Changing with Climate against Climate Change | Exploring Climate-Responsive Design for Modern Buildings

What’s common in the traditional architecture of Rajasthan, Ladakh, Kerala, France, South Africa, and Egypt? Barely anything! And maybe that was on purpose.

‘Jaisa Desh Waisa Bhes,’ is a popular saying in Hindi, literally translating to ‘as is the country, so is the attire’. Would you like to travel around New York with just an Indian wardrobe? We doubt it. Our fashion across different regions is based on the climate: from light and loose in hot, tropical regions to thick and tight in the cold. But somehow, all our buildings look the same.?

Ever since we invented mechanical air conditioning in 1902, it’s like we have stopped designing for climate. Industrial production and globalization have made everything accessible everywhere, and now our architecture seems to have lost its diversity. As a result, we are losing out on the amazing potential of climate-responsive building design, for better comfort and reduced energy consumption in buildings.?

The issue is not new; in fact, architects and designers worldwide have been dwelling over it for some time now, and have already started innovating a blend of traditional knowledge systems with modern techniques to create climate-conscious buildings. Check these out:

Eastgate Centre, Harare

Inspired by natural termite mounds, Eastgate's sustainable HVAC system deals with its hot and humid summers using brick funnels along the red-tiled roof. These funnels are used to extract exhaust air from seven office floors.

A concealed plant room with 32 fans draws air from the atrium, which is circulated through ducts after getting cool through a special ceiling and floor design. This air is then released through low-level grilles under windows, offering relief from heat and humidity.

Designed by Mick Pearce, this energy-efficient design leverages natural convection to reduce total energy consumption by up to 35%, all the while surpassing conventional HVAC-equipped Harare buildings with a 10% saving in capital costs.?

CH2, Melbourne

The Melbourne City Council House 2 (CH2), designed by DesignInc Melbourne , is an eco-friendly landmark in the city that showcases innovative climate-responsive features. To tackle hot and dry summers, it incorporates unique ‘shower towers’, where outside air is drawn at 17 meters above street level. As the water falls within the towers, evaporation cools both air and water. The cooled air is then utilized in ground-floor retail outlets through chilled ceiling panels.?

The towers are made of lightweight fabric tubes, enhancing the cooling effect. This has resulted in an impressive 87% reduction in CO2 emissions and an 82% decrease in electricity consumption in its operations!

Diamond Building, Malaysia

Leveraging the high volume of rainfall in the region (2699 mm annually), the Diamond Building in Putrajaya, Malaysia, saves up to 80% on its water consumption. Its unique inverted pyramid design is engineered to self-shade, optimizing daylight penetration while maintaining a comfortable temperature (It would be 19-21°C inside, while it might be 32°C outside!). This is possible through an embedded cooling system in the concrete floor slabs.?

Topped with photovoltaic solar panels, the building is also able to generate 10% of its total energy consumption throughout the year!??

Druk White Lotus School, Ladakh

A school that provides warmth in the cold desert encourages students to have better attendance!

Locally called the Druk Padma Karpo School (Karpo means White and Padma means Lotus), the building offers a sustainable teaching environment even in a winter low of -35°C!?

This feat is achieved through thoughtful design by Jonathan Rose and his team of architects and engineers at 奥雅纳 London. The academic block faces 30° east of true south to capture early morning warmth. Trombe walls, solar-assisted latrines, and superinsulation enhance energy efficiency.?

Roofs feature local poplar rafters and mud-rock wool insulation. The use of solar and clerestory windows maximizes the optimum daylight inlet, eliminating any need for artificial lighting!?

We still remember how to design for the climate. Why we don’t, seems like a matter of choice. As clients, and patrons, can we be more conscious towards more eco-friendly and energy-efficient ways of building? And especially, as stakeholders in the AEC industry, can we be more responsive towards our Climate Responsibility?