An Empirical study of the window design and strategies to maximize the thermal comfort on commercial building in different climatic zones

Abstract

A window can be defined as an opening in the building envelope by which interaction between the interior and exterior take place. Both the internal and external environments are influenced by windows, also depending on the percentage of importance of each situation.For example, for commercial buildings, the exterior appearance of the windows plays a major role to attract public eye etc. But in terms of comfort, windows can be considered in thermal, lighting and visual conditions. Thermal and lighting comforts basically depend on how natural elements e.g. Air movement,sunlight etc. are properly used to produce a comfortable interior environment. The control of these natural elements can be done by the design of windows and window modifications at different levels as ground, middle and upper levels. The size, shape, position, orientation, composition, distribution, materials and mechanism. Window are the determinant factor of quality and quantity of ventilation which is admitted to the interior. For example a small opening at the higher level of a building will remove heated air. Another example is a window that reduces heat penetration in to the bidding and also, maintain a constant temperature inside the building through out the day. Thus, a knowledge of ways of organizing all the design elements of the window to enhance thermal comfort for occupants becomes of importance to architects as they are responsible for building an interior environment that is both productive and comfortable