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The Effect of Building Orientation on Occupant Thermal Comfort

Abstract

Building orientation is an important architectural design consideration that influences the amount of solar radiation received by different building surfaces and the movement of air around and through occupied spaces. In warm climates, inappropriate building orientation can increase solar heat gain and indoor temperatures, potentially reducing occupant thermal comfort and increasing dependence on mechanical cooling. Conversely, climate-responsive orientation can help control solar exposure, facilitate natural ventilation, and improve indoor environmental conditions. This study examines the effect of building orientation on occupant thermal comfort, with emphasis on the relationship between building positioning and indoor thermal conditions. The study assesses how different building orientations influence indoor environmental conditions within selected residential or institutional buildings. Factors such as solar exposure, indoor air temperature, surface temperature, relative humidity, air movement, and duration of solar penetration are considered. The research compares buildings or spaces with different orientations to determine variations in thermal conditions throughout different periods of the day. The relationship between orientation and occupant perceptions of thermal comfort is also examined. Particular attention is given to the interaction between building orientation and solar radiation. Building façades facing different directions receive varying levels of direct solar exposure depending on the time of day and season. The study considers how this exposure affects heat gain through walls, roofs, windows, and other components of the building envelope. It also examines the effectiveness of complementary strategies such as shading devices, appropriate window placement, roof overhangs, and vegetation in reducing the thermal effects associated with less favourable orientations. The research further investigates the relationship between building orientation and natural ventilation. The positioning of openings relative to prevailing wind directions can influence cross-ventilation, air movement, and the removal of accumulated indoor heat. The study considers how orientation interacts with building form, window configuration, surrounding structures, and site conditions to affect airflow. These interactions are important because an orientation that provides favourable solar conditions may require additional design measures to achieve effective natural ventilation. Occupant behaviour and perceptions are also considered because thermal comfort is influenced by both environmental and personal factors. Clothing, activity level, occupancy patterns, adaptive behaviour, and individual thermal preferences may affect how occupants respond to variations in indoor temperature and air movement. The study therefore considers measured environmental conditions alongside occupant feedback to provide a broader understanding of thermal comfort. This approach helps identify whether particular building orientations consistently provide more acceptable indoor conditions under different climatic circumstances. The study aims to assess the influence of building orientation on occupant thermal comfort and identify orientation strategies that can support climate-responsive architectural design. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, building designers, developers, and other built-environment professionals in making informed decisions during the early stages of building planning. Appropriate orientation, combined with effective shading, natural ventilation, and envelope design, can contribute to improved occupant comfort, reduced cooling demand, and more energy-efficient buildings.

Keywords: Building orientation, Occupant thermal comfort, Solar radiation, Natural ventilation, Indoor temperature, Building performance, Climate-responsive design, Solar heat gain, Air movement, Building envelope, Passive design, Thermal comfort, Energy efficiency, Architectural design.