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Assessment of Wind-Driven Ventilation in Multi-Storey Buildings

Abstract

Wind-driven ventilation is an important passive design strategy for improving indoor environmental conditions in multi-storey buildings. Unlike low-rise buildings, multi-storey structures experience variations in wind pressure, air movement, and exposure across different floor levels. These variations can influence the effectiveness of natural ventilation and determine how successfully outdoor air enters, moves through, and exits occupied spaces. Assessing wind-driven ventilation is therefore important for improving thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency in buildings where mechanical cooling may otherwise be heavily relied upon. This study assesses the effectiveness of wind-driven ventilation in multi-storey buildings, with particular emphasis on the relationship between building height, wind direction, building orientation, and the location of ventilation openings. It examines how external wind conditions interact with façades, windows, balconies, corridors, and other openings to generate pressure differences that drive air movement. The study also considers variations in ventilation performance between lower, middle, and upper floors. Particular attention is given to the design and positioning of inlet and outlet openings. The size, orientation, height, and distribution of windows can significantly influence the quantity and direction of air entering occupied spaces. Cross-ventilation can be enhanced where openings are appropriately positioned on opposing or adjacent façades, while poorly coordinated openings may limit airflow. The study therefore examines opening configuration, internal room arrangement, and airflow pathways as key factors affecting wind-driven ventilation. The surrounding environment is also considered because neighbouring buildings, vegetation, boundary walls, streets, and other urban elements can modify wind speed and direction before air reaches a multi-storey building. At greater heights, increased exposure to wind may improve ventilation potential but can also produce excessive airflow or pressure differences in some areas. The study therefore considers the interaction between building height, surrounding obstructions, façade exposure, and prevailing wind conditions. The effectiveness of wind-driven ventilation is further examined in relation to indoor thermal comfort and air quality. Adequate air movement can assist in removing heat, reducing indoor stuffiness, and improving occupant comfort, particularly in warm climates. However, ventilation performance may vary according to season, wind conditions, occupancy patterns, and building configuration. Understanding these variations can help designers develop ventilation strategies that provide adequate airflow while reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. The study aims to evaluate wind-driven ventilation performance in multi-storey buildings and identify architectural factors that can improve natural airflow across different floor levels. Its findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, building designers, and planners in developing climate-responsive multi-storey buildings. Integrating wind behaviour into decisions concerning building orientation, façade design, opening configuration, and internal spatial planning can contribute to improved thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality, and energy-efficient building performance.

Keywords: Wind-driven ventilation, Multi-storey buildings, Natural ventilation, Airflow patterns, Wind pressure, Cross-ventilation, Building height, Window configuration, Building orientation, Thermal comfort, Indoor air quality, Passive cooling, Energy efficiency, Climate-responsive design.