Environment and Architecture

Over the past six weeks, we’ve investigated how regional climates and environmental flows influence architectural design, focusing on how to craft buildings that are both sustainable and energy-efficient, how we analyze local environmental conditions to develop passive energy strategies and design resilient, energy-positive structures.

Our course on Environment and Architecture began with a simple yet thought-provoking exercise: we each wrote down five words that came to mind when we thought of "Environment" and "Climate." This initial reflection set the stage for a journey into understanding how these elements profoundly impact architecture.

At the core of this module was creating built forms that respond to their climate and ecosystem using passive design strategies. We began by analyzing climate, vegetation, and local life, using software to gather weather data from past years for a comprehensive understanding. We were introduced to the concept of a microclimate, which refers to the climate of a small or specific area that can differ from the surrounding region. Learning about microclimates helped us understand how various factors like topography, vegetation, water bodies, and human activity influence the local climate.

Our class was divided into groups, with each assigned to a specific climatic zone:

Hot and Dry: Sarkhej

Warm and Humid: Ponda

Moderate: Bangalore

Cold and Sunny: Mount Abu

Composite: Chandigarh

Cold and Cloudy: Chakrata

We created narrative drawings to illustrate the region's climate, weather, and vegetation, helping us gain a deeper understanding of the area.

Each group dove into the unique characteristics of their assigned zone by reading psychrometric charts and studying climate data sets. This data helped us analyze field conditions, which would be essential for creating site-specific design strategies. By working in these diverse climates, we learned that effective architecture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about responding to the specific environmental conditions of a place.

We completed site analyses, noting factors like sun path, wind direction, humidity levels, and precipitation patterns. This information helped us formulate passive design strategies. We considered elements like insulation, thermal mass, cross-ventilation, and shading—each tailored to address the specific needs of our assigned climate. For example, in hot and dry areas like Sarkhej, thick walls, shaded courtyards, and small windows were key to maintaining cooler indoor temperatures. In the warm and humid climate of Ponda, cross-ventilation and shaded verandas were vital. Our design process began with strategy diagrams, guided by our climatic analysis to inform effective responses.

Following our site analysis, we designed a 100-square-meter home for a family of four, tailored to the climate. We applied passive design strategies to maximize natural light, optimize ventilation, and enhance comfort, using layout and materials to reduce energy use and promote sustainability.

 Drawings and model - Nirav Chougule

   Drawing & Model - Rishika Waghmare

Drawings -  Indraneel More 

Our hands-on work included drafting plans, developing sections, and creating physical models. We went through multiple iterations, refining our designs at each stage. This iterative process taught us the importance of persistence and attention to detail. Each draft and model helped us visualize the interplay of light, shadow, and form, and understand how our designs would function in the real world.Isometric drawings provided insights into materiality, detailed joinery, and the natural elements' influence on the built form.

Drawings - Svapnil Pithava

Understanding the relationship between the built environment and natural elements like sunlight was another key focus. We learned to read sun path diagrams, which allowed us to consider the movement of the sun throughout the year and predict how daylight would enter our spaces. By testing our models, we observed how natural light interacts with buildings and how shading devices can control heat and glare, while still providing illumination.

Solar Ingress

This course has given us invaluable skills in observing, analyzing, and responding to environmental conditions through architecture. We learned that designing with the climate isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about sustainability and making thoughtful decisions to reduce our impact on the environment. This experience reinforced the idea that architecture is not simply about constructing buildings; it’s about creating harmonious spaces that respect and respond to their surroundings.