1. Asymmetric Buildings and Vulnerability

And also, you know, don’t have too many offsets you know here, this is like too many, so symmetrical but still it’s too many offsets in it but then either try to make more of a defined shape because that is where you can even have a diagonal bracings, you can have some kind of support system so, it will; it is at least bound to a; this plan should be square or rectangular, if it is rectangular then you need to have a kind of intermediate support systems into it.

In building design, having too many 'offsets' (irregular extensions or indentations) can create structural vulnerabilities. It's better to maintain a symmetrical shape, like a square or rectangle, which can support weight and resist external forces more effectively. Defined shapes allow for the integration of support systems, such as diagonal bracing, which help manage stress and improve stability.

Think of a well-built bridge versus a poorly constructed one. A bridge with a clear, solid rectangular base can withstand the weight of vehicles better than one with many uneven extensions that might buckle under pressure.

Now, asymmetric buildings with empty pockets are more vulnerable to damage because don’t leave these empty pockets, we tried to fill that and that is where these are more stable you know, the symmetric buildings are more stable.

Asymmetric buildings—those that lack balance or symmetry—are particularly at risk because 'empty pockets' (spaces with no structural support) can lead to weakness. Filling these pockets or designing with symmetry enhances the building's stability. Symmetry creates a more balanced load distribution which helps the structure withstand forces, such as wind or earthquakes, more effectively.

Imagine trying to balance a pencil on your finger. If there are uneven weights on one side (like an asymmetric building), it will fall. But if you center it properly (like a symmetric building), it stays upright and stable.

Also when we say about the row house planning; the row house planning also creates wind tunnel effects because the moment your house is one step to another, next to the shore and then it channels the wind and that is where it can damage the edges of the walls or the corners.

Row house planning can create 'wind tunnel effects', particularly in coastal areas. When houses are built in a row next to each other, the wind can be funneled through the spaces between them, increasing its velocity and causing potential damage to the structure's edges and corners. Proper planning with respect to wind orientation can mitigate this risk.

Think of how a crowded street can amplify sound. Just like voices travel faster and louder in a narrow street, wind can travel faster through closely positioned buildings, causing greater pressure and potential damage.

So, that is where you can even you know, now even the zigzag planning avoid wind tunnel effect right, so how actually, you can actually see about, how you can actually, give a little bit of vastness and then reduce it so, the zigzag pattern as well can have some control, it depends on how you are actually orienting it.

Zigzag planning can be an effective way to reduce wind tunnel effects in building design. By varying the alignment of buildings instead of having them in a straight line, it disrupts the direct pathway of the wind, helping to lessen its speed and impact. This design requires careful consideration of orientation to maximize the benefits.

Think of how a river bends. A straight river may allow water to flow quickly, potentially causing erosion. However, a winding river slows down the flow and allows for more stability. Similarly, zigzag patterns in buildings can slow down the harmful wind effects.

In fact, if you ever visit in the coastal villages of Tamil Nadu and the coastal areas; most of the times your short phase is of the building is facing the wind direction and whereas, in horizontal phase because that is where they have less number of openings and either that, if they are facing that side and they will have less number of openings and otherwise, if they mostly they orient so, the whole building pattern is like you have the seashore and you have these.

In coastal regions, the orientation of buildings is often designed for practicality and protection from wind and rain. Typically, the shorter side of a building faces the direction of the wind, minimizing the number of openings (like windows) that can take the full force of strong winds. This design practice helps increase the building's resistance to the elements, maintaining structural integrity.

Think of wearing a windbreaker jacket. If you're facing a strong wind head-on, it can push against you harder. However, if you turn sideways, the wind has less surface area to hit, reducing its impact. Similarly, orienting buildings to face away from the wind helps protect them.

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