TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA

363 P.Casal St., Quiapo, Manila

TROPICAL DESIGN

CLIMATE
Climate
is
a
measure
of
the
average
pattern
of
variation
in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, precipitation, atmospheric particle
count and other meteorological variables in a given region over long periods of time.
TYPES OF CLIMATE
TROPICAL (Tropical Wet / Tropical Wet and Dry)
These climates are the ones where the mean monthly temperature remains generally
above 22 deg. C
and they occur in the tropical zone. They do not have a perceptible winter season.
Major sub types of tropical climate: Tropical Rain-forest, Tropical Monsoon and the
Tropical Savanna.
DRY (Semiarid / Arid)
This climate is characterized by a general situation of water deficit and generally no
permanent streams
originate from such regions .
Major sub types of dry climate: Tropical and Subtropical Deserts and the Tropical
and Subtropical Steppes.
MODERATE (Mediterranean / Humid Subtropical / Marine West Coast)
This climate is one near the median of the coldest and hottest climates on verifiable
historical records.
It means a climate that is not too cold and not too hot to support general life.
CONTINENTAL (Humid Continental / Subarctic)

A climate characterized by important annual variation in temperature due to the lack of

significant bodies of water
nearby. A relatively dry climate with very hot summers and very cold winters.

POLAR (Tundra / Ice Cap / Highland)

This climate is characterized by a long season of severe winter and even the summer
season is cold.

ISSUES OR CLIPPINGS PERTAINING THE EFFECTS AND IMPORTANCE OF CLIMATE TO

ARCHITECTURE

Climate, in particular, plays a big role in architecture. The basis for the selection of
building forms as well as its building elements relies on the climate and must be
appropriate to create necessary comfort.

Climate takes place in designing and building architectural structures sustainability to

withstand and produce an energy efficient buildings and other considerations.

Climate also alters architectural demands for shelter, warmth, cooling and the
relationship of indoor and outdoor living spaces. Ignoring climatic context risks
undermining structures functionality.

PANES, KRISTINE
MARIZ A.
BS ARCH
19 JUNE 2014
Page 1 of 2
TROPICAL DESIGN
Tropical Design is not just a particular design style. It is about achieving thermal comfort
through the use of
passive
design
elements
like
sunshades,
cavity
walls, light shelves,
overhangs, roof and
wall insulation, and
even shading from
large trees to block
the sunlight. It can
look
traditional,
ultramodern or even
high-tech.
SAMPLE PHOTOS
TARRYTOWN HOUSE
Austin, Texas
One of the most striking elements of the home are the wood slats covering sections of the
deck
and rails. They allow breezes to pass through while
still providing the structures with a substantial
presence.

BELLAROCA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

Marinduque, Philippines
For the Philippines, having a warm humid climate, the external features of the building
envelope and its relation to the site is designed to fully utilize air movement.

PANES, KRISTINE
MARIZ A.
BS ARCH
19 JUNE 2014
Page 2 of 2