Wolfgang Kessling: "(Re)Connecting Building – Performance with Tropical Architecture"

Those, who do not completely isolate themselves from reality, are aware that global climate change is not "fake news"; it is reality – with wide-ranging consequences. It has at least been recognized that the change is linked to the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Reducing global CO2 emissions is a big challenge, especially when it comes to buildings, because conventional buildings consume a lot of energy. In addition, a huge increase in new construction is predicted for the future, with the Asian market at the forefront. New quality labels and regulations are intended to help reduce energy consumption in buildings, but they will only act to dampen the global increase in greenhouse gases and anthropogenic heat; the significant anticipated growth poses its own challenges. If we want to have buildings that have a neutral impact on the global climate, we have to avoid the use of fossil fuel resources.
Theoretically, the simplest solution is to use only renewable energy sources for all building energy needs. Even better than that would be to have buildings that require as little energy as possible, that are inexpensive and, most importantly, that provide comfortable accommodation. This proposed solution is a not a far-fetched dream, but already exists, as illustrated by the following article. The article presents two case studies from regions, where the term “thermal comfort” immediately and typically triggers the term “chillers”. But there are other ways…

Wolfgang Kessling gave a lecture on this topic with the title “Re-Connecting Building Performance with Tropical Architecture” as a keynote speaker at the XII International Symposium of Architecture and Arts. The Symposium was held in Bogota on August 29 - 31, 2018. The well-received event with 2000 participants was titled Efficiency + Experience with a central theme on comfort in architecture.