Why Coupling MicroClimate and Buildings in Design for Climate Change

Controlling outdoor microclimates and building energy is an increasing concern. As climate changes fastly, it leads to warmer seasons threatening human thermal comfort and causing overheating in indoor environments, consequently increasing cooling energy consumption. It is known that microclimates have a significant effect on both outdoor and indoor comfort. Exlisting literature demonstrates how local microclimate depends on urban density, shape, and orientation of buildings and materials. However, little research focuses on how outdoor and indoor can cooperate to affect outdoor and indoor positively. With cities including new types of envelope materials, complex buildings shapes and nature-based solutions, this stream of research needs to expand and be digitally supported. By showcasing a series of research cases developed by the authors, this paper presents insights into the interconnected nature of outdoor and indoor via coupled thermal simulations– capabilities and limitations for implementing workflows that couple indoor and outdoor are discussed.