An Overview of Influencing Factors of Thermal Performance for Open Spaces in the Tropics

Abstract

In recent years, urban heat island has become a critical issue especially in the tropics, thereby drawing attention of researchers. Urban heat island poses considerable influence upon the thermal performance of an open space in terms of its social interaction, environmental and therapeutic potentials. To provide benefits towards healthy urban living, proper planning of open spaces is seen to be crucial. In the tropics, the thermal performance of an open space can only be effectively achieved when determinant variables on site and the surroundings are not neglected. This paper provides a comprehensive review of previous studies on the effect of different determinant variables for open spaces with regards to thermal performance in the tropics. Determinant variables such as built forms and configurations, orientation, built envelope and layout, building fabric and surface materials, and natural features like vegetation and water features were reviewed and analysed to identify their influences toward the thermal comfort of open spaces and how the effective passive cooling potential could be enhanced. In conclusion, to achieve the best possible thermal performance for open spaces, determinant variables of greater influence such as built form and configuration, orientation and the built envelope and layout are stressed throughout the design planning.

Proceedings - 3rd Valencia International Biennial of Research in Architecture, VIBRArch

“…The effectiveness of courtyards depends on the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of each courtyard. Some internal ones, such as geometry, aspect ratio (AR), orientation (Oktay 2002), the presence of vegetation or water, degree of exposure to wind (Safarzadeh and Bahadori 2005), constructive finishes (albedo) (Taleghani 2018), shade elements (Cindel et al 2018), stand out, but it is the external environment that determines the tempering capacity to a greater or lesser extent. The microclimate of the courtyard contributes to the energy savings of the building by tempering adjacent rooms.…”