Page 125 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Indoor wind environment in buildings for Qinghai-Tibet plateau of China

south atrium. When the prevailing wind comes from the construction techniques and adapting to the local climate
northeast, the airflow enters through the north window. and extreme natural conditions, the DSPH improves its
Due to thermal pressure in the south side of the atrium, indoor environment through the following key aspects:
low air pressure forms, increasing the outflow of air from (i) The large atrium generates airflow from indoors to
the north windows to the south windows. Vertical airflow outdoors, while the inner atrium facilitates vertical
is created through ventilation holes and the inner and airflow.
outer atriums, allowing for better airflow from the bottom (ii) The West District Sutra Hall, located on the 3 floor
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to the top of the building in the direction of the prevailing of the southern side of the elevated structure, creates
wind, thus enhancing overall ventilation. air convection with the windows on the northern side.
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The wind environment of the DSPH was simulated Similarly, the West District Sutra Hall on the 2 floor
using software, which quantitatively analyzed the indoor facilitates convective airflow with the southern door.
wind environment and airflow conditions. The results (iii) Ventilation holes between floors further increase
show that the building’s materials, semi-open roof, window natural ventilation, while the semi-open roof allows
organization, and ventilation systems enable substantial air for enhanced air exchange.
exchange within the building, meeting the needs of indoor (iv) The use of rammed earth materials increases the
printing, paper drying, and wooden structure preservation. thermal inertia of the building, creating a relatively
These features ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor stable indoor thermal environment.
wind environment. (v) Due to its spacious design, the DSPH features larger
ventilation openings, resulting in increased airflow.
In summary, the DSPH achieves effective ventilation in This ensures smooth and unobstructed air circulation
the East District Sutra Hall on the 2 floor, the West District both indoors and outdoors, minimizing localized
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Sutra Hall and the printing space on the 3 floor, and the dead zones. Consequently, the wind environment is
drying field on the 4 floor through its architectural layout, more uniformly and gently distributed throughout the
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structural materials, architectural ventilation design, and building.
spatial design. These factors allow the indoor wind speed
to remain within a comfortable range of 0.3 m/s, providing By employing these architectural construction methods,
a suitable environment for printing activities, preserving the issue of poor indoor ventilation in traditional Tibetan
wooden structures, and ensuring sufficient airflow for architecture can be effectively addressed. The following
drying the paper scriptures. However, some spaces on strategies can be utilized to enhance indoor ventilation in
the 1 floor, such as the Great Sutra Hall, experience poor traditional Tibetan buildings:
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airflow, low air quality, and high humidity, making them (i) Install windows facing prevailing wind directions to
problematic for use. The reasons for these issues are as increase airflow. However, it is crucial to ensure that
follows: these windows are well-sealed, allowing them to be
(i) Through-height space with high airtightness completely closed at night to reduce the intake of cold
air and prevent indoor temperature drops.
In the center of the Great Sutra Hall on the 1 floor, (ii) Introduce vertical airflow channels by connecting
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there is a through-height space connected to the 2 floor. different floors through vertical passages, ensuring
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This through-height space blocks airflow between the efficient air distribution throughout the building.
inner atrium and the north-side windows. Due to its These channels can take the form of inner courtyards.
airtightness, no air can enter this space. (iii) Incorporate ventilation openings between different
(ii) Semi-underground location of the Great Sutra Hall indoor spaces to facilitate better air exchange within

The terrain of DSPH slopes from high in the northeast the building.
to low in the southwest, which places the north side of the (iv) Implement roof exhaust vents to establish an effective
1 floor in a semi-underground position. As a result, this circulation pathway, expelling indoor pollutants.
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space cannot have windows for air exchange or receive (v) Design with higher ceilings and simpler interior
sufficient solar radiation, leading to high humidity in the layouts to promote smoother airflow and more
indoor space. uniform air distribution.
Across these strategies, traditional Tibetan architecture
5. Conclusion can improve indoor air quality while preserving distinctive
The DSPH is a testament to the architectural practice and local architectural forms. This approach helps safeguard
technical wisdom of the people of the Tibetan plateau, and continue the rich cultural heritage embedded in these
refined over thousands of years. By adhering to traditional excellent architectural construction practices.

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2396