Assessment of the quality of the housing environment, taking into account selected climate conditions

Justyna Kobylarczyk, Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture, Institute of Urban Design, Chair of Housing

^* Corresponding author: j.kobylarczyk@op.pl

Abstract

For centuries, we have been observing the influence of nature on the conditions of human life, whose relationship with the natural environment has weakened during the period of changes brought about by the industrial revolution. However, the growing awareness of society about the dwindling resources of nature and the necessity to protect them resulted in the rediscovery of the importance of activities expressing concern for the state of the environment. It is consistent with the idea of sustainable development striving for rational management of natural resources. We also increasingly notice the possibility of using climatic factors to create optimal living conditions, taking into account, among other things, the relevant parameters of the objects. The article presents an analysis of climatic factors affecting the quality of the housing environment. These factors can be used in the pursuit of minimising energy consumption throughout the life cycle of buildings and for construction that utilises advanced technologies. Respecting the climate conditions in planning buildings of an appropriate scale, form and location is of great importance for shaping comfortable housing environments. It is planning that allows the symbiosis of architecture and the environment, which becomes a challenge of modern times.