Integration of solar-climatic vision and structural design in architecture of tall buildings

Abstract

This article introduces the methodology and the results of an integrated design approach to optimize both structural system and building energy performance through architectural design process. The book titled Intelligent Design using Solar-Climatic Vision [1], introduced a number of practical and effective design approaches towards the creation of energy-efficient building facades as well as comfortable urban environments. Applying solar-climatic vision, especially during the procedure of optimizing tall structural systems, can develop sustainable frameworks that maximize thermal comfort while minimizing waste of resources (e.g. embodied energy of building materials). The integrated design approach consists of three main areas: architectural, solar-climatic, structural and the interconnections between each two of the three. The final solution, thus, will be the multipurpose one meeting all the needs from all three areas. Both top-down and bottomup approaches are used in the process and the final solution is mapped in two poles of integration; first, in overall concepts and large scale and second, in parts and details. Therefore, architects and the leading team members of such design projects require inter-/multidisciplinary knowledge, the ability of whole-system thinking and developing versatile tools. In two case studies, SOLARCHVISION (building simulation tool) in combination with Karamba (structural interactive, parametric finite element program) are applied to optimize solutions for specific climates in the Middle East and the United States. With minor alterations in techniques, similar method with similar principles can be used in other climates as well. Diverse suggestible solutions include: Shading/reflecting devices that perform the role of the main structure framework too; the entire building structure deviates from the direction of gravity (verticality) to optimally shade itself as well as the surrounding. Analysing the results of the current research in practice shows impressive reduction of heating and cooling energy demand and primary energy by designing optimized passive structures of high-rise buildings.