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The Effect of Terminal Roof Design on Environmental Comfort

Abstract

Roof design is a significant architectural element in transport terminals because it influences indoor environmental conditions, energy performance, daylight availability, ventilation, and protection from external climatic conditions. Large terminal spaces often accommodate high passenger volumes and require roof systems capable of managing solar heat, rainfall, glare, and air movement. Poorly designed roofs may contribute to excessive heat gain, inadequate ventilation, uncomfortable temperatures, and increased dependence on mechanical cooling. Assessing the effect of terminal roof design is therefore important for improving environmental comfort and building performance. This study examines the effect of terminal roof design on environmental comfort, focusing on the relationship between roof form, materials, orientation, and indoor environmental conditions. The study evaluates roof characteristics such as geometry, height, slope, overhangs, skylights, roof openings, insulation, and material selection. It also considers how these features interact with the large-volume spaces commonly found in transport terminals. The study seeks to determine how effectively different roof design strategies contribute to comfortable indoor environments for passengers and staff. Particular attention is given to the influence of roof design on thermal conditions and natural ventilation. Factors such as solar exposure, heat transfer, roof reflectivity, insulation, ventilation openings, stack effect, and air movement are examined. The potential of high-level roof vents, clerestories, double-skin roof systems, and shaded roof forms to reduce heat accumulation is also considered. Appropriate roof design can facilitate passive cooling while reducing the energy required for mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The study further considers the relationship between roof design, daylighting, visual comfort, and protection from weather conditions. Skylights and roof openings can provide useful natural illumination but may also introduce excessive solar radiation and glare if poorly controlled. Rainwater management, acoustic performance, and protection from heavy rainfall are also considered because these factors can influence the overall comfort and usability of terminal spaces. The interaction between roof design and the architectural organization of passenger areas is examined to identify effective environmental strategies. Challenges associated with terminal roof design may include excessive solar heat gain, poor insulation, uncontrolled daylight, inadequate ventilation, roof leakage, high maintenance requirements, and inefficient material selection. These challenges can negatively affect passenger comfort and increase operational energy costs. Addressing them requires an integrated design approach that considers local climate, roof geometry, material performance, passive environmental strategies, energy efficiency, maintenance, and the functional requirements of terminal buildings. The study concludes that terminal roof design has a significant influence on environmental comfort through its effects on thermal conditions, ventilation, daylight, acoustic quality, and weather protection. It recommends climate-responsive roof forms, appropriate insulation, controlled daylight openings, effective natural ventilation, reflective or thermally efficient materials, and reliable rainwater management systems. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, environmental designers, transportation planners, and facility managers in developing transport terminals that provide comfortable, energy-efficient, and climate-responsive indoor environments.

Keywords: Terminal roof design, environmental comfort, transport terminals, thermal comfort, natural ventilation, daylighting, roof geometry, solar heat gain, passive design, roof insulation, energy efficiency, climate-responsive design, rainwater management, transportation architecture.