Meteorological Guidelines of Optimal Orientation of Buildings in the Negev Semi-Arid Conditions

a Geographer's View

Abstract

The microclimate inside a building is strongly influenced by the heat fluxes through the walls, floor, ceiling and windows, by the outdoor meteorology and by the exchange of air through the doors, windows, etc. Considering a standard opening, the latter factor is a function of the orientation of the opening, relative to the wind direction and (to a lesser extent) of the wind speed. Givoni (1965) analyzed the orientation problem and recommended further research of the problem, since complete guidelines could not be obtained at that time. The purpose of the present paper is to determine the orientation of buildings and their openings in Beer Sheva that will optimize the interior microclimate. The optimization takes into account local meteorological factors, such as wind direction and speed, temperature, humidity, rain and dust storms.