Contribution of High Quality Environmental studies to Brazilian building laws

Abstract

The objective of the present paper is to analyze the environmental performance of the multifamily residential buildings in Vitória [Espirito Santo / Brazil] related to natural illumination. This approach makes possible to insert these issues into architectural and urban regulations in order to improve the environmental quality of buildings. As methodological strategy an analysis of the targets 1 and 10 of AQUA (Haute Qualité Environnementable) was made, observing the harmonious relations of the buildings with close areas, and the visual comfort, having them as a parameter for the analysis of these buildings. After that an analysis of two case studies, in two quarters of Vitória [ES / Brazil], was made. In both cases it is observed that the buildings are inserted in places with different restrictions related to the natural illumination, however they adopted the same typology of buildings. Moreover, the excess of illumination and insolation, mainly for those areas inside higher floors, are not considered, causing, thus, high levels of illumination, light blinding, thermal discomfort, and, also, greater consumption of electric energy. On the other side some internal areas are badly illuminated and with tiny sky vision, because their projects are not integrated with the external environment.