Solar Building-FAQs | Opportunities for builders and architects

2:: Solar Building - Opportunities for builders and architects

Introduction

Since the advent of civilization, a shelter with security against unkind outsiders and protection from the fury of nature has been the basic need of mankind. Gradually, as centuries passed, the definition of dwelling changed from being merely a shelter to a building that provides comfortable indoor environment with aesthetics of architectural beauty.

The creative imagination of evolving human mind has gifted this world some of the most astonishing architectural marvels with climate-sensitive design. It is hard to believe, how simplicity with common sense prevailed thousands of years ago and even without the aid of architects or engineers, these buildings cleverly used sunlight and natural breezes for heating, cooling and day lighting their interiors. These are the essential features of "Solar Passive Architecture

Rapid growth in urban population in the post-industrial revolution era during the last century prompted the need for low-cost housing for expanding labour force and climate-sensitive building designs took a back seat. This led to the designing of "International Style" modern buildings, which looked similar throughout the world irrespective of climates. And comfort was achieved at the cost of enormous amount of energy consumed.

The comfortable indoor environment with modern amenities was well enjoyed until alarming energy crisis was felt by the whole world 2-3 decades ago. A soul-searching movement started with the question "Can we go back to nature to provide comfort in modern buildings too?" Fortunately, the answer was Yes. The concept of "Solar Passive Architecture" was evolved in the modern contexts.

The method of achieving indoor thermal and visual comfort with minimum or no use of artificial energy is termed as Solar Passive Architecture. Some advance techniques also use minimum possible active devices such as electric air blowers to achieve the purpose of constructing low energy building. 'Energy-conscious' design, once the domain of backyard researchers and inventors, is now being practiced by top architects and even suburban builders. With the availability of computer-simulated designing aspects and estimation of thermal performance, this technique has taken firm root and emerged as practical science.

Feasible Solution
Basic Principles
Climatic Zones
Opportunities in Maharashtra
Other Advanced Features

Download List of institutions/ organizations, architects and scientists working on energy-efficient buildings