A Digital-based Model Proposal for Optimum Building Orientation in Architecture in Ecological Context

Abstract

In order to make optimum use of the heat energy coming from the sun and the cooling effect of the wind, it is very important that the buildings are positioned on the land in positions that can provide the highest level of user comfort with minimum energy consumption. Determining the layout of the building is a critical design parameter that affects energy consumption. However, when there are vistas such as sea, forest, etc. that are desired to be seen from the first degree interior volumes around the building, this factor becomes decisive in the building orientations. As a result of this, climatic comfort factors such as natural ventilation provided by wind and heat energy from the sun are ignored. While the orientation of the interior spaces towards the landscape is preferred by the users, the climate element and the comfort it provides should be the priority in the architectural design. In this study, an orientation optimization model has been proposed for building orientation based on utilizing vista and climatic data in the context of passive design. With the parametric and numerical-based approach developed in the study, the way to use the vista factor, which has a multivariate and complex structure, as an “input data” has been investigated. In order to test and verify the developed optimization model, “The Canal Istanbul” artificial waterway project area, which is a very up-to-date subject, was chosen as the plot research area. The Canal feasibility studies have been prepared by the authorities. The data obtained from these reports were used quantitatively in the model. In this context, the technical and ecological data of the canal route were investigated from the reports prepared for the Canal Istanbul route. Thus, as a result of the data accessed from various sources, the climate type and ecological characteristics of the region have been moved to a quantitative dimension as numerical data. An optimization model has been developed for optimum building orientation in terms of regional climate, taking into account the zoning decisions and basic planning criteria determined in the focus of these data. The developed model primarily places the building in the desired point position over the 1000 and 5000 zoning plans of the region, with the vista as priority. Afterwards, the model perceives the vista spline that enters the field of view of the building. Then, staying within the boundaries of this spline, it turns the structure in alternative directions and analyzes it according to each direction. At this stage, the model presents a mathematical dataset by comparing the alternative orientations of the building with the “optimal direction”, “prevailing wind direction” and “north direction” angles. Finally, these data are optimized within the model and suggestions are made to the designer to make a choice, based on the results obtained.