Wind effects as a design factor
The wind is an important element influencing and shaping the nature, eroding the soil, transporting sediments. Architecture represents an obstacle to the wind flow, affecting the flow pattern and the speed. Among all the environmental factors that affect architecture, the wind has the greatest influence on architectural shapes, or, from the other point of view, the wind flow is greatly dependent on the precise shape of architecture. Explore the relationship between architectural forms and wind erosion dynamics. They propose to improve the energy performance by optimizing solar collection and aerodynamics of designed buildings. The concept of fluid mechanics integrated into the process of shape optimization of an interior was tested as an innovative design approach for naturally ventilated indoor spaces. The air flow becomes a visible element creating the architectural form through the close observation and analysis of the air motion.
The following five principles categorize basic options how architecture can deal with wind. The categories are established on examples from architecture: Minimum resistance, Concentration, Diffusion, Deflection and Materialization. One of the principles is further elaborated and presented in the example case study:
Realized examples for each of the proposed categories represent site-specific architectural solutions designed with a focus on the wind.
Diffusion:
The Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre emerges from the mountainous environment on the top of the Songshan Mountain in China. The shape complements the surrounding topography. The space between each step allows the wind to blow through the structure and provides a massive airflow for the turbines. The authors of the amphitheater for the levitation performances are Mailitis architects.
Deflection:
Tjibaou Cultural Centre by Renzo Piano utilizes the curved shape of the façade to work with the wind. The double skin façade adapts depending on the wind speed; it can be solid or permeable in its parts. The system of double skin is used for the passive ventilation with the help of the trees, planted on the east and the west side to create a funnel effect and direct the wind towards the buildings. In case of stronger wind, the louvers are closed, and the façade can deflect the wind to protect the cultural center. The buildings are designed for the prevailing southerly winds coming from the bay, but they can effectively function also when the wind changes its direction.
Materialization:
Theo Jansen has first started to develop his ‘Strandbeests’ “as new life forms” in the nineties. The skeletons made of plastic yellow tubes are constructed in such manner that they are able to “walk on the wind”. The element of wind is materialized in this project and transformed into something that looks almost alive. There were many other projects that, in their own mechanisms, utilize the movement principle of the legs, developed by Theo Jansen.
