Passive Cooling

Passive Cooling

Passive Cooling is a design approach in architecture that uses building shape, orientation, and materials to keep spaces cool without using machines. Designers can use thick walls, special roof shapes, and shaded courtyards to help buildings stay cooler by slowing down heat from the sun and letting warm air move out naturally. Some buildings use water features or green roofs to help lower temperatures inside. New ideas in passive cooling include using special windows that let in light but block heat, and walls that store coolness at night and release it during the day. Designers can combine these methods in creative ways to make buildings comfortable and energy efficient, especially in hot places.

thermal mass, cross ventilation, green roofs, solar shading, night cooling, building orientation

— Kevin Green