The microclimate created by water mirrors: a case study of the reflection pool of the National Congress

Abstract

This article deals with the case study of the reflective pool of the National Congress, in order to verify, through measurements of the Maximum Air Temperature and Relative Air Humidity, the importance of this aesthetic-architectural element as a facilitator, from the point of view of view of the hygrothermal comfort, the microclimate of the building and its surroundings. Therefore, the main objective is to investigate whether the water surface of the National Congress offers a favorable microclimate in its surroundings compared to the areas adjacent to it, through evaporative cooling. The work was structured as follows: first, the report of architectural elements with water in the historical context and the examples applied in Brasília; Then, an approach to the concept of hygrothermal comfort; Next, description of measurements and methods used; finally, the comparison of the measured data with the data provided by INMET (National Institute of Meteorology). It was concluded that the use of this element is applicable to the reality of Brasília. The increase in Relative Air Humidity verified is approximately 10% and the Maximum Air Temperature, on average, suffered a decrease of 3.7ºC in the environments close to the reflection pool.