NEEDS ANALYSIS
Our Considerations
THERMAL COMFORT IN THE PLAZA
Lendlease wanted to create community spaces with optimal thermal comfort – that is, spaces with an ideal balance of ambient temperature, humidity and air movement. Staying true to its culture of sustainability, it sought to do this in an environmentally responsible way. Lendlease’s specific needs for the Plaza were as follows:
- To give the community an open space that is naturally ventilated and thus energy-saving, and encourages social gathering and activities at all times, day and night
- To use low-energy cooling solutions to maximise thermal comfort in a large open space
The Plaza provides good thermal comfort as it has a good passive architecture design – a combination of various architectural principles that harness natural sources of heating and cooling. Measures can include daylighting, shading, air sealing, building orientation, natural ventilation features, and choice of building materials based on their properties that are aligned to achieving optimal thermal comfort.
For one, it is in a prime location – a spot that sits on the path between the neighbouring Paya Lebar Square and SingPost Centre, creating a “wind tunnel effect” that channels wind right into it. The light-coloured canopy that shelters the space reflects heat. The fountain in the middle of the Plaza also plays a part in cooling down the space. Additionally, small plots of landscaping elements spread around the Plaza help to bring down the temperature.
However, the team also planned for a “worst-case scenario” – specifically, warmer times of the year that also typically come with very little windflow. Again, fans were deemed as a feasible solution for their very low carbon footprint.
DEVELOPMENT
All in Good Speed
THERMAL COMFORT IN THE PLAZA
Hear from Meinhardt on what it did after it received approval to use fans to enhance natural airflow.
Based on an outdoor windflow study, we identified spots that could do with more air movements. The initial intention was to have one large fan installed on the canopy. However, it was later ascertained that the canopy would not be able to bear the weight of the fan. So, we sourced for smaller fans that could be safely installed onsite, and at the same time, distribute air movement even more effectively.
