Passive Design Strategies Research Articles

Sustainable architecture: Envisioning self-sustaining buildings for the future

Sustainable Architecture: Envisioning Self-Sustaining Buildings for the Future explores the imperative for sustainable design practices in the construction industry. With global environmental challenges becoming increasingly urgent, the need for buildings that are not just energy-efficient but also self-sustaining is paramount. This report delves into the principles, technologies, and design strategies that can transform traditional buildings into sustainable structures that reduce environmental impact and enhance quality of life. The report begins by highlighting the pressing need for sustainable architecture, emphasizing the role of buildings in contributing to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. It then outlines key principles of sustainable architecture, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. A major focus of the report is on innovative technologies and design strategies that can be employed to create self-sustaining buildings. These include passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, and natural ventilation, as well as active technologies like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs. Case studies of successful sustainable buildings from around the world illustrate the practical application of these principles and technologies. Finally, the report discusses the challenges and barriers to implementing sustainable architecture, such as cost considerations, lack of awareness, and regulatory hurdles. It concludes with a call to action for stakeholders in the construction industry to embrace sustainable practices and work towards creating a built environment that is not just sustainable but regenerative, contributing positively to the planet and its inhabitants. "Sustainable Architecture: Envisioning Self-Sustaining Buildings for the Future" provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, technologies, and design strategies that can drive the transition towards a more sustainable built environment. It serves as a valuable resource for architects, designers, policymakers, and anyone interested in creating a more sustainable future. Keywords:  Sustainability, Building, Future, Architecture.

Energy efficiency in architecture: Strategies and technologies

Energy efficiency in architecture is a critical consideration in the design and construction of buildings, aiming to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. This abstract explores various strategies and technologies that can be implemented to enhance energy efficiency in architecture. The importance of energy efficiency in architecture lies in its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and create healthier indoor environments. Achieving energy efficiency in architecture involves a combination of passive design strategies, such as orientation, shading, and natural ventilation, as well as active technologies, including high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems. Passive design strategies are fundamental to energy-efficient architecture, utilizing the natural elements of sunlight, shade, and airflow to minimize the need for mechanical heating, cooling, and lighting. Proper building orientation, effective shading devices, and strategic placement of windows and openings can maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation systems. In addition to passive design strategies, active technologies play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency in architecture. High-performance insulation materials, such as aerogel and vacuum insulation panels, can significantly reduce heat loss and gain through building envelopes, improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. Energy-efficient lighting systems, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and daylight harvesting systems, can reduce electricity usage for lighting, while renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, can generate clean energy on-site, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Overall, energy efficiency in architecture requires a holistic approach that considers both passive design strategies and active technologies. By incorporating these strategies and technologies into building design and construction, architects and designers can create buildings that are not only environmentally sustainable but also comfortable, healthy, and cost-effective for occupants.

A Multi-objective Optimization of Window and Light Shelf Design in Office Buildings to Improve Occupants’ Thermal and Visual Comfort

In office buildings, an efficient design of windows and using light shelves as a passive design strategy significantly influence the thermal and visual comfort of occupants while enhancing the productivity and health of users. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization for the optimal design of windows and light shelves in office buildings to improve occupants' comfort. Initially, a parametric model was developed using Grasshopper parametric software. Afterward, the Honeybee energy and daylight plugin was employed for simulating thermal and visual conditions, and finally, multi-objective optimization was conducted with the Octopus plugin. This plugin can determine the best solution as a compromise decision for maximizing occupants' comfort. In this paper, an office building in Tehran has been chosen as a case study. The decision variables are window-to-wall ratio (WWR), shading control strategy, viewpoint, the transmission of glass, light shelf length, and light shelf height. The objective functions of the study are the annual average Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) and the annual average Discomfort Glare Probability (DGP). According to the results, the proposed optimization model leads to an 18.5–70.1% and 9.3–57.1% reduction in DGP and PPD indexes, respectively. The study findings provide practical and useful instruction for architects to select optimal specifications of windows and light shelves to develop occupants' thermal and visual comfort in office buildings.

Climate Adaptation Analysis and Comfort Optimization Strategies for Traditional Residential Buildings in Hot-Summer, Cold-Winter Regions: A Case Study in Xuzhou, China

Climate change and the energy crisis have catalyzed the architectural industry’s consideration of green and energy-efficient buildings. With the continuous deepening and expansion of research, people have gradually realized the reference value of the passive design strategies embedded in traditional residential buildings for contemporary architectural design and renovation. This paper takes the traditional residential buildings on Hubu Mountain, Xuzhou, as its research object, and explores their thermal and wind environment characteristics through field investigations and software simulation analysis. It is found that Xuzhou’s traditional houses have good temperature regulation, with fluctuations of about 5 °C indoors and 10 °C outdoors in summer and about 7 °C indoors and 12 °C outdoors in winter. Their form, material and structure are well adapted to the local climate. There is also a need to optimize the buildings’ moisture resistance and ventilation for better comfort. Subsequently, this study analyzes the climate adaptability features in traditional building construction techniques and then extracts climate adaptability methods, proposing targeted optimization and renovation suggestions, aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of architecture and ecology.

Experimental and numerical study on the thermal performance of earthbag-wall units incorporated with phase change materials

The demand for temporary housing for refugees and displaced communities has led to the development of earthbag buildings. While these structures are affordable and sustainable, they often struggle with thermal discomfort in extreme climates. This study aims to examine the integration of phase change materials (PCM) into earthbag walls to improve thermal performance. The research involved incorporating paraffin wax and microencapsulated PCM into scaled-down earthbag walls, with their performance evaluated in a controlled environment. The results were validated against a numerical simulation model developed in EnergyPlus. The study revealed significant thermal improvements with PCM integration. Wall-2, with paraffin wax A31, demonstrated a surface temperature reduction of up to 1.9 °C, while Wall-3, with microencapsulation Inertek26, showed a decrease of 2.4 °C compared to the reference wall. A parametric analysis highlighted the importance of PCM layer thickness. Specifically, Wall-2 with a 6 cm paraffin wax layer achieved a maximum reduction of 4.0 °C compared to the base case. The study identified the transition temperature of PCM as a critical factor in thermal performance, with paraffin wax A31 emerging as the optimal choice. Placing the PCM layer on the interior surface of the wall was more effective than exterior placement. Overall, PCM integration in earthbag walls offers a promising solution to enhance thermal comfort in temporary housing, addressing the critical needs of refugees and displaced communities. This research fills existing gaps in thermal comfort in temporary housing and demonstrates the potential of PCM as an innovative passive design strategy.

Impact of Retrofitting Strategies for Sustainability of Building

In response to the urgent need for sustainability, the modernization of existing buildings has become a key strategy to improve the environmental protection of the built environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the multifaceted impact of modernization strategies on enhancing sustainability through a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature. Combining empirical findings and theoretical insights, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic and social impacts associated with modernization. The study begins by identifying the general goals and motivations that drive modernization efforts, including the need to reduce carbon emissions, optimize resource use and promote resilience in the face of climate change. Next, the study explores the various renovation methods and technologies available, from energy-efficient renovations to passive design strategies and renewable energy integration. Through a systematic review of empirical studies and case studies, the effectiveness of these measures in mitigating environmental impacts, improving user comfort and achieving long-term cost savings is identified. In addition, the research seeks to unravel the complex interaction between modernization strategies and broader socio-economic dynamics, including equity, affordability and community engagement. Critically assessing the impact of the proliferation of renovation projects, the research aims to identify potential barriers to equal access and participation, thus promoting inclusive and inclusive approaches to sustainable building development. In conclusion, this study contributes to the evolving debate on sustainable building practices by providing nuanced insights into the opportunities and challenges of renovation strategies. By synthesizing existing knowledge and highlighting critical gaps in understanding, research aims to inform policy. actors, actors and stakeholders in the field of the built environment, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and promoting the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

Thermal comfort, daylight, and energy performance of envelope-integrated algae-based bioshading and static shading systems through multi-objective optimization

Energy-efficient envelopes integrated with different shading devices, as noticeable passive design strategies, have been of great interest for research studies. However, there is a lack of attention on optimizing envelope-integrated novel algae-based bioshading systems (ABBS) in comparison with other shading devices to enhance buildings’ sustainability-oriented performances. Integrating microalgae culture system with building façade as a state-of-the-art bioshading system is among recent developments in high-performance architecture. Although, challenges/limitations concerning different performances of this technology have not been extensively addressed. The present study conducts a multi-objective optimization framework to investigate the Thermal Comfort Percentage (TCP), Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), and Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) in a school building to evaluate the relationship between the performance objectives and design variables (shading characteristics, window-to-wall ratio (WWR)) through comparing different static shading systems and ABBS in the hot (BSh) and cold semi-arid (BSk) climates. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was also applied to determine the best design options within Pareto frontiers. Results demonstrated that horizontal louver by 128.52 % TCP, 15.10 % UDI improvement in south-oriented façade in BSk, and overhang with fin (OF) by 18.99 % EUI reduction in southern facade in BSh climates contribute the most to enhance the objective metrics. Also, ABBS was not a stand-first system to enhance all the objective metrics compared to the other shading systems in none of the examined climates. Sensitivity analysis indicated that WWR has the most significant positive impact on EUI compared to the other studied metrics in almost all design options.

Comparing the whole life cycle carbon impact of conventional and biogenic building materials across major residential typologies in Ghana and Senegal

Across West African built environments, patterns of high greenhouse gas emissions are driven by the widespread importation of high embodied carbon building materials by a largely self-built industry and recurring operational carbon costs driven by increased access to fossil-fuel based energy services. Using a whole life cycle assessment (LCA) of major residential typologies in two case-study West African countries, Ghana and Senegal, this paper compares the greenhouse gas emissions of imported building materials with local alternative biogenic and geogenic materials within conventional housing typologies. Results indicated that locally sourced biogenic and geogenic materials may be rendered ineffective in buildings if future typologies do not address the effective space density, passive design strategies and increased renewable energy-use. For the building typology with the highest carbon footprint, the Ghanaian detached house, the substitution of conventional building materials with non-fired earth masonry did not have any significant impact. As shown in the housing typology with the lowest operational to embodied carbon ratio, the Senegalese vertical housing case study, optimizing the thermal mass design of earthen building envelopes can significantly drive down lifetime operational carbon emissions. For tropical low-rise building typologies dominated by high roof area to building volume ratios, roof insulation could drive down operational carbon of the building by a factor of 4 to 5. Although each additional storey results in approximately 10–12 % increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the vertical expansion of housing represents an important driver in reducing greenhouse gas emissions per capita.

Evaluation of energy performance in positive energy building: X HOUSE at solar decathlon Middle East 2021

Internationally known as the “Olympics of Sustainable Building”, Solar Decathlon Middle East 2021 is the first competition linked to a world EXPO. The competition requests teams to design, build and operate a zero-energy house to drive the buildings and cities in the Middle East to transform into sustainable and intelligent ones.X HOUSE took first place in the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2021 and won eight contests. This article analyzes how the simulation optimization guides the design of X HOUSE to achieve higher energy efficiency and comfort conditions in terms of passive and active design strategies and solar energy utilization. It verifies the effectiveness of the simulation by a detailed analysis based on the monitored data at the competition site in Dubai. It also studies how house management strategies can improve the actual energy performance of X HOUSE. The analysis results show that the X HOUSE is a Positive Energy Building with highly efficient comfort and energy performance, it has strong power accommodation ability for peak shaving without relying on the grid, and it provides satisfactory thermal, ventilation, luminous, acoustics and healthy environment as well as a fully functional and flexible space. It provides a reference and methodology for the design of PEBs and sustainable development in the Middle East.

Adaptive Reuse of Old Houses into Boutique Hotels: An Approach to Market Architectural Heritage

Adaptive reuse of old house with rich architectural heritage into a boutique hotels or speciality tourism sector becoming a popular strategy while catering to sustainable use of resources. In addition, adaptive reuse helps to preserve architectural uniqueness, strength the local economy through environmentally friendly manner. This study focused to explore reuse house as boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, the vernacular and colonial approach by analysing the process and changes that occur on its application and identify the tourist perception on unique experience. Mixed method approach was instrumental in data collection. Site visits, walkthrough tour to identify building performance, analysis of the photographs, videos and online user satisfaction reviews were used to obtain tourist perceptions on reuse of old houses. Case studies approach used to study the 15 old houses converter to boutique hotels. Adaptive reuse of boutique hotels carter to the high-end tourist market and specially cratering to families and groups. Renovating old houses into boutique hotels enhances the value of the structures while preserving the passive design strategies inherent in vernacular and colonial buildings. Tourists appreciate the remarkable design layout, refined decor, aesthetic appeal of the space, and the ability of the interior to maintain its charm despite the tropical climate, offering mesmerizing views of the architecture. The result shows that a significant number of vernacular and colonial residences belonging to rich individuals have been transformed into boutique hotels, attracting a discerning clientele of high-end tourists. Conservation and restoration of economically and culturally important but abandoned buildings through its adoptive reuse contributes to the enhancement of tourist attraction, liveability, tackle the challenges of resource scarcity, waste prevention and preserve heritage.
  
 Keywords: Old houses, Tourist perception, Adaptive reuse, Sri Lanka
  

Theoretical framework of the Isfahani style: Inspiring sustainable aspects of a vernacular urban development

The Isfahani style represents a method of traditional Iranian architecture and urban development that existed in the early 20th century and is regarded as a leading model in most traditional Iranian cities. It exhibits several vigorous features contributing to its recognition as a traditional approach to sustainable architecture and urban development. This research endeavors to reveal a theoretical framework beneath these inspiring aspects using the typology of sustainable modern forms, including the hierarchy, passive design strategies, compactness, density, diversity, mixed land use, pluralism, balance, good composition, and integration over time. To this end, the study employs qualitative research methods, drawing from traditional samples, to identify innovative, energy and socially efficient, and low-impact strategies implemented in this vernacular architecture of Iran's semi-arid and hot climates. The findings revealed that the neighborhood concept as a local and plural community (Mahalla) was a vital phenomenon in Iran's urban development. Apparently, the demise of this paradigm effectively played an important role in the numerous challenges regarding the social, energy, and economic viability of modern Iranian cities. Hence, this study presented theoretical frameworks—aligned with sustainable concepts—from the Isfahani style through its analysis, classification, and interpretation, which can contribute to modern urban development.

A holistic two-stage decision-making methodology for passive and active building design strategies under uncertainty

In the last decade, many studies focused on finding optimal design solutions considering trade-offs between different aspects of building design. Accordingly, multi-objective optimization (MOO) approaches have been increasingly applied in the building industry. However, certain aspects must be deepened to ensure a more effective decision-making process in the early planning phase. On the one hand, uncertainties should be considered before making decisions to ensure the robustness of the optimal solutions; on the other hand, decisions are made at different times in building planning, and the sequential order of making decisions should be modeled. This paper presents a holistic two-stage multi-objective stochastic optimization (MOSO)-II framework to minimize the environmental impact of global warming potential (GWP) and cost throughout the entire life cycle of a building (phases of A1-A3, B4, B6 and C3-C4), considering passive and active design strategies in two consecutive stages, under uncertainty. Herein, individual/use and political/market uncertainties are considered. As a proof of concept, the proposed framework is applied in a case study for a generic zone in a multi-family terraced residential building type with solid brick construction. The advantages of the proposed framework are validated by comparing it with alternative single-stage MOSO frameworks. Results show that the proposed two-stage MOSO-II framework can deliver a smaller range of solutions with a better performance in terms of lower GWP and cost. It indicates that the proposed framework can effectively assist planners in decision-making by reducing the effort in choosing the proper solution. Secondly, the results also emphasize the importance of passive design strategies in sustainable building planning. In addition, the energy mix structure and cost of energy sources should be carefully adjusted in the future to promote a more ecologically sustainable building design.

Comparison analysis of temperature and thermal energy needs of two earth-based constructions in the hot semi-arid climate

ABSTRACT As climate change is globally widespread and intensifying, there is an urgent call for buildings to undergo energy reduction and decarbonization in order to reach carbon-neutrality by 2050. This article comes in response to this need, by comparing the thermal energy savings and discomfort mitigation from implementing climate-responsive design strategies with respect to the hot semi-arid climate of Morocco. To do so, we’ve used EnergyPlus to evaluate the thermal energy performance and indoor thermal comfort conditions of two passive unoccupied homes: Home_1 and home_2; and the accuracy of the building energy models has been approved via forty days of indoor temperature measurements in two different thermal zones for each home. Furthermore, the comparison of the annual thermal needs of both passive homes has demonstrated that passive design strategies influence heavily the thermal performance of the buildings and help mitigate indoor comfort conditions, especially in the cooling period. A combination of semi-arid climate-responsive passive design strategies for home_2 has allowed to reach a thermal energy intensity of 23.31 kWh/m2/year, which is less by 73.3% in comparison with the thermal energy needs of home_1 and also Discomfort Hours (DH) in home_2 is 2069 h, against 5744 h in home_1.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Passive Design Strategies in Achieving Thermal Comfort in Residential Buildings in Egypt

This study aims at thermal comfort improvement in residential buildings through utilization of passive design strategies and energy efficiency measures. The study investigates the impact of passive strategies on thermal comfort in hot dry climate of Egypt. A climatic analysis of three cities: Aswan, Cairo and Alexandria was conducted to examine passive design strategies’ efficacy. Thermal comfort in a residential building was examined by DesignBuilder simulation software. Annual simulations were performed on the model where several passive design strategies were applied. Passive design strategies’ potential was quantified and a parametric analysis was conducted for thermal comfort improvement. The results demonstrate that applying passive design strategies can be effective in reducing discomfort hours in hot climate. Comfort hours could be increased from 22.6% to 33.1 % in Aswan, while in Cairo can be increased from 31.1% to 38.6 %, and in Alexandria from 36.9% to 46 %. The research findings could be used by architects for thermal comfort improvement in residential buildings.

Investigation of the Performance of Zero Energy Homes in Hot Climates

Globally, the rate at which buildings use resources and energy has been rising. Due to population growth, rise in living standard, and global warming, strategies for energy conservation have been adopted lately in zero energy buildings. Over the past decade, the energy consumption in constructions has increased at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, it is of great importance to mandate energy rationalization in building construction. This research investigates the impact of applying zero energy concept in homes in Egypt. The study begins by analysing the current situation of the energy sector and existing buildings in Egypt, the NZEB concept is defined and its different aspects are highlighted. Energy simulation by DesignBuilder simulation software is used to evaluate energy performance for a residential single family house model after applying Passive and Active design strategies. A number of energy saving strategies have been examined to optimize the building envelope with minimum energy requirements. The building energy consumption was reduced when various energy efficient strategies were combined. Besides utilizing energy efficient HVAC systems. a solar PV system is installed to meet the reduced energy. The case study was transformed into a zero-energy house. Results show that passive and active techniques can be dependable for steady energy production in buildings in hot dry regions.

EFFECTS OF INCENTIVES ON PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES BY GOVERNMENT IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICE

The building industry, projected to grow at 4.2% annually between 2018 and 2023, has become a formidable pollutant causing climate change that compounds environmental loads. Cities can be said to be “crucibles of hazards” due to several environmental challenges particularly that of fossil fuel’s pollution. A growing consensus among organizations committed to environmental performance targets appropriate strategies to make building activities more sustainable. This paper aims to assess the effects of incentives on passive design strategies in enhancing sustainable building practice. Questionnaire design, employing qualitative strategy was adopted. Study population of Southwest Nigerian architectural firms was 553 as published by ARCON in 2021. Sample size was 170 firms using Cochran’s formula with confidence level of 95 percent. The multi-stage sampling was used. Data for research were analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Result revealed different types of incentives that government can offer to enhance sustainable building practice among construction stakeholders. Result also confirmed that rigid-regulatory approach to incentives does not encourage their uptake among construction stakeholders where available. Study recommends that government should enhance sustainable building process by introducing one or more of the forms of incentives, evaluating their preferences with respect to the form of incentives relative to projects to be executed, available resources and time.

INTEGRATED PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN WITH A PASSIVE ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH IN THE TINGKIR SUB-DISTRICT, SALATIGA

Public places that provide a secure, welcoming, and beautiful environment are becoming increasingly important to enhance community welfare. The government is attempting to enhance public services in Salatiga's Tingkir sub-district by creating an integrated public space design for the neighbourhood. Presenting this integrated public space is difficult as it must allow for various community activities in a typical community area, including sports, education, recreation, and events. In response to this problem, a passive design strategy that optimises building operations and conserves resources by considering context and microclimate elements is given in the design of a public space. These include modifications to the traditional Javanese stilt house form, skylights for daylighting, and roof protection against predicted excessive rains and sunshine. Integrated public space planning aims to fulfil many communities' requirements and provide a visually stunning and sustainable environment for everyone via these strategies. This study's most effective passive design techniques are adapting the traditional stilt house model to increase natural ventilation on artificial cooling systems and roof protection as shading, which can effectively regulate temperature. These methods are anticipated to enhance public spaces' overall sustainability and livability, transforming them into ecologically conscious and neighbourhood-focused hubs of activity and engagement.

Application of Passive Techniques to Achieve Thermal Comfort and Minimize Energy Consumption: A case of Office Building in Composite Climate, India

Abstract: Approximately 5% of India’s total construction currently embraces sustainable design, indicating significant potential in the Indian market. The key to successful building design lies in the integration of both passive & active techniques. Emphasizing passive strategies are essential due to their cost-effectiveness & superior efficiency compared to active methods. For truly achieving sustainability it is imperative to prioritize passive strategies tailored to the local climate. Active techniques should function as supplementary elements rather than overshadowing passive approaches. The study concentrates on comprehending passive design strategies specific to India’s composite climate by analyzing case studies of various office buildings. The investigation delves into passive strategies such as orientation, fenestration, shading devices, earth touch, roof gardens, water features & landscaping. The proper use of passive techniques promotes energy saving.

Bioclimatic classification for building energy efficiency using hierarchical clustering: A case study for Sri Lanka

Climate zoning is fundamental to improving building energy efficiency through bioclimatic design principles and passive design strategies. In Sri Lanka, buildings consume approximately 37 % of primary energy and about 33 % of total generated electricity. This study aims to carry out bioclimatic zoning and estimate the passive design potential for each bioclimatic zone. Utilising dimensionality reduction through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering on 31 years of weather information, Sri Lanka is classified into three distinct bioclimatic zones, namely Z1 (Hot and humid), Z2 (Cool and humid) and Z3 (Warm and humid). An hourly method was used for each zone to determine HDD and CDD. Accordingly, regression models were constructed (R2 > 0.77) to estimate the CDD for each zone for cooling load. Bioclimatic potential analysis is carried out to link climate parameters with building performance. The results demonstrate that natural ventilation is the most effective passive design method with potential 64 ± 13%, 63 ± 10, and 83 ± 4% in a year for hot and humid, cool and humid, and warm and humid zones, respectively. The results emphasise the importance of using bioclimatic classification to design energy-efficient buildings to achieve national energy efficiency goals in low-income countries like Sri Lanka.

ADAPTATION AND AWARENESS OF PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES IN CONTEMPORARY HOUSES OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Passive strategies help us to achieve sustainable and environment-friendly, low-impact designs and solutions. Adaptation of these depends on climatic constraints and specific use, for instance, ventilation and natural lighting. To achieve a low carbon economy, mitigation approaches are incorporated worldwide where thermal comfort is achieved without using active means. These techniques can be adopted in all climates around the world, with respect to ventilation, orientation, thermal mass, shading devices, daylighting, etc. To cater to the challenges of climate change, mitigation approaches are being incorporated worldwide in the architecture industry to reduce reliance on active means. Their application not only improves health and well-being but is also energy efficient regarding electricity consumption and provides economic benefits for the users. The application of passive design is well-seen in commercial and residential projects. To understand the prospects of passive strategies, the research is carried out to identify current awareness and adaptation potential among architects and their clients in the residential sector of Lahore, Pakistan. The research survey has been done in the form of a questionnaire designed to analyze the application of passive design strategies by architects, awareness among their clients in contemporary residential architecture of Lahore, Pakistan. The research findings show that architects are well aware and positively use these strategies, however there is a gap in the awareness of clients. Most clients preferred active means, while a few clients were inclined towards passive means. The need to make clients more aware of the benefits of these strategies was a highlighted outcome. Keywords: Passive Design, Passive Strategies, Energy Efficient, Sustainable, Contemporary, Residential, Architecture