A Practical Architectural Approach to Mixed-Mode Ventilation: Airflow, Comfort, and Cooling

Operable windows play a key role in how air moves through buildings, supporting both ventilation and passive cooling strategies. In mixed-mode buildings, the design requirements for delivering fresh air to occupants can differ significantly from those needed to remove heat, making it essential to clearly define performance objectives early in the architectural design process.

This webinar provides practical, architecture-focused guidance on integrating operable windows into building design, focusing on airflow strategies such as single-sided, cross, and stack ventilation. Participants will explore how façade design, window placement, and building layout influence airflow performance, as well as how to estimate and evaluate opening areas, including the difference between geometric and effective opening area.

Through real-world scenarios, including both new construction and renovation, the course emphasizes what is possible within common design constraints. It also introduces key operational considerations such as adaptive comfort, occupant behavior, and the relationship between natural and mechanical systems. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to align design objectives, building conditions, and window strategies to support effective and realistic mixed-mode ventilation solutions.