ariations, the stuff= which is called micro-climatology. NEconomies in.

heating, lighting and cleaning may

be effected by noting the micro-climatic variations before siting buildings or land scaping.IThe chief local
variations are caused by topographical differences. The higher the elevation the lower the temperature,
and even small changes in elevation cause possibly considerable changes in free air temperature. In
troughs and valleys the air is colder and more humid at night. In the day hese conditions are reversed.
Troughs accentuate extremes, even small troughs as might occur on the upside of a house on a hillside.
Hilltops, however, are exposed to the wind and in windy weather may be colder valley bottoms,
offsetting any normal temperature differences. Walls, hedges
and other development can give protection. Closely built-up areas can reduce the wind velocity by one-
third its speed over free ground, but within the built-up area narrow or tunnel-like streets may, by the
funneling effect, increase the wind velocity or cause freak effects.

ProximititA ialoter areas is also of importance and the greater the areas the greater the effect. Humidity is
always greater in the shore• area Differences in temperature tend e
to be evened out an
, consequently the ward side has fewer extremes of climate:1 Breezes blowing inland during the
warm days temper lake shore temperatures, but as they blow less strongly than sea breezes they
penetrate inland no further than a kilometre or or, especially if the water front is built up.

eAnother factor is the type of soil. We soils, barns, etc cause high humidity and lower
emperatures, whilst dry soils, such as sand and gravel, cause higher temperatures and lower humidity.

1Weffed e olt i the e sun is moderated by each type of surface on which it falls, eg trees, grass walls arid
.

pavements. Natural land cover tends to stabilise temperature and to even out extremes. Man-made surfaces
generally tend to accentuate differences, radiating far more than organic matter and affecting, the air
temperature within the 'human level' zone. Temperature differences may be
as g r ea t as f 1

Light reflection, that is, glare, may be 15% less from a grass surface than from a concrete surface d
trees can help to reduce glare from light coloured exterior walls.

Small changes in landscape also affect climatic conditions. Compare for example the temperature in a
garden suburb with that in the centre of a large town. Temperature increases follow closely the increase in
density of built-up areas where masses of brick and stone retain the heat and the cooling effect of
evaporation is lost by the rapid run-off of any rainwater.

Vegetation, besides being decorative, also affects conditions. For example, trees can be an effective barrier
to noise and to wind, smoke and dust. Tree barriers must be of adequate thick E1CSS and must be reinforced
with shrubs to be of maximum effectiveness. Trees give shade and reduce light reflection, and shrubs and
even lawns can act as dirt filters.

Aspect and prospect

A favourable site is therefore likely to be on a well drained firm surface, free from damp, reason ably level
without much preparation, sheltered from cold and storm but open to the sun, to windward of dirt, smoke
and noise, and with a pleasant prospect. For economy in building the layout of rooms will follow the
contours of any slope, and if the slope is steep, space below the floor line will be used where possible, for
example as a boiler house, store or garage.

Aspect of rooms is not less important than aspect of site. Habitable rooms should be planned t o receive
sunlight during their normal period of use , : In a dwelling-house, for instmce, bedrooms and breakfast
room would face east for the morning sun, living rooms would face south and the dining room possibly
west.\Because the main rooms occupy the best aspects, the other rooms are . relegated to the , northern
f

walls — staircase, WC, garage, bathroom and kitchen; although the latter
would have a more cheerful aspect eastwards. The great difficulty of the siting of the kitchen, where
much of the woman's time is spent, is how to provide a view of the approach to the house, an aspect
with morning sun and a pleasant view. Generally the north is the coldest aspect and care is needed
in planning the position of sanitary fittings and runs of service pipes.

Advantage should be taken of any scenic beauty, and careful siting could avoid less pleasan