Let the Air Pass Through: Sustainable Cooling in Architecture
With the imminent arrival of a hot summer in 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere, influenced by factors such as El Ni?o and ongoing climate changes, warnings are being raised regarding public health, agriculture, and the thermal comfort of buildings. Alongside the climate crisis, research indicated that population growth over the next 30 years will be concentrated in countries in Asia and Africa, particularly near the Equator, further increasing the demand for cooling buildings and all the impacts that this entails. It is not an exaggeration to say that, in addition to seeking to reduce the carbon footprint, the architecture of the future must seriously address the reduction of dependency on high-energy air conditioning by adopting passive cooling techniques, shading, ventilation, and creating advanced materials designed to enhance thermal comfort. These solutions not only respond to the urgent need for cooler interiors but also promote energy conservation, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
For example, the intelligent use of materials such as brick and ceramic textiles can significantly improve thermal performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Breathable facades, which balance the need for ventilation with protection against external elements, are another effective strategy. These and many other advancements highlight the importance of integrating modern technology with time-tested architectural principles, such as jali walls or windcatchers, to create buildings that are both energy-efficient and comfortable in varied climates. By learning and adapting these traditional practices, architects can create sustainable projects that honor cultural heritage while responding to the urgent demands of climate change. In this edition of the Building Future Newsletter, we explore innovative strategies for cooling interior spaces and preparing them for the anticipated rise in temperatures.
See below our selection of contents. Thanks for reading, see you in the next issue.
Eduardo Souza, Senior Editor, Brands & Materials
As global warming continues, we enumerate several strategies, solutions, and products that help cool architectural interiors in eco-friendly ways.
Discover bioclimatic strategies applied to the facades of projects situated in tropical climates.
Learn how harmful air conditioning is to the city and how we can replace it with passive strategies.
领英推荐
How will we deal with increasingly isolated building envelopes with the worrying climate crisis forecast?
In this article, we explore how ancient civilizations in Western Asia and North Africa have used windcatchers to adapt to the region's harsh climate conditions?
Increase natural light and control temperature with traditional jali walls. Explore contemporary projects in India.
Thai Residence is an example of contemporary architecture that uses brick in an innovative and functional way.?
Arquitecta
2 个月La naturaleza es nuestro principal referente, basta con contemplarla para saber como debemos actuar o como podemos mejorar.
CPO @ infrared.city | AI solutions for AEC professionals | Leading Sustainable Design with Data-Driven Insights
3 个月In today's technological context, there's no excuse for applying any "rule of thumb"thinking to the design of buildings and cities. Simulation tools are available and fast, and so is rapid design iteration. All we need to explore is: how to ask the right questions.
Montér elektriká?
5 个月The key to dealing with the heat is the old way of building cities. Like the cities where the streets from above resemble cracks in the dried earth, the ones that suffer from overtourism now (how come?!) and whose urbanism is banned nowadays because lack of sunlight etc. Look, the people in Venice might not have sufficient sunlight inside their houses according to our modern norms, but all the obits I've seen there, were of people in their 80's and 90's, so maybe that's not the most important aspect to health there is.
Building Inspector at NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development
5 个月Well said! right on innovation.
It's essential to adapt while honoring cultural heritage.