Energy in Architecture - Climate responsive design and the wisdom of Traditional Architecture

Abstract

Thou the European Commission defi ned a strategy necessary to achieve the goal of a competitive sustainable and safe energy for the European Countries, lifestyle of western societies led to an increase in the consumption of primary energy, a future of low carbon dioxide emissions is an eff ective solution to support both economic development and the international energy situation. In the last years we have witnessed an increase concern for environmental impacts of building and for the quality of internal environment, this led to the raise of interest in “green buildings” and in climate responsive design. In order not to have discomfort indoor, to reduce energy consumption, to minimize pollution, bioclimatic design should be considered. Climate responsive design is part of an environmental approach to building development called ecological sustainable design (ESD), based on the understanding of the climate parameters which may be infl uential in the design process, id est: temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation, light, related to the geographical position. Looking carefully at traditional architecture all these aspect, or at least most of these, can be recognized in the wisdom of traditional construction practice. Traditional architectural solutions, thanks tended to maximize the use of energy contributions, both in terms of solar radiation and of natural ventilation provided by the external environment, and at the same time, to ensure proper shielding of windows.