LA121 – Landscape Design II

Lecture 05 – Micro-climate Design

I. Introduction
The concept of relating temperature and humidity conditions to design for
human comfort is referred to as bioclimatic design.

Site Improvements:
The objective of landscape design should be to maximize human comfort,
particularly in high-use areas such as parks, plazas, and other outdoor
gathering spaces. The following are design strategies that can be used to
modify the site’s micro-climate.
1. Existing water sources and landforms can be used for cooling air
movement in hot climates. Existing streams or other water sources can
contribute for radiant cooling for the site. Color and surface orientation
may also be used to favorably absorb or reflect solar energy.
2. Existing vegetation may be used to moderate weather conditions and
provide protection for native wildlife. Vegetation can be used to provide
shade and transpiration in the summer.
3. Introduce structures and plantings that provide shelter from harsh
elements and highlight desirable features. Modulation of tree canopy
heights and inclusion of water fountains and other built structures can
fine-tune an exterior space by accelerating or decelerating site winds,
casting shadows, or cooling by evaporation.
II. Bioclimatic Strategies for Hot Humid Region

General Site Design Strategies for Hot Humid Regions

1. Maximize breezes and evaporation with high canopy trees and loose
open planting patterns.
2. Avoid tall solid walls that block winds.
3. Seek high ground or rising slopes facing prevailing winds.
4. Avoid topographic depressions.
5. Use large overhangs calculated for severe sun angles.
6. Covered pergolas, trellesis, gazebos, or screened terraces adjacent to
structure will help draw air currents.
7. Avoid excessive earth mounding which might trap moist, stagnant air.
8. Use high ceilings, and vent all roof systems.
III. Solar Path, Receipt, and Shadows
Each climate zone has an ideal solar orientation based upon theoretical
models which track solar receipt and loss throughout the daily and annual
solar cycles. However, modern super-insulated structures and sound site
planning strategies combine to establish a general principle favoring SSE
to SSW structure siting.

Solar path around he Earth on the 21st day of each month of the year.
These data are useful for identifying the altitude angle of the sun at various
times of the year, to insure that buildings, topography, or vegetation do not
obscure the sun from solar collectors, and that outdoor gathering spaces are
properly shaded.