The Benefits of Wind and Climate to Architectural Design

Today a great deal is known about how wind affects and interacts with buildings and the immediate surroundings. In most cases, wind-related issues are considered late in the design process rather than early consideration of how wind might be used to benefit the local microclimate or understand the impact of wind on the enjoyment and cost of a project. Wind engineering offers architectural design teams a number of benefits and can help shape features of a building to achieve architectural goals. Wind engineers also interact with design professionals to minimize wind's impact on the structural system, building envelope, mechanical system and the surrounding landscape.

The session will provide an overview of wind engineering and its role in architectural design. Participants in the session will learn general principles about wind flow around buildings and how wind can be engineered to benefit buildings.