Wind Analysis

Wind Analysis studies how airflow interacts with buildings, terrain, and other structures in urban environments using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and field measurements. Urban wind patterns are fundamentally different from open-terrain conditions because buildings create complex effects including channeling through street canyons, downdrafts along tall facades, turbulent wakes behind structures, and accelerated flow around building corners. 3D city models derived from LiDARLiDARLight Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that measures distances using laser pulses to crea..., photogrammetryPhotogrammetryPhotogrammetry is the science of extracting precise measurements and creating 3D models from photographs. It is widel..., or building information models provide the geometric input for CFD simulations that calculate wind speed, direction, and turbulence at pedestrian level and throughout the urban canopy. Wind rose diagrams compiled from weather station data characterize the prevailing wind climate, while on-site measurements validate simulation results. Applications include pedestrian wind comfort assessment for new high-rise developments, where building codes may require demonstration that ground-level wind speeds will not create dangerous or uncomfortable conditions. Natural ventilation design uses wind analysis to orient and shape buildings for passive cooling. Urban wind energy feasibility studies identify locations where accelerated flow could support small-scale turbines. Pollutant and odor dispersion modeling predicts how emissions spread through neighborhoods, informing setback requirements and air quality management strategies.