Multi-Scale Ventilation-Oriented Design Framework for Public Buildings Using Integrated WRF–CFD Simulation
Growing global energy concerns have increased the importance of energy-efficient building strategies that reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Natural ventilation is a critical passive design approach capable of improving indoor air quality, preventing moisture accumulation, and lowering cooling energy demand. However, many previous ventilation-oriented design studies rely on simplified models, focus on single climatic scales, and address only specific stages of the building design process. This study introduces an integrated methodology for ventilation-oriented building design that operates across multiple spatial scales and design phases.
Limitations of Conventional Ventilation Design Approaches
Traditional ventilation design methods typically evaluate airflow conditions at a single scale, often focusing only on building form or façade openings. These approaches rarely incorporate broader urban wind environments or consider how ventilation strategies evolve throughout the design process. As a result, building performance predictions may lack accuracy, and potential improvements in natural ventilation efficiency remain underutilized. Addressing these limitations requires a methodology that integrates climatic, urban, and architectural scales throughout the entire design workflow.
Multi-Scale Ventilation-Oriented Design Methodology
The proposed framework integrates a progressive design method with a multi-scale simulation strategy to support ventilation-oriented decision-making across full design phases. Each design stage is associated with appropriate evaluation criteria, enabling designers to refine ventilation strategies systematically. By considering environmental conditions from regional wind patterns to building-scale airflow behavior, the methodology ensures that ventilation optimization is embedded throughout the entire architectural design process.
Integration of WRF–CFD Three-Domain Nested Simulation
A key component of the methodology is the WRF–CFD three-domain nested simulation approach. This system combines large-scale atmospheric modelling using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations at the urban and building levels. The nested simulation structure enables accurate representation of wind conditions across regional, neighborhood, and building scales, providing more reliable airflow predictions for ventilation-oriented design.
Case Study Application in Nanjing
To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a community service center located in Nanjing was selected as a case study. The building design was progressively optimized using the multi-scale ventilation framework. Simulation results indicated a significant improvement in natural ventilation efficiency, achieving a cumulative improvement score of 1.3. The findings demonstrate that integrating ventilation considerations across multiple design stages produces better performance outcomes than optimizing ventilation at a single phase.
Implications for Sustainable Building and Urban Microclimate Design
The results confirm that a multi-scale, phase-integrated ventilation design approach can substantially enhance building airflow performance while supporting energy-efficient operation. Furthermore, the use of nested WRF–CFD simulations provides more reliable wind environment data for design decision-making. Beyond individual buildings, the framework contributes to improved urban microclimate conditions by encouraging climate-responsive architectural strategies. This methodology offers a practical reference for architects, engineers, and planners seeking to incorporate natural ventilation optimization into sustainable public building design.
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