2. What is meant by Orientation?
Orientation is how a building is positioned in relation to the sun’s paths in
different seasons, as well as to prevailing wind patterns.
In other words, it tells us about how living and sleeping areas are designed and
positioned, either to take advantage of the sun and wind, or be protected from
their effects.
Factors affecting orientation includes Sun path, Street Direction, Rainfall
direction, wind direction and other climatic conditions.
3. Why is Orientation important?
Orientation plays a very important role in construction of building.
Following are the reasons why orientation should be considered during
construction:-
➢ To maximize the use of Natural Resources.
➢ Reduces the consumption of limited resources.
➢ For Visual and Thermal Comfort.
➢ To promote Natural Ventilation
➢ Protection against rainfall and other climatic events.
➢ To get suitable variation with Climate change.
4. Effect of Sun Direction and Angles on Orientation
➢ Direction of Sunrise and Sunset affects orientation of Building.
➢ Sun Angle changes with latitude and hence, affects orientation.
➢ Rooms are arranged on the basis of the requirement of Sunlight.
➢ Living room and common room need sufficient light whereas Store Rooms
need relatively less sunlight.
➢ Bedroom should be in South-East to North direction.
➢ Kitchen should be made between North-East and South-East direction.
➢ Drawing Room should be given direction between South-East and South-
West.
➢ The height of house should be-
○ Not more than twice the width of street
○ Based on 63 ½ rule.
6. Effect of Climate on Orientation
Hot and Arid Climate Zone
➢ Minimize exposure to direct Sun in summers.
➢ In residential buildings, bedrooms are located on east side whereas living
rooms is on north or south side.
➢ Thermal Insulating materials should be used.
➢ Large number of windows on Northern side than the others.
➢ Openings are necessary for natural lighting and ventilation.
➢ Size of windows on west and east sides should be minimum to rescue heat
gain.
7. Effect of Climate on Orientation
Warm and Humid Climate Zone
➢ Majorly located near equatorial zones of Globe.
➢ East-West slope receive more radiation compared to North-South slopes.
➢ Maximum ventilation is required by providing large openings.
➢ Maximum shading is required to resist direct sunlight.
➢ Heating should be avoided by using Cross-ventilation method.
➢ There should be windows that open up to the maximum just like louvers.
➢ Clean air flow without the interior obstruction should be provided.
8. References from Ancient Texts
➢ Vastu Shastra-Traditional system of Indian Architecture.
➢ Describes principles of design, layout, measurements, ground
preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry.
➢ Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita is among the earliest known Indian texts
with dedicated chapters with principles of architecture.
➢ Vāstu-Śastras include chapters on home construction, town planning, and
how efficient villages, towns and kingdoms integrated temples, water
bodies and gardens within them to achieve harmony with nature.
➢ Inspirations include Pink City of Jaipur, city of Chandigarh, Jawaharlal
Kala Kendra in Jaipur, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya in Ahmedabad and
many more.
9. Town plans recommended in the
700 CE Manasara vastu text.
Design of Kandariya Mahadeva
Temple
Let’s take a look at few examples
10. Let’s take a look at few examples
➢ The design was prepared by
the architect Charles Correa
in 1986.
➢ It adapts and applies
concepts from ancient
architectural principles called
the Vastu Vidya.
➢ It is built like a red fort with
no windows on its facade.
➢ Crossing the lush garden, as
one enters the courtyard, one
forays into a series of open-
air pavilions.
Fact- Plan for the Kendra invokes directly
the original navagraha.
