An Analytical Study of Architectural Design Studios with respect to Orientation and Façade Treatment

Abstract

Building orientation is a significant consideration, mainly with regard to solar radiation and wind. In predominantly hot and humid tropical regions like Ethiopia, which receives sunlight all year round, building should be oriented to minimize solar gain and maximize natural ventilation [1]. This paper describes and investigation into the effect of building orientation in view of solar radiation exposure of design studios, in relation to building orientation, façade treatment, road orientation and the effect of natural ventilation and the thermal performance over students’ mental state and physical health [2-3]. The Design studio building which is oriented in the east west directions and located in Nekemte Campus of Wollega University, was selected as study area. One international building was selected for the case study, which is out of the country with similar geographical location. The differences between building orientation, façade treatment, window to wall ratio, and window size and level were studied. This data has been analysed and investigated. The results show that east west facing windows have more obvious effect on increasing indoor air temperature than north south windows that is applicable for ventilated or unventilated rooms.