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Wind rose diagrams are helpful for interpreting wind speed, frequency, and directionality. Use them to better inform your design decisions, but be aware of unique microclimates and site considerations that wind rose diagrams will not capture.
Wind provides natural ventilation and usually cools buildings and people because it accelerates the rate of heat transfer. Wind speed and direction change throughout the day and year, and are not as universally predictable.
Airflow and air quality is an important aspect of human comfort. Moving air helps people feel cooler, and natural ventilation is a key strategy for passive cooling. Also, circulating fresh air within a space prevents air from getting stale. In building design, you’ll want to consider both external and internal airflows.
Energy use is often the largest source of a building’s environmental impact. To improve your building’s energy efficiency, you need to understand its site, program, and energy loads.