TROPICAL DESIGN

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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