Microclimate question

[Justayellowbadge]

Odd question, perhaps.

During the planning process how much is the potential impact of a building on the climate examined? How accurately can this be modelled?

There's a new development nearby and I'm convinced things have got a touch more breezey since it got completed.

[wombat172a]

I don't believe much consideration, if any, is given to projects with regards to micro-climates at the moment. Definately regarding carbon cost etc there is, as that's what people believe in at the moment.

Unless someone can correct me I'll check with our environmental dept. tomorrow. What type and how big is the development anyway?

[Justayellowbadge]

Quite large.

Supermarket/retail/restaurants/gym/flats, that sort of thing.

I ask mainly because Colliers Wood tube station is a bloody wind tunnel and it is locally thought that is down to Britain's worst building (tm) just opposite.

I'm curious if wind patterns are considered.

[wombat172a]

oh that st monstrosity in the middle of the roundabout? I think absolutely fk all thought went into the design of that building.

It's coming down though isn't it?

[nammynake]

I wouldn't have thought they modelled micro climates at all. Weather reports typically show the predominate wind patterns based on the pressure/isobar forecasts. Small scale winds (like what you get on a sunny day with lots of fluffy cumulus clouds) are the result of thermals releasing from the ground and the surrounding air rushing in to 'fill the void'.

Buildings/concrete/roads are very efficient thermal generators and so localised winds may be generated here, compared with say the green field which was there before construction began.

Or something...