Wind and Pedestrian Comfort

IN2 uses advanced wind modelling to assess wind speed, direction and turbulence caused by new developments, particularly in exposed or dense urban environments

IN2 undertake Wind Analysis and Pedestrian Comfort with an iterative design approach in conjunction with the Architectural team

Falling under the remit of the Building Physics team, advice is given throughout project progression in the following sequence: 

1. Building block massing adjustments and localised screening
2. Landscaping effects to amenity areas at ground and roof level
3. Detailed assessment of private balcony spaces

This ensures a comprehensive assessment of the microclimate and any potential wind issues is done throughout the initial project design stages prior to Planning submission. 

Understanding wind effects early reduces planning risk, improves public realm design and helps create safer, more comfortable outdoor spaces.

Wind analysis

IN2 undertakes detailed Airflow and Wind Analysis, combining 3D massing modelling (typically from SketchUp or Revit formats) and CFD simulations (SimScale or Phoenics/ Flair software). Wind data is obtained from Global Wind Atlas data, enabling accurate representation of localised site conditions. Simulations are then generally undertaken for a variety of wind speeds/ directions, predicting pressures and associated air velocities for the site.

IN2 undertake detailed Airflow and Wind Analysis, combining 3D massing modelling (typically from SketchUp or Revit formats) and CFD simulations (SimScale or Phoenics/ Flair software). Wind data is obtained from Global Wind Atlas data, enabling accurate representation of localised site conditions. Simulations are then generally undertaken for a variety of wind speeds/ directions, predicting pressures and associated air velocities for the site.

Lawson Criteria guidelines

In order to ensure that proposed developments incur no adverse impact in terms of the local microclimate, Pedestrian Comfort analysis is undertaken based on Lawson Criteria guidelines. This involves assessing predicted localised air velocities on an annualised probability basis, accounting for the range of wind speeds and directions at the site- so as potential impacts from prevailing wind directions require a higher degree of mitigation etc.

The Lawson methodology then converts annualised microclimatic conditions to a single metric of pedestrian comfort, enabling areas to be defined as suitable for sitting, standing, walking etc., or identifying areas where mitigating effects are required.

It all starts with a plan. Contact us today to chat about Wind and Pedestrian Comfort for your next project.