Computational Fluid Dynamics Application for the Evaluation of a Community Atrium Open Space Design Integrated With Microclimate Environment

Abstract

Abstract. This study aims to develop an approach which integrates the concept of climate-sensitive design with housing community design for the design of better residential buildings fitting into local wind environment. Employing research methods involving field investigation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, the ventilation environment of four typical community atrium spaces were examined and compared in this study. Through a combination of CFD simulation and scenario-based design studies, the research results reveal that the typical long-shape building blocks with high-density housing development lead to poor natural ventilation in atrium open spaces. The research also indicates that if the openings of building masses and atrium can match the prevailing wind direction, the ventilation in community atrium open spaces will be significantly improved, but the overall effects are also affected by several design factors such as the distance between buildings, the size and shape of urban blocks, organization of building masses, and whether or not the wind corridor effect is effectively utilized. It is suggested for further research that more detailed issued-based CFD simulations (e.g., various land use controls or user preferences) of the relationship between wind environment and various design strategies should be conducted in the early stage of the entire design process to obtain the improvement in ventilation environments.

Integrating Microclimate into Landscape Architecture for Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Systematic Review

“…Each of the approaches has specific times when they are most effectively incorporated into the design process (Figure 3). [35][36][37][38][39]. The advantage of evaluating the effect of the built environment is that it is easier to collect reliable and valid microclimate data, and the evaluation results can serve as a reference for future improvement.…”

“…In the case of built landscape projects, testing is required to justify whether it meets the pre-set design criteria [33,42]. In addition, the evaluation of a specific landscape element or microclimate parameter often plays an essential role in some practical landscape projects [35,38]. Strategies are the most common approach according to the literature review results, consisting of goal-oriented strategies and object-oriented strategies.…”

“…Testing by using microclimate simulation software is not only a significant step in RTD (research through design) but also a common procedure before construction (#20) [34]. There are five articles focused on the evaluation in a specific space, including intensive green roofs, traditional courtyards, urban public space, community atrium open space, and high-rise residential area (#17, #24, #28, #30, and #32) [35][36][37][38][39]. The advantage of evaluating the effect of the built environment is that it is easier to collect reliable and valid microclimate data, and the evaluation results can serve as a reference for future improvement.…”

Make Way for the Wind—Promoting Urban Wind Corridor Planning by Integrating RS, GIS, and CFD in Urban Planning and Design to Mitigate the Heat Island Effect

“…With the impact of climate change and the urban heat island effect [1,2], how to develop land use models and building layout patterns in line with local climate characteristics has become an important issue in architecture and urban design [3][4][5][6]. In light of these trends, the concepts of climate-responsive design and urban wind corridor planning have aroused increasing interest and discussion among related academia and professionals [7][8][9][10].…”

“…It is also becoming a popular policy goal for many city governments [16,17]. However, how to introduce the concept of urban wind corridor planning in the critical stages of urban expansion or urban redevelopment while incorporating it into the overall consideration of urban spatial planning, land use planning, and building layout models is still an urgent research topic that needs to be investigated in depth [5].…”