As global temperatures rise, architects are increasingly turning to natural ventilation as a key strategy for improving indoor comfort and air quality while reducing energy use. Natural ventilation involves using air movement to cool and refresh indoor spaces, but its success depends on a range of factors, including building design, local climate, and how spaces are used. A new training course titled Natural Ventilation: Designing for Summer Comfort and Air Quality will help architects and project teams understand these complex dynamics and select effective solutions tailored to their projects.
Natural ventilation is not simply about opening windows. It relies on factors such as pressure differences between building facades, wind exposure, temperature variations, building height, and the layout of interior spaces. A ventilation strategy that works in one building may not be suitable for another. Designers must consider the building’s shape, orientation, placement of openings, internal use patterns, external disturbances, and local weather conditions. The training course aims to equip participants with the knowledge needed to anticipate how these factors influence ventilation performance and to make informed design choices.
The course covers a range of topics, including the challenges of achieving comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency, different types of ventilation systems, and the regulatory standards that apply. It also explores the physical principles behind air movement, such as the effects of wind, pressure differences, and thermal draw. Participants will learn about natural ventilation strategies, simulation tools used in design, and low-energy solutions like air movers, Canadian wells, and adiabatic cooling. Real-world examples and case studies will help participants compare different approaches based on the specific constraints and configurations of their projects.
Natural ventilation must be integrated into the architectural design process from the beginning, rather than added as an afterthought. It influences the design of building facades, the arrangement of interior spaces, the placement of openings, and even the overall building volume. By understanding the factors that affect ventilation, architects can better collaborate with engineering teams and avoid solutions that may work in theory but fail in practice. The training also introduces participants to simulation tools that help make design decisions without compromising architectural creativity.
The course will be led by Romain Nouvel, an engineer and head of an environmental department with expertise in bioclimatic design, summer comfort, and energy performance. The training has already attracted over 46 professionals, with a high satisfaction rate of 92%. It will take place on October 22 and 26, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in two online sessions via Teams. The cost is 590 euros HT, and includes access to replays, teaching materials, and a certificate. The session is also eligible for reimbursement through certain funding programs, such as FIF PL or OPCO, depending on the participant’s situation.
The training is aimed at architects, project managers, engineering offices, construction economists, and professionals involved in energy design and air quality. While no prior knowledge of natural ventilation is required, a general understanding of building and energy design principles is recommended. The course is also included in the BuildingLab subscription, which offers access to all training sessions, conferences, and resources for 990 euros HT per year. For more information and registration, visit Natural Ventilation: Designing for Summer Comfort and Air Quality.
Training Course on Natural Ventilation in Architectural Design to Address Rising Heat Challenges
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