Effect of Structure and Morphology on Natural Ventilation Potentials, Comfort, and Energy Use in Tall Buildings

In recent years, more and more tall buildings have a mixed-use or residential program. This shift from formerly mainly office use requires new evaluations and guidelines for occupant comfort. This paper examines the relationship between the structural core of the building, its floor plan, the overall shape and its potential for natural ventilation, and how these relate to human comfort, energy efficiency and structural performance. The results are qualitative recommendations for the initial design stage of a tall building in a given climate zone.