Orientation

Orientation describes which way a building faces on its plot and how its rooms are distributed around the compass. The same plan turned north or south offers a very different daily life. Heating and cooling loads, daylight, views and privacy are largely set by this early decision.

Making orientation decisions

In the northern hemisphere, the south facade collects the most winter sun; low winter sun comes in, while high summer sun is easily cut off by an eave. That is why living spaces usually face south and service rooms and stairs go north. East and west facades take low-angle morning and evening sun, which horizontal shading barely touches, so vertical fins or smaller openings work better there.

Climate shifts the priorities. Hot, humid regions favour cross-ventilation that catches the prevailing breeze, while cold regions focus on sheltering from wind and gathering sun. Road access, the shadow of neighbouring buildings and the best view tend to negotiate with the ideal orientation on almost every real site.

Orientation in drawings and renders

The north arrow on the site plan is the reference for all of this. In visualization, the model must be correctly oriented and the sun system set for the actual location; otherwise the shadows in the image describe a building that could never exist. Our article on sustainability in architecture also touches on how orientation affects energy use.