Exposing the Invisible ? Wind?s Potential in Architecture

The objective of this project is to improve the communication between architects and wind engineers so that affects associated with wind such as pedestrian comfort, building strength and ventilation may be considered earlier on within the design phase of a project. By documenting the development of the invisible yet extremely prominent winds that flow through the intersection of Bay and King in Toronto, Ontario, I hope to apply and emphasize how key concepts of aerodynamics apply to a full-scale example that is relatable. It is my intention that the visualizations included within this guide to using wind as a design tool, explain concepts in intuitive ways that architects and other non-engineers can learn from and apply. Instead of creating buildings closed off from the environment, wind could become a part of the design of a building in order to expand our ideas of what architectural form, technologies and experiences could be created.

Faculty Supervisor:

Elizabeth English

Student:

Kimberley Adamek

Partner:

Rowan Williams Davies and Irwin Inc.

Discipline:

Architecture and design

Sector:

Natural resources

University:

University of Waterloo