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How do climate and local weather influence architectural design?

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The Great Court at the British Museum in London features a large central rotunda surrounded by wide steps and a glass and steel lattice roof, with visitors walking throughout the space. — Architecture The Great Court, designed by Foster and Partners, 2000; in the British Museum, London.

Climate and local weather are fundamental drivers of architectural design, as buildings are planned to mitigate natural forces and maintain interior comfort. Architects utilize several strategies to manage these environmental factors:

Orientation and Form

The orientation of a building’s axis is a primary tool for controlling exposure to the sun, wind, and rainfall. By aligning a structure to capture or evade solar heat, architects regulate internal temperatures. Architectural forms—such as overhanging eaves, porches, and roofs—are specifically designed to provide shade, shed snow, and protect against moisture.12

Structural Defense

Walls serve as the primary defense against wind and moisture, with their thickness and material composition determining heat retention or loss. In extreme climates, windows are often used sparingly because they conduct heat more readily than walls.2

Interior Control

Beyond the building shell, architects manage the interior environment through spatial planning and modern systems. Ceiling heights and ventilation help regulate airflow, while the choice of materials for floors and ceilings influences temperature and acoustics. Today, integrated air conditioning and lighting systems allow architects greater flexibility in design compared to traditional methods.3