Question

Q.4 (a) What do you mean by Orientation of Buildings ? Write down principal guidelines for orientation in "Hot and Arid Regions" and "Hilly Regions".

Answer 1

ORIENTATION OF THE BUILDING :
It is defined as the arrangement of different parts of the buildings ( ex- Foundation, interior walls, exterior walls, stairs, lift, etc.) in a specific direction.

Objectives of Building Orientation :

• To give the correct direction to the building according to the surroundings.
• Provide natural light and air to the inhabitants.
• To save the inhabitants from dust and smoke.
• To provide privacy to the inhabitants.
• To save the building from damages due to rain.
• To save the inhabitants from the bad effects of the worst weather
• The purpose of orientation is to provide residents a comfortable living space throughout the year even under severe undesirable weather conditions.

Orientation in Dry and arid climate-

• In this climatic zone, the orientation of buildings should be such that non-habitat rooms can be located on outer faces(which act as thermal barriers).
• Longer walls of the building should face North & South such that the building gets minimum solar exposure. Preferably the kitchen should be located on the leeward side of the building to avoid the circulation of hot air and smell from the kitchen.
• Windows and large openings in walls with heavy shutters should be provided on northern and western faces as light coming from the north is always diffused and indirect. Also, the direction of the breeze, which is from the west to most of the places, enters from opening on the west side.
• Roofs should be made of good insulating material having slope in windward direction and which reflects the radiation and does not absorb heat. A false ceiling can be used to improve the thermal performance of the building.