ABSTRACT

Adequate building design using sustainability requirements recommends that building “thickness” may not exceed 15.0m to 20.0 m in-plan.

Natural comfort conditions (lighting, ventilation, thermal control, sound limitations) will be attained through the contour openings in exterior façade’s walls. When the building in-plan size becomes larger, the designer has to create “openings” in the plan layout by inserting empty space areas. These “voids” can be either open air or to be roof partially covered with a roof canopy. This study demonstrates throughout different ages that the strong “void” (cloister, courtyard, patio) concept still influences contemporary architecture, particularly, in Louis I. Kahn building solutions.