HELWAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN PROGRAM
4
ACTIVE DESIGN
Sustainable Development (UNE 003)
FALL, 2025
PROF. MAGED ATTIA
CONTENTS:
1. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE DESIGN
2. SOLAR ENERGY
Solar Panels (Photovoltaics)
Solar Thermal Collectors
3. WIND ENERGY
4. WATER HARVESTING
5. LIGHT TUBES
1. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE DESIGN
Passive Design
A passive design uses natural “unpowered” systems to provide heating/cooling
and ventilation in the house.
For example, the selection of the material, insulation, the orientation, and the
form of the building will be important.
Passive strategies will optimize and conserve the use of potential energy
without first converting it into electricity.
Active Design
An active design uses technologies such as solar panels, heat harvesting
systems or wind turbines to convert energy into electricity. These systems are
called powered, because they use electricity.
ACTIVE DESIGN INCLUDES FEATURES SUCH AS:
• Solar panels (photovoltaics)
• Solar Thermal Collectors
• Wind turbines
• Water harvesting
• Light tubes
2. SOLAR ENERGY
Solar panels (photovoltaics)
• Photovoltaic systems are sustainable, environmentally friendly, quiet,
light and require minimal maintenance as they have no moving parts.
• In a PV system, cells combine to form modules, which give the system
the flexibility to be expanded or reduced to suit any given application.
• The versatility of PV panels gives numerous possibilities for their
integration into new and existing structures.
Types of Photovoltaic Cells
THE LEAST
COST
THE MOST
EFFICIENT LEAST
EFFCIENT
Mono-crystalline cells Poly-crystalline cells Thin-film cells
The output from the PV array will depend on:
• Location (the solar radiation available at the site)
• Azimuth (orientation with respect to due south)
• Shadowing
• Temperature (of the backs of the modules)
Designs for building-integrated PVs need to consider this from the very
beginning
BUT,
• In fact, many examples of physical integration show a lack of
aesthetic integration.
• Visual analysis of solar systems in buildings shows that the look of a
poorly designed building does not improve, simple by adding a well-
designed system.
• On the other hand, a well-designed building with a nicely integrated
solar system will be accepted by everybody (Reijenga and Kaan, 2011).
Superimposed
Integrating Solar panels into buildings
• In principle, PV can be used in all parts of the building envelope
• Roof surfaces are the preferred area for installing PV elements due to
their advantageous irradiation values
• Façades also offer enormous potential specially where the angle of the
sun is low for long periods throughout the year
• The ratio of façade surface area to roof surface area increases along with
the building height
Roof Integration of PV
• PVs on flat roof
• PVs on Inclined/ Pitched roof
• Roof with integrated PV tiles
• PV in saw-toothed north light roof/ sky light
• PVs on Curved roof/wall
• PVs in Atrium/skylights
Facade integration of PV
• Vertical integration of PV
• PV on inclined walls
• PVs as sunshades
PVs on flat roof
PVs on Inclined/ Pitched roof
Roof with integrated PV tiles
PV in saw-toothed north light roof/ sky light
PVs on Curved roof/wall
PVs in Atrium/skylights
Vertical integration of PV
PV on inclined walls
PVs as sunshades
Advanced products of PV
Advantages
• Sustainable energy source: photovoltaic systems use the sun’s energy, making them a
sustainable energy source that is independent of fossil fuels.
• Cost-effectiveness: although the initial cost of a photovoltaic system can be high, it can
be very cost-effective in the long run because energy production is free and operating
costs are minimal.
• Low maintenance: photovoltaic systems require little maintenance and have a long-life
span, making them a very reliable energy source.
• Flexibility: photovoltaic systems can be installed in many different places, such as on
the roofs of buildings, on open spaces or on mobile platforms. This allows for a high
degree of flexibility in placement and use.
• Independence from electricity suppliers: by installing a photovoltaic system, you
become more independent of the electricity supply and can ensure your own energy
supply.
Disadvantages
• Weather dependency: the power generated by a photovoltaic system is weather
dependent and can be greatly reduced by bad weather, such as clouds. This can affect
the efficiency of the system.
• Initial cost: the initial cost of a photovoltaic system can be high, although the cost has
decreased in recent years.
• Space requirements: a photovoltaic system needs sufficient space to be used
effectively, which is often a challenge in urban environments.
• Power storage: storing excess energy can be a challenge, as it often comes at an
additional cost.
• Dependency on sunlight: Since power generation from a photovoltaic system depends
on sunlight intensity, it is not always the best choice for locations with limited sunlight.
Solar Thermal Collectors
• Solar thermal collector is a device which absorbs the incoming solar radiation,
converts it into heat, and transfers this heat to a fluid (usually air, water, or oil)
flowing through the collector.
• The solar energy thus collected is carried from the circulating fluid either directly
to the water or space conditioning equipment or to an insulated storage tank from
which hot water can be drawn for use even during nights and in cloudy days.
• Air-based collector systems
• Water-based collector systems
• Evacuated tubes collectors
Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
Advantages of Solar Energy Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Renewable Energy Source Initial cost
Reduces Electricity Bills Weather Dependent
Diverse Applications Solar Energy Storage is Expensive
Low Maintenance Costs Uses a Lot of Space
Technology Development Associated with Pollution
3. WIND ENERGY
A wind turbine works by extracting kinetic energy out of the wind and
converting it to mechanical and then electric energy.
Factors locating the wind turbines
• Local and climate area
• Shaping tall buildings to have greatest wind source
• Latitude of the place
• Altitude of the place
• Scale of the hour, month and year
Powe generated by Wind turbines
• The output of a wind turbine depends on the turbine’s size and the wind’s speed
• Wind turbines have power ratings from 250 watts to 5 megawatts
• Wind speed is very important in projecting turbine performance
• An average wind speed greater than 4 m/second is required for small wind turbines
Types Wind turbines: HAWT / VAWT
Superimposed
Integration of the turbine
• Locating in building facades
• Locating on the building rooftop
BAHRAIN WORLD TRADE CENTER
• The wind turbines deliver approximately 11-15% of
the energy needs of the building Or 1100-1300
megawatt-hour per year,
• Enough to provide light in 300 homes for a year
Noise
Long payback
Guangdong Tobacco Tower
Zero Energy Tower, China
(under construction)
Castle House" or "Strata SE1“, London
This structure has three integrated wind turbines, which should
produce electricity for lighting and ventilation
Advantages of wind energy Disadvantages of wind energy
Clean, sustainable and
Variable energy source (needs wind to work)
abundant
Cost-effective Not the most aesthetically appealing
Price continues to drop Turbines can be loud
Turbines are an efficient use
Construction can cause local disturbances
of land
Revitalizes rural economies Can negatively impact wildlife if not carefully
and supports agriculture designed
4. WATER HARVESTING
• Capturing water from nature (rain, fog and dew) using a harvesting system
• This typically involves a collecting system and/or underground storage tank
Collecting rainwater
Schwalbe Hybrid Building, GERMANY
In a region with regular heavy rainfall,
rainwater is harvested and used to irrigate
roof gardens and green walls, and to flush
toilets.
Infinitus Plaza , CHINA
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the project’s system of rainwater collection, filtration, and reuse supplies
micro-irrigation to the surrounding landscaping. A network of sprinklers, operated by the building’s smart
management system and powered by photovoltaics, “spray atomized particles of collected rainwater onto the
ETFE membrane roof above each atrium to dissipate heat by evaporative cooling,” says Zaha Hadid Architects.
Google Bay View, California
Building canopies maximize the collection of rainwater as part of a “water- positive strategy”. Downspouts are
housed within columns on the outer edge of each canopy and rainwater is collected in a series of surface ponds.
Rainwater is treated on-site and combined with treated waste-water to meet the campus’s non-potable needs.
The campus is committed to replenishing 120 percent of the water it consumes by 2030.
Aquatecture Compact Water Harvesting System
This panel is designed to harvest water. Due to the vertical position of the panels, the rainwater
that drips over the open structure is collected and transported to a storage tank. This water
can be pumped back into a building’s grey water system. Treated greywater can be reused for
garden watering, irrigation, toilet flushing or laundry washing.
Benefits
• Collecting water on the vertical facades can help cool buildings in the summer.
• It contributes to urban blue infrastructure within the city by providing a platform for water
where it is needed in the city, rather than diverting water all away.
• The panels enable water to become a more visible feature in the urban environment.
• The design of the surface compliments a building’s aesthetic quality.
Atmospheric water harvesting
Water harvesting from fog and dew is a promising source of water.
• Sorbent materials have the capacity to absorb moisture and
generate water from the atmosphere.
• TECs are suitable for collecting atmospheric water across
many global regions.
• Top water-collecting materials absorb moisture, convert it to
water in few in minimal time.
• VCRC-based devices offer substantial atmospheric water
harvesting potential, analysis shows.
Reduce water costs You may need to treat the water
Kinder to the environment It can be difficult to harvest
sufficient quantities (Storage limits)
Reduce impact of water Unpredictable collection amounts
restrictions
Saves money Can be expensive to maintain
Provides water in times of drought Can possess contamination risks
Easy to install High initial cost
Ideal for outdoor applications Regular maintenance
Greywater Reuse/ Water Recycling
Greywater is the water not used from
showering, dish washing, hand washing or
from the kitchen sinks. This reuse
includes the treatment and filtration for
toilet flushing, watering or clothes
washing. In fact, you may prefer using first
rainwater harvesting but if these solutions
do not cover every task you can use in a
second stage greywater.
5. LIGHT/SUN TUBES
A tube lined with highly reflective material leads the light rays through a building,
starting from an entrance-point located on its roof or one of its outer walls.
Solar tubes pros and cons:
Pros of Sun Tunnels Cons of Sun Tunnels
Multiple tubes needed to light large
Affordability
rooms and hallways
Easy installation No view of the outdoors
Sleek, modern indoor look Don’t provide ventilation
Flexible installation (around joists and Don’t provide light at night (with
trusses) exceptions)
Energy efficiency
Little maintenance
No electricity needed
Uses 100% renewable energy – the sun!
Passive Strategies vs Active Strategies for Sustainable Architecture
• Both strategies have a huge impact on creating sustainable architecture but
together they make a powerful combination.
• When it comes to sustainable architecture, passive strategies are not only
essential, but an absolute minimum.
• Active strategies no matter how effective, cannot compensate for a lack of
passive design in the early stages and will amount to wasted effort and cost.
• A smart combination of both passive and active strategies
ensures a strong foundation for sustainable development.
• As a conclusion, the use of passive devices is preferred firsthand by
maximizing it before using powered systems, with renewable energy.
INTEGRATED TECHNIQUES OF SUSTAINABILITY.
THANK YOU
