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The Effect of Building Shape on Energy Consumption in Public Buildings

Abstract

Building shape is an important architectural factor that can influence the amount of energy required to operate public buildings. The geometry and configuration of a building determine its surface area, exposure to solar radiation, opportunities for natural ventilation, and interaction with outdoor environmental conditions. Public buildings often have substantial occupancy levels and operational demands, making energy performance an important consideration in their design and management. Assessing the relationship between building shape and energy consumption can therefore support the development of more energy-efficient public facilities. This study examines the effect of building shape on energy consumption in selected public buildings. It focuses on how different geometric configurations, such as compact, rectangular, courtyard, elongated, articulated, and irregular forms, influence building energy performance. The study considers parameters including building surface-to-volume ratio, exposed façade area, roof area, orientation, internal spatial arrangement, and the distribution of openings. These factors are assessed to understand how variations in building geometry may influence energy requirements. The research investigates the relationship between building shape and heat transfer through the building envelope. Buildings with greater exposed surface areas may experience increased solar heat gain and heat exchange with the external environment, potentially affecting cooling and heating requirements. More compact forms may reduce the exposed envelope relative to enclosed floor area, while courtyard and articulated forms may create additional surfaces that influence solar exposure and ventilation. The study therefore considers how building geometry interacts with climate and envelope characteristics to affect energy consumption. Natural ventilation and daylighting are also considered because building shape can influence airflow patterns and the penetration of natural light. Courtyard configurations, elongated forms, and appropriately oriented spaces may create opportunities for improved air movement and daylight access, potentially reducing dependence on mechanical cooling and artificial lighting. Conversely, deep or poorly configured building forms may restrict daylight penetration and natural ventilation. The study therefore examines energy consumption as an outcome of the interaction between building geometry, environmental conditions, and passive design opportunities. The effect of building shape may vary according to building function, occupancy patterns, climate, orientation, envelope materials, window-to-wall ratio, shading devices, and mechanical systems. Public buildings with different operational schedules may also demonstrate different energy-use patterns despite having similar geometric characteristics. The study therefore recognizes that building shape should not be considered independently but as part of an integrated design approach that includes site planning, building orientation, envelope design, environmental control strategies, and operational requirements. The study aims to assess the effect of building shape on energy consumption in public buildings and identify architectural considerations that can contribute to improved energy performance. The findings are expected to assist architects, planners, building managers, and public-sector decision-makers in evaluating building geometry during the design and development of public facilities. The study may contribute to climate-responsive architectural practice by demonstrating how appropriate building forms can reduce unnecessary energy demand while maintaining functional, comfortable, and efficient public environments.

Keywords: Building shape, Energy consumption, Public buildings, Building geometry, Energy performance, Building envelope, Surface-to-volume ratio, Solar heat gain, Natural ventilation, Daylighting, Passive design, Building orientation, Energy efficiency, Sustainable architecture.