Consideration of the wind environment is now a fundamental part of a planning application for an urban development. Wind is a major factor in determining the ‘usability’ of public spaces, affecting pedestrian comfort and safety as well as social and commercial activities. To ensure a successful outcome, we look at the prevailing wind conditions on site and compare them with the likely impact of new buildings.
Buro Happold’s Computational Wind Engineering (CWE) consultants use on-site testing and 3D computer simulations to assess the impact of wind on the ‘quality’ of the urban environment. We study the effects of local wind forces on structural performance and ground level safety, as well as predicting the extent of pollutant and smoke dispersion from chimneys, plant and vehicles.
The way air flows around a building can create uncomfortable or even dangerous wind speeds at street level. Predicting wind flow enables the optimum siting of openings in the building envelope – for example, the best location of doors and ventilation vents for internal climate control. CWE can also be used to predict the effect of wind velocities on more ‘open’ buildings such as stadia, pavilions and grandstands.
An understanding of air movement is vital for improving aspects of the design and site planning. The layout, shape, mass and proximity of buildings can all have an effect on wind flow patterns. By exposing potential problems (such as ‘funnelling’ or turbulence) we are able to take remedial action early on in the design process – for example, by changing the building’s position or designing topographical ‘wind break’ features.
CWE studies can be carried out much more quickly and cheaply than conventional wind tunnel testing and are more accurate. Given the complex geometries of modern urban spaces, which consist of various shapes and sizes of buildings, thoroughfares, piazzas, recreational spaces etc, CWE becomes a powerful tool for identifying wind hotspots and developing accurate pedestrian ‘comfort maps’.
Perception of ‘unacceptable’ or ‘tolerable’ wind levels will vary depending on what activity people are engaged in – for example, wind comfort is much more of a factor when having an outdoor meal than when walking to work or parking the car. Our assessments therefore cover not only wind speed but also frequency and persistence across the site, identifying areas where ‘gusts’ are most likely to occur.
Buro Happold’s CoSA Solutions group have carried out wind engineering studies on a diverse range of projects around the world. Our proficiency in the field of computer simulation and modelling is second to none, thanks to our advanced technical capabilities, long project experience and close working relationships with leading wind engineering academics.
