Biophilic, photobiological and energy-efficient design framework of adaptive building façades for Northern Canada

Abstract

This paper develops an integrated design framework of adaptive building façades (ABFs) to respond to photobiological and thermal needs of occupants, biophilic factors, energy requirements and climatic features in Northern Canada, i.e. near and above 50°N. The paper discusses the importance of biophilic and photobiological factors and ABFs to improve occupants’ health and human–nature relations and deal with the extreme climate in Northern Canada where non-adapted buildings that could negatively affect occupants’ well-being. The paper shows that existing ABFs must be further developed for northern applications in terms of (i) the physical structure and configuration of components, (ii) the design of solar shading/louver panels to address photobiological and biophilic requirements, (iii) the development of lighting adaptation scenarios to respond to biophilic and photobiological needs, local photoperiods and energy issues and (iv) the overall biophilic quality for accessibility to natural patterns. The ABFs’ framework was developed in three phases including: (1) process environmental data, (2) produce adaptation scenarios and (3) operate adaptation scenarios. The research discussed major issues of all phases that must be further studied, especially the development of hourly/daily/seasonally lighting adaptation scenarios. The paper develops a holistic parametric methodology to integrate and optimize major design variables of ABF’s components.