Climatic evaluation of planned residential developments in the context of Dhaka city

Abstract

The physical development of phlll~residcntialnft:3S of Dhaka City follow II grid iron jmttem of rood network wilh rectangular plots. Rojdhtml UnnO)'tm Kartlpokha (RAJUK), the local city development lluthority. controls the development of these nreas with 11nwnbcr o(buildinll codes. Tbese codes or by-laws llJ'e often not b1sed on micro-climntk: considemtiom of Dhaka City. They are related to particular plot dimcnsioIL'l wilhoul much rtfcrrncc to D.residential module or block.. So the ~t is genernlly unsatisfactory especially in terms of environmental aspects. By following these codC$ the building5 developed in these plots IlJl: TI(IIrespomi\'I: to !he loc;:nI climatic conditions. In II hot humid dimnte like: tha1 of Dhaka, soI11rshading and ndequate airflow around buildings are mnjetr considenltiom for achieving thennnlly comfortable environment both indoor and outdoor. This research intends to find om the rovironmentnl issues as they relate 10 solar radilltion and air ventilation. of exis1ing phmned residential developments of Dhab city. The r=n::h also elfPlores tnc criteria thaI should be considered while designing such residentilll lIfeM and alternative layout(s) for such residential development considering SOIOTshooing and ventil11tion.