From June to August 2024, many cities across the U.S., from the East Coast to California, recorded unprecedented high temperatures. Some locations tied and broke heat records set over the past 70 years.
2023 marked the hottest on record globally, with average temperature surpassing the preindustrial average (1850–1900) by 2.43 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information.
It’s becoming increasingly probable that 2024 will surpass all previous heat records, despite July ending a 13-month period of continuous monthly temperature highs, as reported by the EU’s climate monitor, Copernicus.
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, influence how buildings are designed. In hot climates, buildings often feature materials and designs that help keep interiors cool, such as shaded areas, ventilation systems, and reflective surfaces. Conversely, insulation and efficient heating systems are integral to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures in cold climates.
Rising temperatures compounded by the urban heat island (UHI) effect disproportionately affect urban areas. However, heat alone does not create discomfort and unpleasant conditions; humidity also contributes.
Too much moisture in the atmosphere affects our thermal comfort—or whether we feel too hot or cold. For example, when the weather is warm, and humidity is high, the body finds it challenging to keep cool because it’s harder to remove heat via the evaporation of sweat into the air. When the body loses its ability to cool down via sweating, it can lead to dangerous levels of overheating.
The problem of increasing heat and humidity due to climate change calls for building smarter and integrating climate change into the architecture or design of buildings, including construction materials.
An article in CoStar presents building design techniques to combat heat, particularly when building in already hot climates like the Middle East, Tropical countries, or places near the equator.
The article notes that designing a building or structure should consider human comfort and sustainability from the beginning of planning. For example, a heat-efficient hotel or project will be cost-effective and ensure success in the long term. The design of the building also considers the location, material, and shading, such as the presence of mature trees, as this helps keep the building and people using it cooler.
Technology like 3D models and geographic information systems also play a significant role because they can analyze sun and shade levels and consider whether rooms should align with the sun’s light, heat, and shade. Artificial intelligence tools can also model wind and solar output. They also help architects model certain materials and see which emit more or less heat.
Sustainability also means being able to source suitable materials locally. Although they may be more expensive, quality materials require less upkeep and maintenance, which leads to savings in the long run.
Another important cooling agent to consider is water and access to it. However, the presence of water or moisture can also increase humidity. Designing to combat the heat in an outdoor space will require paying attention to shade and using lighter color materials.
Mature trees and their canopies, which provide shade, can reduce heat. Trees are considered necessary infrastructure, like sidewalks, wastewater, or electricity. Hence, it is essential that they are given the best conditions to grow, especially in an urban environment.
Building heating and cooling efficiency is also crucial. Elements like high-performance windows, exterior insulation, continuous air-sealing, and heat recovery technology reduce the energy needed for cooling and heating by up to 80%. Using energy-efficient appliances and equipment also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the buildings.
To achieve sustainability further, buildings can install EV chargers and solar panels, replace gas ranges with induction ranges, and use batteries instead of generators for emergency power.
If rising global temperatures are becoming the new normal, then real estate planners, building owners, and designers should start investing in their properties to make them cooler.
Building design is not just about aesthetics but also considers various factors, including climate or the changing climate. The present and future climate must also be considered when designing and constructing buildings that prioritize functionality, sustainability, and climate adaptation.
Source:
Surface air temperature for August 2024. Copernicus. Retrieved from https://climate.copernicus.eu/surface-air-temperature-august-2024
Jones, R. (2024 September 6). Are rising global temperatures the new normal? PhysOrg. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-global-temperatures.html
Simpson, T. (2024, September 5). How architects, developers build sustainable real estate with climate change in mind. CoStar. Retrieved from https://www.costar.com/article/340107709/how-architects-developers-build-sustainable-real-estate-with-climate-change-in-mind
Does Climate Affect Building Architecture? (2023). Squeegee Squad. Retrieved from https://squeegeesquad.com/commercial/does-climate-affect-building-architecture/
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