A Study of Environmental Sustainability Hidden in the Traditional Korean Residences through Computational Analysis Tool

Abstract

This research extracts the environmental design responses of the traditional Korean residences through a holistic computational analysis tool referred to as Ecotect. Ecotect is used to generate intersections with design analysis and perform various environmental solutions. Three traditional Korean residences - Yeongyeongdang, Unjoru, and Chusagotaek during the Joseon dynasty (AD1392~1910) of Korea are tested. Furthermore, Ecotect is used to demonstrate the environmental design response in detail with parameters such as shadows, shading, solar analysis, wind flow, and thermal performance. Taking into consideration the social and cultural impact of the Joseon dynasty, the performances of the various design solutions are analyzed, explaining the impact that different building elements have on energy consumption. The relationships are represented in the form of statistical relations and interactive data charts. This research will also: (i) introduce methodologies to the holistic buildings’ energy performance, (ii) implement the aforementioned method in analyzing the three traditional Korean residences, (iii) view three traditional residences’ range of environmental design responses through computational analysis, (iv) deal in depth the environmental design responses that enhance the thermal comfort in the traditional residences, (v) and lastly, make suggestions based on the outcome of this study for future research.