The document discusses thermal and airflow variability, emphasizing its importance in creating environments that enhance human comfort while allowing for personal control over thermal conditions. Unlike traditional thermal design that minimizes variability, the proposed approach aims to mimic natural ventilation and temperature variations to improve user satisfaction. Incorporating these elements can also aid in reducing energy demands for heating and cooling, making it essential for sustainable building practices.

1. THERMAL & AIRFLOW VARIABILITY
JNANESH PREETHAN 1IS19AT015 SOHAN PREETHU 1IS19AT041
BIOMIMICRY

2. THERMAL & AIRFLOW VARIABILITY
Thermal & Airflow Variability can be characterized as subtle changes in air temperature, relative
humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.

3. The objective of the Thermal & Airflow Variability pattern
is to provide an environment that allows users to
experience the sensory elements of airflow variability and
thermal variability. The intent is also for the user to be
able to control thermal conditions, either by using
individual controls, or allowing occupants access to
variable ambient conditions within a space.
In contrast, conventional thermal design tries to achieve a
narrow target area of temperature, humidity and airflow,
while minimizing variability – the goal being to maintain
conditions within the “ASHRAE comfort envelope”. When
the entire space meets this goal, laboratory-based
predictive models assert that 80% of the occupants would
be satisfied at any given time – traditionally an acceptable
outcome industry-wide.
An alternative approach is to provide combinations of ambient and surface temperatures, humidity and airflow, similar to
those experienced outdoors, while also providing some form of personal control (e.g., manual, digital, or physical relocation
over those conditions.
Providing variable conductance materials, seating options with differing levels of solar heat gain (indoors and outdoors) or
proximity to operable windows – as welcome as catching a cooling breeze on a sunny day or leaning one’s back on a warm
rock on a cool day – could improve the overall satisfaction of a space.
OBJECTIVE

4. ● Incorporation of airflow and thermal conditions into materials, daylighting, mechanical
ventilation and/or fenestration will help distribute variability over space and time.
● Thermal comfort is a vital bridging component between biophilic design and sustainable
design, especially in the face of climate change and rising energy costs. When Thermal
and Airflow Variability is implemented in a way that broadens people's perception of
thermal comfort, it may also help reduce energy demands for air conditioning and heating.
●
● Designing in features that allow users to easily adapt and modify their perceived thermal
conditions of their environment will increase the range of acceptable temperatures by two
degrees Celsius above and below the conventional parameters for thermal comfort (Nicol
and Humphreys, 2002).
● Coordination of design strategies among a project team (e.g., architect, lighting designer
and MEP engineers) as early as the schematic design process will be particularly
important for achieving design intent
THERMAL & AIRFLOW VARIABILITY

5. Experience
A space with a good Thermal air
flow & variability feels refreshing,
active, alive, invigorating &
comfortable. The space provides
both a sense of flexibility & control.
Simulated/ Constructed
• HVAC delivery strategy
Systems controls
• Window glazing and window treatment
• Window operability and cross
ventilation

6. Naturally Occuring
● Solar heat gain Shadow and shade
● Radiant surface materials Space/place
orientation
● Vegetation with seasonal densification
Health Benefits
•COGNITIVE
Positively impacted Concentration
• PSYCHOLOGICAL
Improved perception of temporal & spatial
pleasure
.PHYSIOLOGICAL
Positively impacted comfort, well-being &
productivity

7. Experience Of The Airflow
Photo: THE NEW LOUIS
ARMSTRONG STADIUM
New York city
The Stadium Facade is covered with
14,250 overlapping terracotta louvers.
The louvers allow air flow through the
upper part of the building on the north
and south elevations, while protecting
the court from the rain and shading
spectators from the sun.

8. Photo: Windhover Contemplative Center by
Aidlin Darling Design
Palo Alto, California
Air is one of the four major classical elements
and vital to human life.
A space with good Thermal & Airflow Variability
feels refreshing, active, alive, invigorating and
comfortable. The space provides a feeling of
both flexibility and a sense of control.
In this Context,
The concept of involving the natural airflow inside our modern technological buildings is considered one of
the main principles to increase the Nature effect in the designs.Nature Airflow and ventilation are
conceptualizing inside the buildings through the first day of the building birth.They are connected with the
Wind direction, Sun Position, Windows placing, Climate, Eco friendly Building Materials, Building Zoning, etc.
EXAMPLE

9. EXAMPLE
The benefits of thermal and airflow variability: Faelledgården Nursing Home in Copenhagen, Denmark 2010
by JJW Arkitekter. The 182,000 sqft assisted living facility is the largest facility of its kind in Denmark, and
was renovated to low energy standard, with balconies and operable windows for all rooms.

10. The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in
Singapore by RMJM Architects uses
fresh air and sunlight to increase
thermal comfort.