Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
This project presents a comprehensive environmental performance assessment and Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) analysis for a large-scale mixed-use development located in Riyadh. The development includes high-rise residential towers, mid-rise residential wings, commercial podiums, landscaped terraces, rooftop gardens, and interconnected pedestrian zones.
The study investigates climatic behavior, wind dynamics, façade pressure distribution, pedestrian-level comfort, daylight availability, and photovoltaic(PV) performance using advanced environmental simulation tools and validated meteorological datasets.
The primary objective of the analysis is to optimize environmental performance, improve outdoor and indoor comfort, reduce operational energy demand, and support climate-responsive architectural design strategies suitable for hot-arid environments.
Understanding wind behavior and climatic conditions is essential for sustainable architectural design in desert environments. In Riyadh’s hot-arid climate, wind patterns directly influence thermal comfort, passive cooling potential, urban ventilation, façade performance, and energy consumption.
This phase evaluates annual and seasonal wind behavior using validated meteorological data and environmental visualization tools.
The primary objectives of the climate analysis include;
The climatic analysis was conducted using IWEC EPW weather data processed through Climate Consultant 6.0 and cross-verified with Meteonorm and NOAA climate databases.
The following environmental parameters were evaluated;
The analysis demonstrates that northwestern and northern winds dominate throughout most of the year, particularly during spring and autumn seasons.
Spring months exhibit the highest wind velocities, creating favorable conditions for passive ventilation strategies. Conversely, summer periods experience weaker airflow combined with extremely high temperatures, significantly reducing the effectiveness of natural ventilation.
The psychrometric analysis indicates that less than 10% of annual hours fall within the thermal comfort zone without mechanical cooling systems.
The following passive strategies were identified as highly effective:
Mechanical cooling remains indispensable during peak summer periods.
The environmental dataset reveals;
Low humidity levels create strong potential for evaporative cooling applications during transitional seasons.
The climatic findings directly inform several architectural design decisions;
This phase investigates airflow behavior across the entire mixed-use development using high-resolution CFD simulations. The study evaluates aerodynamic interactions between towers, podiums, terraces, courtyards, and urban circulation spaces.
Objectives:
The CFD simulation aims to:
Simulation Framework:
Wind Corridors;
The arrangement of mid-rise wings creates natural airflow corridors aligned with prevailing northwestern winds. These corridors significantly enhance cross-ventilation throughout the site.
Venturi Acceleration;
Velocity amplification zones were identified between towers and podium structures, where wind speeds increased up to 1.7 times the ambient flow velocity. These areas require careful pedestrian-level mitigation strategies.
Recirculation Zones;
CFD streamlines reveal vortex formation behind podium masses and within recessed courtyards, particularly during low-wind conditions. These zones may negatively affect outdoor thermal comfort and air quality.
Vertical Wind Shear;
At elevations above 60 meters, airflow becomes stratified and turbulent, reducing the effectiveness of passive stack ventilation systems.
Positive Performance Characteristics;
Critical Challenges;
This phase evaluates wind-induced pressure behavior on vertical and horizontal building surfaces to optimize façade engineering, structural detailing, and envelope performance.
The study investigates;
Windward Pressure Zones;
The northwestern façades experienced the highest positive pressure values, with Cp values reaching approximately +0.78 at upper tower levels.
Leeward Suction Zones;
Negative pressure values between -0.40 and -0.55 were observed on southeastern façades, creating significant suction and uplift risks.
Dynamic Pressure Effects;
Pressure fluctuations near corners and podium edges generated localized turbulence and façade stress concentrations.
Study Objective:
This phase assesses outdoor thermal and aerodynamic comfort conditions at pedestrian height using Lawson Comfort Criteria and Beaufort classifications.
Key Findings:
In high-rise buildings, wind-induced forces have a direct impact on the following;
Windward Pressure Zones;
The northwestern façades experienced the highest positive pressure values, with Cp values reaching approximately +0.78 at upper tower levels.
Leeward Suction Zones;
Negative pressure values between -0.40 and -0.55 were observed on southeastern façades, creating significant suction and uplift risks.
Dynamic Pressure Effects;
Pressure fluctuations near corners and podium edges generated localized turbulence and façade stress concentrations.
This phase evaluates daylight penetration, seasonal shadow behavior, solar exposure, and photovoltaic performance throughout the development.
Daylight Analysis Objectives:
Analysis Periods:
The behavior of solar shading and daylight was evaluated across the four seasons.
Results:
Objective:
Evaluate the performance of photovoltaic(PV) panels installed on the building façade and roof.
Results:
The results of this study demonstrate that design informed by CFD analysis and climatic data can play a significant role in advancing sustainable architecture in hot-arid climates.
The integration of climate-responsive design, natural ventilation, wind pressure control, daylight optimization, and solar energy utilization contributes to reduced energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, and enhanced urban environmental quality.
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