Environmental Site Layout Planning: Solar Access, Microclimate and Passive Cooling in Urban AreasThis book provides comprehensive design guidance on urban layout to ensure good access to solar gain, daylighting and passive cooling. It aims to enable designers to produce comfortable, energy-efficient buildings surrounded by pleasant outdoor spaces, within an urban context that minimizes energy consumption and the effects of pollution. The book is the principal output of a project jointly funded by the European Commission JOULE programme and national funding agencies including the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The European project is coordinated by BRE and includes the University of Athens, LEMA (University of Liege) and AICIA (University of Seville). This book is divided into six main chapters. Chapter 1 sets the scene, outlining the importance of each of the main environmental factors affecting site layout. Chapters 2-6 then cover the urban design process, from the selection of a site for a new development down to the design and landscaping of individual buildings and the spaces around them. |
Common terms and phrases
air flow air temperature albedo angle aspect ratio Athens building height Building Research Establishment calculation centre climates colonnade concentrations courtyard daylight density dispersion distance Earth sheltering emissions environment environmental evaporation evapotranspiration existing buildings EXPO 98 external facade factors Figure Garston ground heat island effect houses impact important increase indoor inside the canyon landscape Latitude light Littlefair metres microclimate natural ventilation obstruction open space orientation outdoor spaces passive cooling passive solar patterns pedestrian pollution sources pond projections reduce References to section reflected road roof section 4.1 shading shelterbelt simulation slope solar access solar gain solar radiation Strategy street summer sunlight surface temperature surrounding techniques temperature differences thermal comfort TOWNSCOPE trees University of Liege University of Seville urban air urban areas urban canopy urban heat island urban layout vegetation visual wind shelter wind speed window wall windspeeds winter zone