BREATHING FAÇADES AS CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE STRATEGIES: CASE STUDIES ACROSS DIVERSE CLIMATIC CONTEXTS

Ehsan M. Elhennawi, Hesham Sameh Hussein Sameh

Abstract


Introduction. This study evaluates the effectiveness of breathable façades as an innovative architectural solution that contributes to ensuring continuous ventilation, improving indoor air quality, reducing pollutant accumulation, and decreasing energy consumption in diverse climatic and geographical contexts. Purpose of the study. The study aims to examine the use of these façades in different environments and determine their flexibility and effectiveness. Methods. A descriptive and comparative analytical approach was adopted, examining 42 global and regional models, spanning continents and diverse climates. The models were classified according to four principal criteria: geographical location, building materials, design systems, and ventilation patterns, with tables used to illustrate the most common patterns. Results. The findings indicate that global models emphasise diverse solutions that enhance ventilation and air quality, while the regional models are distinguished by the use of low-cost, environmentally sustainable materials, demonstrating flexibility and effectiveness. These results confirm the environmental and functional efficacy of breathable façades across varied climatic conditions.


Keywords


breathing façades, natural ventilation, climate adaptation, indoor air quality, comparative analysis, sustainable architecture.

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