windpassage

Windpassage is a concept in wind engineering and architectural design referring to a passable channel or arrangement that facilitates the movement of air through or around a built environment or landscape. The aim is to channel wind flows to improve ventilation, reduce stagnation, and mitigate wind-related discomfort or pressure loads on structures.

The term combines wind and passage and is used variably in literature. It is often synonymous with wind corridor, ventilation path, or breeze channel.

In urban design, windpassages are created by aligning streets, gaps between buildings, courtyards, or perforated facades to form channelized airflow. In buildings, interior windpasses may connect atria, stairwells, and openings to promote cross-ventilation. In landscape design, they may be used to enhance natural cooling and pollutant dispersion.

Design principles prioritize understanding prevailing wind directions and the interaction with built form. Methods include wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Designers consider scale, surface roughness, and obstructions, and aim to balance comfort and safety by avoiding excessive pedestrian-level velocities. Seasonal variations and integration with other sustainability goals are also important.

Limitations and criticism include potential conflicts with security or privacy in dense urban fabric, variability due to climate, and the risk of discomfort if misaligned. Maintenance and monitoring are often required to ensure that windpassages perform as intended over time. See also wind corridor, natural ventilation, and passive cooling.