Window Design and the Design of Air Flow: Simulation Studies Revealing How Windows Form Air Movement

This study examines window designs and the design of airflow through the movements of sliding and rotational elements of the windows. Nine different window types are parametrically modelled and paired with a computer fluid dynamics simulation of the airflow velocity and airflow patterns. Both of these aspects being important parts in determining and creating thermal sensations in buildings. Each window design is studied at ten different opening percentages and then assessed through a comparative analysis, registering maximum, minimum and averages velocities, and the specific abilities to steer airflow as an instrumental technique in thermal design. The studies find that the Vertical Pivot window performs best considering air velocity generation and air flow steering, thereby enabling designers to utilise air as a thermal design parameter in a higher degree than the other window types included in the study.