External Dynamic Screens for Thermal Delight and ‘Alliesthesia’

Abstract

External dynamic screens, inspired from geometric patterns of vernacular screens, are popular building facade treatments because of their aesthetic significance. Their potential to impact building cooling energy demand and visual comfort has been well-realized, However, their impact on occupant com¬fort has been under-researched. This study is part of a larger research problem that investigates the impact of external dynamic screens on occupants’ thermal comfort and ‘alliesthesia’/thermal pleasure. This paper focuses on investigating the sensitivity of predicted thermal comfort to geometric parameters of a screen using computational simulations. Results from this sensitivity analysis were used to address the question, as to how can external dynamic screens be designed to create transient yet comfortable thermal environments. The present study formed a basis to inform the design and development of screen prototypes and experiments involving human subjects. It provides architects and architecture students with an approach, where design intentions impact occupant thermal delight, beyond aesthetics.