Impact of Bio-Climatic Design on Residential Houses of Bhubaneswar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67744/jat.v1i1.04

Abstract

Bhubaneswar has a tropical savanna climate classified under the Köppen climate classification. The original plan for Bhubaneswar was drafted by the German architect Otto Königsberger. Königsberger’s vision for Bhubaneswar was to create a city that blended modernity with traditional Indian elements, incorporating wide roads, gardens, and residential and commercial zones, while keeping in mind the city’s ancient heritage. Bhubaneswar was originally designed for 40,000 people, but now it stands at 1,200,000. Since the last decade, the maximum annual temperature of Bhubaneswar Smart City has been increasing at an alarming rate. Rising infrastructure, increased vehicular activity, immigration, etc. have changed the urban climate parameters within the city. Improper town planning also leads to a lack of ventilation in indoor spaces. Bioclimatic design helps maintain ambient temperature in indoor spaces, especially in residential complexes where prevalent ventilation solutions are inadequate. Materials used nowadays in Bhubaneswar are mainly concrete and fly ash bricks. These materials make buildings unbreathable, which becomes a major problem for occupants. Research findings could uncover cost-effective methods to enhance thermal comfort in homes, potentially cutting energy costs for residents and easing the economic strain of building and maintaining structures in Bhubaneswar’s hot, humid climate. This research offers practical solutions for stakeholders to tackle climate challenges effectively.

Published in issue

5 months ago

Abstract Views

290

PDF Downloads

License
Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by Journal of Architecture and Theory.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Key words

Urbanisation, Climate Change, Climatic Design, Social Sustainability, Neighbourhood

References

AccuWeather. (2024, March 1). Bhubaneswar weather forecast.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/in/bhubaneswar/189781/weather-forecast/189781

Çakıcı, F. Z., & Ç. T. (2023, August 30).
International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 10(3).
https://ijbes.utm.my/index.php/ijbes/issue/view/43

Climates to Travel. (2024, March 1). Climate chart of Bhubaneswar.
https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/india/bhubaneswar

Dash, M., & P. C. (2016). Bio-climatic analysis of Bhubaneswar—An investigation to arrive at human comfort through natural ventilation.
International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 5.

Department of Housing & Urban Development. (2017, January 16).
ODA by-laws.
https://urban.odisha.gov.in/Notifications/rules

Hailu, H., & E. G. (2021). Indoor thermal comfort analysis: A case study of modern and traditional buildings.
Urban Science, 5(3), Article 53.
https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci5030053

Indian Climate. (2024, March 1). Relative humidity data.
https://www.indianclimate.com/relative-humidity-data.php

Magotra, R., & A. T. (2020). Climate adaptive heat action plans for vulnerable poor, 23.

Majhi, B., & K. C. (2018, April 1).
International Journal of Geology, Earth & Environmental Sciences.
CIBTech.
http://www.cibtech.org/jgee.html

New Indian Express. (2023, April 20). Loss of trees burns Bhubaneswar’s heart; outskirts get green compensation.
The New Indian Express.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/Apr/20/loss-of-trees-burns-bhubaneswars-heart-outskirts-get-green-compensation-2567715.html

Nugroho, A. M. (2021). Performance of bioclimatic architecture in Bugis vernacular housing.
Journal of Architecture and Built Environment, 10.

Öksüz, K. B., & R. M. (2023). An examination of mass-housing residents’ satisfaction with social sustainability.
International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 13.

Peiris, M. T. O. V., & M. F. (2022). Assessment of user perception on public and private.
International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 13.

State Pollution Control Board. (2024, March 7).
Environmental monitoring data.
https://ospcboard.org/environmental-monitoring-data/

Suliman, D. A. (2014). Bioclimatic architecture: Housing and sustainability.
Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 13.

Widera, B. (2015, April 25). Bioclimatic architecture. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276936877_Bioclimatic_architecture