Tropical design requirement, Summaries of Architecture

Download Tropical design requirement and more Summaries Architecture in PDF only on Docsity! “Architectural Problems in Tropical Climate and Its Solutions” The main problems experienced in tropical climates are the high temperature, humidity, and precipitation. These are the main aspects which widely affect the architectural design in tropical countries such as building configuration, orientation, façade designs, shading, passive cooling, and the likes. However, due to climate change, which is triggered from the usage of the traditional sources of energy, such as burning fossil fuels, and emission of too much carbon dioxide, it adversely affects the pattern and amount of sun exposure and rainfall in tropical countries. This is seen in the increasing amount of temperature leading to drought in some tropical countries and stronger rainfalls and typhoons which are leaving more damages in infrastructure. Hence, architecture in tropical countries also faces new challenges affecting its design features due to climate change. On the other hand, in a tropical country, sun radiation, rainfall and wind are abundant. Thus, another problem encountered in tropical countries is the energy wastage because these natural factors are only used for lighting and ventilation purposes. But taking advantage of these natural available energy could solve many other problems, including those caused by climate change, making the architecture in tropical countries more sustainable. Aside from incorporating solar panels and wind turbines in tropical architecture which recycles these natural energies into electricity and other purposes, roofs can also be used to collect rainwater which can then recycled into irrigation for plants and toilet flushing. Meanwhile, with all the problems encountered in tropical climate that have been discussed, some additional architectural solution should also be considered in designing structures responding to climatic challenges. First, roof, which is the most exposed part of a house to sun, shape, and slope, together with the ceiling should be considered in designing. With a strong foundation, gabled and sloped roofs are suitable for tropical climates because the highest point of roof is farther to the ground floor than flat roofs. Also, aside from the natural ventilation applied to openings, roof ventilation could also be used where in cool air enters from roof’s eves and drawing hot air through spinning and ridge vents at the top of the roof. Another solution in tropical countries is the usage of exterior spaces such as verandas, lanai, courtyards patios and balconies with different functions, like dining and seating, and incorporating landscaping to promote more natural ventilation and create more comfortable space for the users by connecting the interior spaces to nature. Lastly, space zoning is also one of the factors that could solve tropical problems because it place different spaces of the house based on its need to direct sunlight and wind. Hence, locating rooms in correct positions can make a more comfortable space. In conclusion, being in tropical country faces a lot of challenges because of its climate. However, architecture can also look for different deign solution to create a better environment for its users where solar gain is controlled, and natural wind and rainwater is maximized making a sustainable design focused in users’ comfort.