Le Corbusier’s Solar Shading Strategy for Tropical Environment: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

In warm and tropical climates, excess solar gain may result in high cooling energy consumption. Shadingis a simple method to block the sun before it can get into the building. The ‘brise-soleil’, or ‘sun-breaker’solution refers to a permanent sun shading technique, like the simple patterned concrete walls popularized byLe Corbusier. Le Corbusier in his design of buildings in tropical climate wanted to make a ‘pact with nature’unlike his earlier works of the cold climates where he was to ‘combat the nature’. Le Corbusier’s solar shadingstrategy in Unit De Habitation and Capitol complex in Chandigarh are pioneering example for his approachtowards dealing with the harsh tropical climate. This paper tries to rediscover the climate consciousness ofthe master architect in terms of Brise Soleil as his solar shading strategy for the tropical environment. Themethodology adopted in the research is through qualitative analysis. In this paper an attempt has been madeto analyse Brise soleil as a solar shading strategy with reference to the tropical architecture of Le Corbusier.The application of Brise Soleil in Le Corbusier’s tropical works such as Ministry of education in Rio de Janeiro,Unité d’ Habitation in Marseilles and Capitol Complex in Chandigarh has been studied. The relevance ofshading in today’s context with reference to climatic control and energy conservation and sustainability hasalso been discussed. Incorporation of Brise Soleil as a solar shading technique in buildings will certainlyreduce our dependency on artificial means for thermal comfort and minimize the environmental problems dueto excessive consumption of energy and will evolve a built form, which will be more climate responsive andmore sustainable.