Overview

The choice of the location for early dwellings was made mindful of the need for water, both for itself and for the transport facilities it afforded, so that early development started in valleys, where shelter from the winds was considerable. Early buildings, except for churches which were usually surrounded by graveyards, were low, because the materials and technology for the plentiful construction of tall buildings were unavailable. In recent years buildings have become taller, and, with the shortage of space in valley sites, have become closer spaced in those sites as well as spilling over on to more elevated and exposed ones. The advent of new stronger and lighter materials, for which the stabilising effect of weight no longer applies, has meant that the designers can build higher for a greater number of structures, and, when these occur among a complex of lower buildings, problems can occur in an area which was previously free of problems.

The importance of producing a pleasant environment to buildings is increasing, and wind engineers are now often asked to look over designs when they are in the formative stage, when serious changes such as orientation, gaps with surrounding buildings and other fundamental ideas are not yet finalised. Design is a compromise, but the best compromise is one in which all aspects have been considered. In the past, wind was often not considered and arbitrary decisions were made which produced serious wind problems, which could have been avoided without compromising any of the other...