Principles of Building Planning MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Building orientation for longer outer walls

Formula

NONE

Step-by-step solution

1. Orienting longer outer walls facing North and South minimizes direct solar radiation during summer. 2. Placing the longer axis along the East-West direction allows optimal thermal comfort and daylighting control. 3. Therefore, for good orientation, the direction of longer outer walls should be East-West. Answer: A

Explanation

Aligning a building's longer outer walls in the east-west direction minimizes solar heat gain by exposing smaller wall areas to the morning and evening sun. It also allows the building to utilize cool breezes and controlled sunlight from the north and south sides. This orientation significantly enhances indoor energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

Why the other options are wrong

B) Positioning longer walls in the North-south direction exposes larger surface areas to severe direct sunlight. C) NE-SW orientation leads to unfavorable solar heat gain and uneven illumination. D) NW-SE orientation exposes longer walls to intense morning and afternoon solar radiation.

Shortcut

Align longer outer walls in the East-West direction to minimize direct solar heat gain on long surfaces.

Common mistake

Confusing the orientation of walls running East-West with facing North-South to capture proper sunlight.