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Assessment of Architectural Strategies for Improving Indoor Air Quality in High-Traffic Areas

Abstract

High-traffic areas are often exposed to elevated levels of outdoor air pollutants generated by vehicle exhaust, road dust, congestion, and other transportation-related activities. Buildings located near major roads and busy intersections may experience increased infiltration of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, potentially reducing indoor air quality and affecting occupant wellbeing. Architectural design can play an important role in limiting pollutant entry while maintaining adequate ventilation. Assessing appropriate design strategies is therefore essential for developing healthier buildings in high-traffic urban environments. This study assesses architectural strategies for improving indoor air quality in buildings located within high-traffic areas, focusing on the relationship between building design, outdoor pollution exposure, and indoor environmental conditions. It examines strategies involving building orientation, façade configuration, window placement, ventilation systems, entrance design, spatial organization, and building envelope performance. The study also considers how these strategies can be adapted to different building functions and patterns of occupancy. Particular attention is given to the positioning and design of building openings. Windows, doors, vents, and mechanical air intakes can provide pathways for outdoor pollutants to enter buildings when located close to heavily trafficked roads or exposed to polluted air streams. Strategic placement of openings, controlled ventilation, improved airtightness, and appropriate façade orientation can help reduce direct pollutant infiltration. The study therefore examines opening design as a key component of pollution-responsive architecture. The study further considers the role of mechanical ventilation and filtration systems in maintaining acceptable indoor air quality. Mechanical systems can provide controlled air exchange and filter particulate pollutants before outdoor air enters occupied spaces. However, their effectiveness depends on appropriate filtration, maintenance, air distribution, and energy management. The study therefore examines how mechanical strategies can complement passive architectural measures without creating excessive energy demands. Site planning and landscape strategies are also considered as potential measures for reducing exposure to traffic-related pollution. Building setbacks, boundary treatments, vegetation, pedestrian circulation routes, parking arrangements, and the positioning of outdoor activity areas can influence the movement and concentration of pollutants around buildings. The study evaluates how these site-level strategies can be integrated with building envelope and ventilation design to create more protective indoor environments. The study aims to identify architectural strategies that can improve indoor air quality in high-traffic areas while maintaining adequate ventilation and occupant comfort. Its findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, planners, engineers, and developers designing buildings in polluted urban locations. Integrating site planning, building orientation, opening control, envelope performance, filtration, and appropriate ventilation strategies can contribute to healthier indoor environments and reduce occupants' exposure to traffic-related air pollution.

Keywords: Indoor air quality, High-traffic areas, Architectural strategies, Outdoor air pollution, Traffic emissions, Building envelope, Natural ventilation, Mechanical ventilation, Air filtration, Window placement, Building orientation, Pollution control, Healthy buildings, Urban environmental design.