Week 2 - Microclimates

Microclimates are areas that have a different climate from the space around them, and there are many reasons why they occur. This page defines and explores microclimates. When we do site analysis, we are studying and identifying microclimates. In design, we are intentionally creating microclimates for more diversity on our site. This page explores microclimates, both analysis and creation of them.

Microclimate

This video takes a look at some factors that create microclimates, and the practical nature of understanding microclimates. We look at how the solar aspect and exposure to wind can combine with vegetation that has fire as a part of its' life cycle to create a potent fire sector.

Download Intro to Permaculture Identifying Microclimates Video Transcript

 

Featured Links:

Fire Ecology Links to an external site.

Use Microclimates for Frost Protection by Joel Glanzberg and Ben Haggard Links to an external site.

Factors Affecting Microclimates Links to an external site.

Finding and Creating Microclimates Links to an external site.

City Shadows

This brief animated video illustrates how large buildings in cities creates major sun and shade areas. When tall buildings are placed without regard to the movement of the sun, then many other areas can lose out of good solar orientation. 

Download Intro to Permaculture Assessing Solar Aspect in UrbanAreas Video Transcript

 

Featured Links:

ACROS Fukuoka Building: Japan  Links to an external site.

ARCOLOGY: Solar City Design Links to an external site.