doldrums
Tropical Design
Strategic arrangement of elements in buildings and structures to respond to specific weather, sun, and climate.
Global climatic factors
Factors influencing climate such as Earth rotation, axis inclination, and winds.
Axis Inclination
Responsible for earth’s seasonal change; the tilt of Earth's axis.
Obliquity
The term used for the tilt of the Earth’s axis of 23.44 degrees from the plane of its orbit around the sun.
Solstices
The points of maximum axial tilt toward or away from the sun.
Winter Solstice
Occurs on December 21st, marking the shortest day of the year.
Summer Solstice
Occurs on June 21st, marking the longest day of the year.
Equinox
When the direction of tilt and the sun are perpendicular.
Spring Equinox
Occurs on March 20th, marking the beginning of spring.
Autumnal Equinox
Occurs on September 22nd, marking the beginning of autumn.
Wind
Movement of air relative to the surface of the Earth.
Polar Easterlies
Winds found in north and south poles, between 60-90 degrees latitude.
Prevailing Westerlies
Winds in the northern and southern hemisphere that blow from west to east, located at 30-60 degrees latitude.
Tropical Easterlies
Winds at the equator that flow east to west, found at 0-30 degrees latitude.
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
A low pressure zone near the equator where trade winds converge.
Climate
Conditions of the atmosphere at a particular location over a long period.
Weather
The state of the atmosphere at a given time, which can change frequently.
Tropical Climate Zone
Characterized by 0-23.5 degrees latitude, hot with wet and dry seasons, including tropical rainforests.
Subtropical Climate Zone
Located above 23.5 degrees, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
Subarctic Climate Zone
Located between 40-60 degrees, featuring short summers and long snowy winters.
Dry Climate Zone
Characterized by less than 10 inches of rain per year, exemplified by the Sahara and Saudi Arabia.
Polar Climate Zone
Located in the 60-90 degrees latitude range, characterized by freezing temperatures and permafrost.
Temperature
Measurement of warmth or coldness of an object or location.
Thermal Comfort
Condition where at least 80% of occupants feel comfortable.
Solar Radiation
Radiant energy emitted by the sun from nuclear fusion reactions.
Relative Humidity
The ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at a given temperature.
Rainfall
Amount of rain that falls in a specific place during a certain period.
Wind Rose
A graphical representation of wind directions at a particular location. This is useful to create natural ventilation.
Sun Path
The daily and seasonal arc-like path that the sun appears to take across the sky.
Davao City
A city in the Philippines characterized by high average temperatures and significant rainfall patterns.
Microclimate
Small, localized climate areas that differ from their surrounding regions.
Topography
The relief of an area, affecting climate characteristics.
Vegetation
Ground cover provided by plants that affects thermal properties and climate.
Windbreaks
Barriers of trees, shrubs, and grass that help reduce and redirect wind velocity.
Type I Climate
Characterized by two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.
Type II Climate
No dry season, with rainfall concentrated from November to January.
Type III Climate
Seasons are not very pronounced, with relative dryness from November to April.
Type IV Climate
Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Increased temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings.
Site Analysis
Assessing physical, mental, and social qualities of a location to design an architectural solution.
Daylighting
Controlled admission of natural light into a building to reduce electric lighting.
Passive Design
Design that works with the environment to reduce the need for mechanical heating or cooling.
Stack Ventilation
A method of inducing air flow through convection principles.
Solar Gains
The amount of solar energy received by a building, important for heating.
Sun Path Chart
Visual tool indicating the sun's position in the sky at different times.
Passive Cooling
Using natural principles to cool a building without mechanical means.
Active Cooling
energy-consuming systems used to cool buildings. uses equipments
Ventilation
Circulation of air, replacing stale air with fresh air.
Ground Surface
Whether natural or man-made, its characteristics of reflectance, permeability, and soil temperature influence the microclimate.
Emergency Preparedness
Planning and preparation for unexpected climatic events.
Humidity Measurement
Methods to assess moisture content in the atmosphere.
Ground Surface Characteristics
Factors like reflectance and permeability that influence microclimates.
Climate Zones
Regions classified based on average climatic conditions.
Built Environment
Human-made surroundings that influence climate and ecology.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Evaluating the potential effects of a proposed project on the environment.
Zoning Classifications
Regulations defining how land can be used.
Site Boundary
The limits of a defined piece of land for planning purposes.
Natural Ventilation
Using the wind and thermal differences to ventilate a space.
Solar Shading Devices
Structures designed to block sunlight and reduce heat gain.
Rainwater Harvesting
Collecting and storing rainwater for useful purposes.
Soil Conditions
The physical and chemical characteristics of soil impacting vegetation and climate.
Thermal Properties
How materials respond to heat and cold.
Site Development Planning or site planning
The art and science of arranging the structures on the land and shaping the spaces between, an art of arranging uses of land linked to architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and city planning.
Building Footprint
The area occupied by a building's base on a site.
Legal Restrictions
Laws and regulations that limit land use.
Public Transport Links
Transportation connections available to the public.
Utilities Assessment
Evaluating necessary services like electricity and water on a site.
Evapotranspiration
The process of water transferring from land to the atmosphere.
Climate Data Analysis
Studying climatic conditions to inform design and planning.
Humidity Variability
Changes in humidity levels over time.
Wind Speed Measurement
Determining the intensity of wind flow at a location.
Terrain Variation
Differences in elevation and land features across a site.
Ecosystem Services
Benefits provided by natural systems to human societies.
Climate Resilience
The ability to adapt to climate changes and reduce vulnerability.
Natural Elements Integration
Incorporating nature into design to enhance sustainability.
Bioclimatic Design
Design approach considering local climate to enhance energy efficiency.
Microclimate Monitoring
Tracking localized climatic conditions for better design.
Shade-Giving Objects
Elements that provide shade and reduce heat gain in outdoor areas.
Aesthetic Considerations
Visual aspects guiding architectural and landscape design.
Environmental Sustainability
Practices that support ecological balance and resource conservation.
Thermal Mass Materials
Materials that store and release heat effectively.
Behavioral Adaptation
Changing habits to accommodate climatic conditions.
Ecological Footprint
A measure of human impact on the Earth's ecology.
Coastal Defenses
Structures built to protect against sea-level rise and storms.
Temperature Regulation
Methods or strategies used to maintain comfortable thermal conditions.
185 kph or greater
According to the typhoon intensity scale, a super typhoon has an intensity scale of
Habagat
The southwest wind is characterized by frequent heavy rainfall and humid weather. During the Southwest monsoon, the high-pressure area is on the Australian continent, and the low-pressure area is in North China, Mongolia, and Siberia. The gusty winds from the west and excessive rainfall often turn into dangerous typhoons.
Tropical Cyclone Hurricane
Similar storms that occur in other parts of the world are called,
Intertropical Convergence Zone
It forms when most south and northeast trade winds converge in a low-pressure zone, near the equator. It usually appears as a band of clouds and comes with thunderstorms, which are short but produce extreme amounts of rain.
Westward
The direction of the Earth’s rotation around its axis.
Day Arc
What is the other term for sun path?
61 kph
According to the typhoon intensity scale, a tropical depression has an intensity scale of
Biome
large community of vegetation and wildlife adapted to a specific climate
Tai Fung
e Chinese term for the word typhoon means great wind
Doldrums
This name originated from some sailor who noticed the stillness in the rising air which means depression or despondency.
April
Warmest month in Davao
July
Coolest month in Davao
January
Most humid month in Davao
June
Rainiest month in Davao
March
Driest month