Environmental Design is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of architecture, sustainability, and technology, dedicated to shaping built environments that are ecologically responsible, climatically responsive, and human-centered. It integrates principles from environmental science, building physics, landscape design, and urban planning, leveraging data-driven methodologies to enhance the performance, livability, and resilience of spaces across scales — from buildings to entire urban ecosystems.

At its core, Environmental Design seeks to align human development with natural systems. It involves the strategic use of passive and active design strategies, renewable energy integration, thermal and visual comfort analysis, bioclimatic architecture, and nature-based solutions to minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant wellbeing.

In practice, Environmental Design is both analytical and creative. It requires the ability to interpret environmental data, simulate complex phenomena — such as daylighting, energy use, urban heat island effects, and thermal comfort — and transform these insights into tangible design strategies.

Infrared.city

Infrared.city is a computational tool and design intelligence framework developed to empower architects, urban designers, and environmental consultants in crafting climate-resilient, data-informed urban spaces. Integrating environmental analysis into parametric and performance-driven design processes, infrared.city translates complex climate data into clear, actionable insights — enabling rapid decision-making for sustainable development.

Rooted in environmental design principles, infrared.city focuses on the thermal experience of cities, offering advanced simulations of urban heat dynamics, outdoor thermal comfort (e.g. UTCI), solar exposure, and vegetation impact. It seamlessly integrates hourly EPW climate data with urban morphology, material properties, and landscape configurations, offering designers the capacity to map, compare, and optimize microclimatic conditions at multiple scales.

What sets infrared.city apart is its ability to bridge scientific rigor with design intuition. Through Python-based automation and interactive visualizations, it allows users to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies such as tree planting, material albedo optimization, shading interventions, and spatial typologies. Users can quantify the thermal mitigation potential of their proposals, assess seasonal and diurnal comfort performance, and communicate evidence-based strategies to stakeholders.

Rather than being a static tool, infrared.city is a methodological lens — a way of seeing the urban environment not as a fixed form, but as a dynamic thermal field shaped by geometry, materials, climate, and time.

infrared.city supports a new paradigm of urban design, one where thermal justice, ecological awareness, and human comfort are not afterthoughts, but core design drivers.

Why to run these simulations in your project

Designing resilient and comfortable spaces starts with understanding how environmental conditions shape human experience. The simulations below reveal critical climate-driven insights to inform your design strategies—from masterplanning to material choices.

🔥 Heat Stress

What it shows:

This analysis maps the percentage of time the UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) exceeds 26 °C - threshold beyond which heat becomes physiologically stressful for most people.

Why it matters:

As cities warm, outdoor spaces become less usable during summer peaks. This data identifies heat-prone zones and the duration of exposure.

How it informs design:

Supports decisions on:

• Strategic shading (trees, canopies, etc.)
• Use of reflective/high-albedo materials
• Placement of water features or cooling systems
• Programming of outdoor areas (e.g., seating, play areas) for comfort and usability
• Mitigation of Urban Heat Island intensity

😌 Thermal Comfort

What it shows:

This analysis maps the percentage of time the UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) remains between 9 °C and 26 °C - the optimal range for thermal comfort outdoors.

Why it matters:

Evaluates how much time in % people feel thermally comfortable in the space based on combined environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, solar).

How it informs design:

Reveals how the space performs across seasons, helping:

• Maximize comfort through design interventions
• Adjust orientation and enclosure for passive climate control
• Identifies and priorities zones for public use and human activity (welcoming, safe places)

❄️ Cold Stress

What it shows:

This analysis maps the percentage of time the UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) drops below 9 °C, increasing discomfort and exposure risk during colder periods.

Why it matters:

Even in temperate or warm climates, early mornings, shaded areas, or winter months can bring cold stress, reducing usability.

How it informs design:

Guides:

• Wind buffering (e.g., screens, vegetation, massing)
• Sunlight access strategies (e.g., orientation, setbacks)
• Street canyon designs
• Thermal zoning and seasonal programming for outdoor areas

🌬️ Wind Speed

What it shows:

The study displays airflow patterns and velocity distribution across the site, considering inputs of wind speed and direction to assess wind behavior and its potential impacts.

Why it matters:

Wind affects comfort, safety, energy use (ventilation), and microclimate dynamics.

How it informs design:

Helps to:

• Spot wind tunnels and corridors, or stagnant zones
• Refine building orientation and facade porosity
• Protect entrances, walkways, and public spaces
• Optimize ventilation strategies (natural ventilation)

🕒 Point-in-Time Wind Comfort

What it shows:

The study displays wind comfort at a specific time and direction - e.g., a winter north wind or a summer mistral.

Why it matters:

Contextualizes comfort’s risk or opportunity under particular seasonal wind conditions.

How it informs design:

Enables:

• Scenario planning for outdoor seating, balconies, terraces, patios, entrances, etc.
• Seasonal adjustments in use or operation
• Placement of screens or vegetation based on real wind exposure

📆 Annual Wind Comfort

What it shows:

The study displays a year-round assessment of wind comfort based on standards like the Lawson Criteria, accounting for frequency and speed thresholds.

Why it matters:

Spaces might feel fine occasionally, but still fail comfort standards over the year. The analysis summarizes how comforable a space is year-round according to validated standards (e.g. Lawson LDDC).

How it informs design:

Crucial for:

• Ensuring compliance with wind comfort regulations (especially in public or mixed-use developments)
• Ensuring long-term comfort and safety in public and semi-public outdoor areas, guiding massing and landscaping decisions
• Positioning play areas, cafes, and markets
• Avoiding unintended hazards or wind traps