A Simulation study of thermal comfort in earth formed spaces

Abstract

This is a continuation of the B.Sc. dissertation of the writer, which concludes that rocks can moderate the level of thermal comfort inside the spaces they form. It is likely that over other material, rocks have ,potential to create thermally comfortable spaces in the context of Sri Lanka. This Dissertation has expanded the range of study from rocks to earth architecture. This begins with the identification of the thermal sensation as an integral part of spatial experience and therefore as a feature of the spatial art. Integration of earth is seen as the possible mode to create and orchestrate thermal moods in Architecture. ( This deals more with the identification of the underling principles behind the thermal behaviour of earth material and the use of them as tools of Architecture. The study-is based on computer simulation of the thermal behaviour of earth formed spaces, which enables an otherwise impossible multiplicity of flexibilities, options, control over variables and accuracy of testing and comparison. The study identifies the need to integrate boulders and heaps of material, instead of walls and roofs, and discusses the need to rethink of spatial articulation beyond the conventions.