Interactive architecture and contextual adaptability: issues of energy sustainability in contemporary tall office buildings in Colombo – Sri Lanka

Abstract

Interactive Architecture (IA) and contextual adaptability promotes operational energy efficiency of buildings by enabling building – climate interaction. However, Tall buildings tend to be non – interactive and climate isolated due to focus on other design considerations. Three recent office buildings in Colombo were selected for investigation to examine the level of interactive contextual adaptability, following a qualitative short – listing. After a general evaluation of energy use intensity (EUI), the designs were analyzed using a theoretical framework, and a thermal behavior investigation. The research revealed that low levels of building – climate interaction results in susceptibility to indoor overheating. Particularly, peripheral passive zones indicated elevated temperature levels attributed to increased solar exposure due to poor envelope design. Elevations in indoor temperatures, ranging from 3° to 4° Celsius were observed, which corresponded with 30% to 50% increase of space cooling energy load.