Why is understanding wind effects so important?

Wind effects — at least as they relate to pedestrian comfort and safety (as opposed to a building’s structural integrity) — typically receive little attention in architecture and design courses.

Nevertheless, understanding wind effects is becoming increasingly important, both for receiving design approvals and for improving the efficiency of the design process.

Wind is a major contributor to the microclimate created by large structures. When wind ‘searches’ for a path around obstacles, the complex flows that result impact both comfort and safety.

For these reasons, ever-more cities and municipalities require Pedestrian Wind Analysis Guide before they approve site plans and building designs.

But beyond fulfilling a requirement, pedestrian-level wind analysis also helps architects and designers make cost-effective and thoughtful building designs.

For example:

• Understanding wind effects allows designers to plan spaces that are suitable for outdoor amenities and that incorporate natural ventilation (e.g., to benefit from a cooling breeze on a hot summer day);
• Alternatively, the same analysis can identify comfort and safety problems early in the design process, preventing expensive building re-designs when problems are only uncovered later.

Read a Deep dive into wind effects in urban design