Page 10
DG 1110-3-126
August 1976
2-4 Climatic
a.
Climatic variations play an important part in the
building design of Auto Crafts Centers and the selection
of materials and systems used therein. Current definitive
Influences
drawings are based only upon the design approach of each
auto stall having direct access to the exterior through
large overhead garage doors. This practice, especially in
colder climates, should be reevaluated in future projects
in view of current energy conservation policies. Frequent
use of garage doors lets in cold air which increases energy
usage and creates uncomfortable working conditions. On
the other hand, it is often desirable to operate with the
doors open in warm weather. This one example illustrates
the influence climate can have in the design of this build-
ing type and reinforces the requirement that careful
analysis involving various cost and function trade-offs be
made in each instance:
b. In mild climates, many auto craft activities can be
performed outdoors or under covered canopies. Within
authorized space allowances, covered work areas are cal-
culated at one-half of the square footage of equal sized
enclosed spaces and advantage can be made of this to
increase the total amount of allowable work space. Out-
door spaces should also be designed with local conditions
in mind. For example, wind driven sand can negate the
usefulness of a covered outdoor work area which is
improperly oriented or shielded from the prevailing winds.
(1) Severe climate dictates compact building forms.
(2) Temperate climate permits the use of natural ventila-
tion and light.
(3) Warm climate permits maximum use of covered
exterior work areas in addition to indoor space.
Building Orientation Factors
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