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Assessment of Natural Ventilation Performance in Multi-Storey Buildings

Abstract

Natural ventilation is an important passive design strategy for improving indoor environmental quality and reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. In multi-storey buildings, achieving effective natural ventilation can be challenging because airflow patterns are influenced by building height, floor arrangement, wind pressure, surrounding structures, and the distribution of openings. Assessing ventilation performance is therefore essential for understanding how effectively multi-storey buildings can utilize natural airflow to maintain comfortable and healthy indoor conditions. This study assesses the performance of natural ventilation in multi-storey buildings, with emphasis on the factors that influence airflow distribution across different floors and spaces. The assessment considers the relationship between building configuration, window placement, ventilation openings, floor height, room depth, and prevailing wind conditions. Differences in ventilation performance between lower, middle, and upper floors are examined to identify variations in airflow and indoor environmental conditions. The study also examines the influence of architectural design features on natural ventilation effectiveness. Building orientation, façade configuration, window size, opening position, corridor arrangement, atrium spaces, stairwells, and internal partitions can significantly affect the movement and distribution of air. Cross-ventilation and stack-driven ventilation are considered as important mechanisms through which multi-storey buildings can achieve continuous airflow without relying entirely on mechanical systems. External environmental conditions are also considered in relation to ventilation performance. Wind speed and direction, surrounding buildings, vegetation, urban density, and outdoor temperature can influence pressure differences and airflow through building openings. At the same time, occupant behaviour, such as opening and closing windows and doors, can alter actual ventilation conditions. These factors demonstrate that natural ventilation performance results from the interaction between building design, environmental conditions, and user behaviour. Challenges to effective natural ventilation may arise from inadequate opening design, excessive building depth, poor orientation, obstruction of airflow, high surrounding density, and reliance on sealed façades. In multi-storey buildings, these challenges may become more pronounced at different heights and locations within the building. Addressing them requires an integrated approach that combines appropriate architectural planning with consideration of local climatic conditions and airflow requirements. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of natural ventilation strategies in multi-storey buildings and identify architectural factors that contribute to improved airflow and indoor environmental quality. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, building designers, and facility managers in developing multi-storey buildings that make better use of natural ventilation. The study can contribute to improved thermal comfort, healthier indoor environments, reduced cooling energy consumption, and more climate-responsive building design.

Keywords: Natural ventilation, Multi-storey buildings, Airflow performance, Thermal comfort, Cross-ventilation, Stack effect, Building orientation, Window placement, Ventilation openings, Indoor air quality, Wind movement, Passive design, Building height, Tropical architecture.