How do you design for different climates?

1 Climate zones

The first step to design for different climates is to understand the climate zones and their characteristics. Climate zones are based on factors such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, and wind. There are various classifications of climate zones, but one of the most widely used is the Köppen-Geiger system, which divides the world into five major groups: A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). Each group has subgroups that reflect more specific conditions. For example, Cfa is a humid subtropical climate, while Dfc is a subarctic climate with severe winters.

2 Passive design

Passive design is the use of natural elements and processes to regulate the indoor environment, without relying on mechanical systems or fossil fuels. Passive design can reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and operating costs, while improving comfort and health. Some of the key aspects of passive design are orientation, insulation, ventilation, shading, thermal mass, and daylighting. Depending on the climate zone, passive design strategies may vary. For example, in hot and humid climates, passive design may focus on maximizing natural ventilation, shading, and evaporative cooling, while in cold and dry climates, passive design may emphasize solar gain, insulation, and air tightness.

3 Active design

Active design is the use of mechanical systems and renewable energy sources to supplement or replace passive design, when the latter is not sufficient or feasible. Active design can enhance the performance and resilience of buildings, while minimizing the environmental impact. Some of the common types of active design are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, water heating, and renewable energy generation. Depending on the climate zone, active design systems may differ. For example, in tropical climates, active design may rely on solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, and dehumidifiers, while in continental climates, active design may use heat pumps, biomass boilers, and wind turbines.

4 Bioclimatic design

Bioclimatic design is the integration of passive and active design with the local ecology and culture, to create buildings that are adapted to their context and responsive to their users. Bioclimatic design can enhance the aesthetic and functional quality of buildings, while promoting biodiversity and social equity. Some of the elements of bioclimatic design are landscape, materials, form, color, and patterns. Depending on the climate zone, bioclimatic design features may vary. For example, in dry climates, bioclimatic design may incorporate vegetation, earth walls, domes, and light colors, while in polar climates, bioclimatic design may include snow shelters, wood structures, pitched roofs, and dark colors.

5 Climate-responsive design

Climate-responsive design is the application of the principles and strategies of passive, active, and bioclimatic design to specific projects, taking into account the site conditions, the building function, the user preferences, and the project goals. Climate-responsive design can optimize the performance and satisfaction of buildings, while meeting the standards and regulations of the location. Some of the steps of climate-responsive design are site analysis, climate data collection, design criteria definition, design concept development, design evaluation, and design implementation. Depending on the climate zone, climate-responsive design solutions may vary. For example, in temperate climates, climate-responsive design may involve adjustable windows, louvers, awnings, and skylights, while in tropical climates, climate-responsive design may involve louvered walls, courtyards, ponds, and fans.

6 Climate-adaptive design

Climate-adaptive design is the anticipation and preparation for the future changes and uncertainties of the climate, and the incorporation of flexibility and resilience into the design process and the design outcome. Climate-adaptive design can reduce the risks and costs of climate change, while creating opportunities for innovation and transformation. Some of the aspects of climate-adaptive design are scenarios, simulations, feedback, monitoring, and learning. Depending on the climate zone, climate-adaptive design approaches may vary. For example, in coastal climates, climate-adaptive design may address sea level rise, storm surges, and erosion, while in mountainous climates, climate-adaptive design may address snowmelt, landslides, and avalanches.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?