Building Massing and Orientation in the Passive Design Process

Abstract

Passive Design refers to a design approach that uses natural energy sources in place of purchased energy such as electricity or natural gases. Depending how a structure is designed, the natural energy from the sun can be used for heating, cooling, and natural lighting. Passive designs require very little maintenance, and can greatly reduce a buildings energy consumption. There are many different strategies used in the passive design process. My research focused on the building massing and building orientation portion of the passive design process.