Architectural design and climate‐an overview

Abstract

This paper describes how climate affects building patterns in various climatic regions. Climate plays a very important role in architectural and building forms. The comparison of climatic data and the requirements for thermal comfort provides the basis for the selection of building form and building elements appropriate for the climate so as to create necessary internal comfort. Efforts are made here to present specific design forms in major climates. It is pointed out that standards are relative and that man should not necessarily submit to climate but may equally control it. Energy‐saving buildings are good attempts in this direction. The importance of social, cultural and economic factors are made mentioned of. With respect to climate, the structural elements of the building (foundation, wall, roof, openings) are of special concern in this paper.