfort potential varies from 22 in Antananarivo to 45% in Toamasina. Results can be used to create informative bioclimatic analysis visualisations to better assess climate and determine thermal comfort models for other cities in hot-humid climates. The capabilities of the tool allow architects and urban planners to better understand the climate and propose practical design guidance.

Comparative bioclimatic approach for comfort and passive heating and cooling strategies in Algeria

“…The work of Katafygiotou et al [29] on Cyprus and Pajek et al [30] on Slovenia have recently become two of the most cited publications. The third type of chart that was published in 2004 by Dekay and Brown has been used in recent research in Australia, Iran, and Madagascar [8,11,31,32]. Unfortunately, bioclimatic charts lack sensitivity to hot climates and provide misleading design recommendations [15,16].…”

“…The recent progress with respect to adaptive thermal comfort models and their proliferation influence our understanding of the bioclimatic building performance [3][4][5]. Therefore, bioclimatic studies that investigate the effects of climate on the thermal comfort conditions and the building heating and cooling energy demand are increasingly receiving attention from the research and development community [6][7][8].…”

“…Integrating bioclimatic analysis tools into daily urban or architectural design practices is a challenge but an essential step towards realizing effective climate-responsive design [8]. Several analytical tools are available for the quantification of the potential effectiveness of design strategies, e.g., the ECOTECT Weather Tool [9] and Climate Consultant [10,11].…”

“…Several analytical tools are available for the quantification of the potential effectiveness of design strategies, e.g., the ECOTECT Weather Tool [9] and Climate Consultant [10,11]. However, most of those analytical tools depend on static comfort models of fully space-conditioned buildings and are not suitable for buildings in hot climates [8]. More importantly, some of them lack sensitivity to hot climates and provide misleading design recommendations [7,8,12,13].…”

“…However, most of those analytical tools depend on static comfort models of fully space-conditioned buildings and are not suitable for buildings in hot climates [8]. More importantly, some of them lack sensitivity to hot climates and provide misleading design recommendations [7,8,12,13]. Providing accurate bioclimatic design recommendations is essential for making informed design decisions in early design stages [14,15].…”