ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 416

Recommendations and Discussion
Throughout a series of simulations and further analyses incorporating ‘before and after’ analysis,
the following are some suggestions for improvements:
1. The reorientation advantages in which allows the wind flow through the middle passage towards the center courtyard as this is directly aligned towards the direction of wind airflow, in
contrast with the before analysis where the corner buildings blocking most of the wind.
2. The shades, due to their shape, redirecting air towards each small courtyard below it compare
to the ‘before’ analysis when it was not provided, where wind just passes through the top of
the buildings.
3. The canopies at the main two entries and in the residential courtyards, redirecting the wind
speed and while passing among them allowing winds to gently pass through.
Directing the wind and efficiently ventilating the plaza and the existing courtyards within an urban community is a way forward for sustainability. Moreover, utilizing the wind passively and
using it efficiently for ventilation and air circulation in the required spaces (Sucher 1995; Graham
and Booth 2010).
The central area includes the royal cell where the queen termite resides. The nursery zone is
where eggs are transferred to be kept and taken care of by sterile worker termites. The chamber
contains the nurture fungus but most importantly acts as a ventilation passage for the mound to
bring in oxygen and take away carbon dioxide that is trapped. In other words, this is the mounds
most optimal and sensitive area when it comes to thermal comfort. This is where the third notion
comes in. The central area’s vegetation could act as respiration with the flow of air. As Chandler
stated “planted areas can be a much as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6-8.3 degree Celsius) cooler
than built-up areas due to a combination of evapotranspiration, reflection, shading, and storage
of cold” (Brown and Dekay 2001:132).
Vegetation is a simple aspect of life and being close to nature. It plays a key role in thermal comfort and reducing thermal loads on a building and its surroundings. As designers, we choose trees
symbolizing and identifying the UAE heritage and cultural history. Nevertheless, there are numerous influences on the microclimate around the building social, mental and environment benefits
(Lobeck 1939), yet again below are some of the benefits listed:
One of the Greenhouse gases that are trapped in the atmosphere is carbon dioxide where vegetation can take in carbon dioxide and exchange it with oxygen.
Vegetation acts as a barrier to block direct sun radiation.
It absorbs the humidity from the air, such as the case study housing community setting and its
area that has amounts of high humidity ratio. The trees absorb the moisture during the day and
release back during night.
Vegetation gives the sense of privacy as it encloses spaces in public areas creating a comfortable
zone.
Natural shading eliminates heat gains when the direct sun, which results in heat gains, is blocked,
the temperature below is definitely lower when compared to the temperature above and/or exposed areas.
Palm trees are a simple of growth, life, and tradition in the UAE. In the early days, houses that had
palm trees symbolized that the house is owned by a sheikh or a person who is established and
brought wealth to his family. Palm trees are also mentioned in al Quran as a source of nutritious
food and for its shading (Bradshaw 2006:61)

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ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce, Italy