Impact of building shape on thermal performance of office buildings in Kuwait

This paper provides a simplified analysis method to estimate the impact of building shape on energy efficiency of office buildings in Kuwait. The method is based on results obtained from a comprehensive whole building energy simulation analysis. The analysis takes into account several building shapes and forms including rectangular, L-shape, U-shape, and H-shape as well as building aspect ratios, window-to-wall ratios, and glazing types. The simplified method is suitable for architects during preliminary design phase to assess the impact of shape on the energy efficiency of office buildings. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.