Introduction: Passive solar design is an approach to architecture and building design that seeks to harness the power of the sun to provide heat, light, and ventilation to buildings in a sustainable and energy-efficient manner. Unlike active solar systems, passive solar design does not rely on mechanical or electrical systems to capture and distribute solar energy. Instead, it utilizes the natural properties of the building, such as orientation, shading, and thermal mass, to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
Keywords: Passive solar design, sustainable architecture, green buildings, energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy, eco-friendly design.
Recent Developments: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in passive solar design as a means of reducing energy consumption and mitigating the impacts of climate change. As a result, many new building codes now require that new buildings meet minimum standards for energy efficiency and incorporate passive solar design principles. Additionally, many architects and designers have embraced the use of sustainable materials and renewable energy systems to further reduce the environmental impact of their buildings.
Important Researchers: Some of the most important researchers in the field of passive solar design include William Shurcliff, Amory Lovins, and Edward Mazria. Shurcliff was one of the pioneers of the passive solar movement in the United States, and his work laid the foundation for much of the research that has been done in this field. Lovins is known for his work on energy efficiency and the development of superinsulation and the passive solar design of buildings. Mazria is a renowned architect and sustainability expert who has been a leading voice in the field of passive solar design for many years.
Major Architects/Firms:
- William McDonough, a well-known architect and designer, has designed many buildings using passive solar design principles, including the environmentally friendly Ford Motor Company Rouge Factory in Dearborn, Michigan.
- William Kerr, an architect and researcher, is known for his work in the field of passive solar design and has designed numerous energy-efficient buildings, including the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, California.
- The architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is another major player in the field of passive solar design and has designed many green buildings, including the Energy Performance Building in Seattle, Washington.
- The architecture firm HOK is also known for its work in sustainable architecture and has designed many green buildings using passive solar design principles, including the American Institute of Architects headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- References:
- “Passive Solar Building Design” by James Kachadorian, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1998)
- “Passive Solar Architecture: Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, Daylighting and More Using Natural Flows” by Dr. Thomas D. Churchill, published by New Society Publishers (2015)
- “Passive Solar Design and Construction” by David Wright, published by Earthscan Publications Ltd. (2002)
- “Passive Solar Architecture: Case Studies and Design” by Scott Lowe and Mark Dekay, published by Routledge (2019)
- “Green Architecture: Design for a Sustainable Future” by James Wines, published by Rizzoli International Publications (1991)
Additionally, here are some websites that provide information and resources on passive solar design:
- The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has a wealth of information on passive solar design and sustainable building practices, including guidelines and case studies. (https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/passive-solar-design)
- The Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting passive solar design and sustainable building practices. (https://passivehouse.us)
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides information and resources on renewable energy and sustainable building practices, including passive solar design. (https://www.nrel.gov/buildings/passive-solar-design.html)