2024 - Tropical Breeze: Screening Solutions for Top Floors in Bangladesh

Introduction:
In the bustling cities of Bangladesh, the upper floors of buildings face significant challenges due to their exposure to the tropical sun. These top floors often become uncomfortably hot and glaring, making them inhospitable for occupants. The Rooftop Oasis project aims to address this issue by providing innovative shading solutions specifically designed for top floors in tropical urban environments.

Reasoning:
The need for shading systems on top floors arises from several factors. Firstly, the height of these floors exposes them directly to the sun’s rays for extended periods, leading to excessive heating and glare. Additionally, hot air rising from lower floors exacerbates the heat accumulation on the top levels. The continuous exposure to sunlight throughout the day results in elevated temperatures that persist into the evening, making it challenging for these spaces to cool down naturally.

Objectives:
The primary objective of the Rooftop Oasis project is to enhance the comfort and livability of top floors in tropical urban settings while also protecting interior spaces from overheating. To achieve this, the project aims to develop shading solutions that are adaptable to the constantly changing climate of the region. Furthermore, the solutions should effectively reduce heat and glare without causing any visual disturbance to occupants.

Construction & Materials:
The innovative aspect of the Rooftop Oasis project lies in its approach to shading without the need for extensive reconstruction or alterations to existing buildings. Instead, lightweight shading devices are added to the rooftop structures, providing effective sun protection without compromising the building’s integrity. To ensure adaptability and sustainability, locally sourced materials such as bamboo are utilized in the construction of these shading devices. Bamboo offers several advantages, including its lightweight nature, flexibility, and abundance in tropical regions like Bangladesh.

Design Considerations:
The design of the shading solutions takes into account the unique climatic conditions of tropical urban environments. The devices are strategically positioned to maximize shade coverage while allowing for natural ventilation to promote airflow and cooling. Additionally, the materials chosen offer a balance between durability and eco-friendliness, aligning with the project’s commitment to sustainability.

Benefits:
The implementation of the Rooftop Oasis shading solutions brings numerous benefits to occupants of top floors in tropical urban spaces. By reducing heat and glare, the shading devices create a more comfortable indoor environment, enhancing productivity and well-being. Furthermore, the use of locally sourced materials supports the regional economy and promotes eco-friendly practices. Overall, the project contributes to the creation of sustainable and livable urban environments in Bangladesh’s tropical climate.

Conclusion:
The Rooftop Oasis project represents a pioneering effort to address the challenges faced by top floors in tropical urban settings. Through innovative shading solutions designed with careful consideration of local climate and materials, the project aims to improve the quality of life for occupants while promoting sustainability and resilience in Bangladesh’s built environment.