ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the physical performance requirements of buildings in tropical climates. It helps readers to appreciate the influence of the choices of materials and the selection of design features on building performance. The chapter discusses macro, mesa and micro climate in tropical regions. It also helps readers to recognize the sources and nature of loadings applied to building elements in tropical climates and the ways in which they affect those elements. The structural behaviour of building elements depends mainly upon three factors: the environmental conditions, material characteristics and geometrical features. The fundamental building science will be focused on the tropical climate and its effect on buildings. Greenery and vegetation can prevent excessive heat gain surrounding the building and decrease unwanted glare. Comprehensive integration towards good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance in the building design can lead to healthy, comfortable and satisfied occupants.
