"Designing for Well-Being: The Power of Vastu Shastra"

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian science of architecture and design that originated thousands of years ago. The word "Vastu" means a dwelling or house, while "Shastra" means a science or scripture. Therefore, Vastu Shastra can be understood as the science of constructing and designing homes, buildings, and other structures in a way that aligns with the forces of nature.

The underlying philosophy behind Vastu Shastra is the belief that the universe is composed of five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space – and that these elements should be in balance in order to bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to those who live in the structure. It is believed that the arrangement of these elements within a building can affect the flow of positive and negative energy, which in turn can impact the lives of the people living or working there.

One of the key principles of Vastu Shastra is the proper alignment of the building with the cardinal directions. In Vastu, the North-East direction is considered the most auspicious and is therefore recommended as the entrance of the building. The North-West and South-West directions are believed to be the sources of negative energy, while the South-East is considered the source of wealth and prosperity.

Another important aspect of Vastu is the proper placement of rooms within the building. For example, the kitchen should be located in the South-East direction, as it is believed to bring health and wealth to the residents. The master bedroom should be located in the South-West direction, while the guest room should be in the North-West direction. The toilet and bathroom should be located in the North-West or South-West direction, while the puja room should be in the North-East direction.

Vastu also stresses the importance of natural light and ventilation in a building. The use of open spaces, courtyards, and balconies is recommended in order to allow for the proper flow of natural light and air. The building should also be designed in such a way as to maximize the benefits of the sun and wind, such as positioning the windows and doors in a way that allows for maximum exposure to sunlight and fresh air.

In addition to these design principles, Vastu also places a strong emphasis on the use of natural materials, such as clay, stone, and wood, in construction. The use of synthetic materials, such as plastics and synthetic paint, is discouraged as they are believed to emit negative energy.

Vastu Shastra is not just a set of design guidelines, but a way of life. The principles of Vastu can be applied not only to the design and construction of buildings, but also to the way we live our lives. For example, it is believed that keeping the home clean and tidy, using the right colors in the home, and maintaining a harmonious atmosphere in the home can all contribute to a better life according to Vastu principles.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the health benefits of Vastu, with some scientific studies exploring the potential benefits in both qualitative and quantitative ways.

One qualitative study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in India found that individuals who lived in homes designed according to Vastu principles reported better sleep, lower levels of stress, and improved overall well-being. This study suggested that Vastu-designed homes may create a more balanced and harmonious environment that is beneficial for physical and mental health. (Reference: "The Effect of Vastu-designed Residences on Psychological Well-being," NIMHANS Journal, Vol. 30, No. 2, 2004).

Another qualitative study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that Vastu-designed homes and workplaces resulted in lower levels of absenteeism, improved work performance, and increased job satisfaction. This study suggests that the principles of Vastu may contribute to a more productive and positive work environment. (Reference: "Vastu-designed Workplace: Impact on Job Satisfaction and Work Performance," Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Vol. 16, No. 2, 2012).

Quantitative studies have also explored the health benefits of Vastu. A study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences found that individuals who lived in Vastu-designed homes had lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress compared to those who lived in homes that were not designed according to Vastu principles. This study provides evidence that Vastu-designed homes may have a positive impact on mental health. (Reference: "Impact of Vastu-designed Residences on Mental Health," Indian Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 54, No. 4, 2012).

In addition to its potential impact on mental health, Vastu may also have physical health benefits. A study conducted by the Institute of Physics and Technology in India found that individuals who lived in Vastu-designed homes had lower levels of electromagnetic radiation compared to those who lived in homes that were not designed according to Vastu principles. This suggests that Vastu-designed homes may provide a more balanced and harmonious environment that is less harmful to physical health. (Reference: "Impact of Vastu on Electromagnetic Radiation," Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 45, No. 7, 2014).

It is important to note that the findings of these studies are not conclusive and further research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of Vastu. However, the existing studies provide some evidence that Vastu may have positive impacts on both physical and mental well-being.

In conclusion, whether or not one chooses to incorporate Vastu into their life, it is important to prioritize creating a balanced and harmonious environment that supports health, wealth, and happiness. Vastu Shastra is a rich and complex science that has been practiced for thousands of years in India. While its principles may seem complex and at times even mystical, they are based on a deep understanding of the natural world and the forces that shape it. By incorporating the principles of Vastu into the design and construction of buildings, we can create structures that are in harmony with the forces of nature, and that bring health, prosperity, and happiness to those who live and work within them. 

"From Screen Time to Quality Time: Rebalancing Social Health in the Digital Age"

The Importance of Social Health in the Age of Digitization

The world has changed rapidly over the past few decades, with digitization playing a central role in this transformation. While digitization has brought many benefits, it has also had a profound impact on how people interact with each other, with many people spending more time in front of screens and less time engaging in face-to-face social interactions. This shift has raised concerns about the impact of digitization on social health and well-being, particularly among younger generations. In this article, we will examine the importance of social health in the age of digitization and explore the ways in which digitization is affecting social health.

The Importance of Social Health

Social health is an important aspect of overall well-being, encompassing the quality and quantity of social interactions and relationships. Social health has been linked to a range of positive outcomes, including improved mental health, increased physical health, and better cognitive functioning. Positive social interactions can help to reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and promote cognitive functioning, which can all contribute to overall well-being (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

Studies have shown that social connections can be just as important for health as other factors such as diet and exercise. For example, one study found that people with strong social connections had a 50% lower risk of dying compared to those with weak social connections (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). Another study found that people who were socially isolated had a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

Social health also has important implications for cognitive functioning and brain health. Studies have shown that social interaction and engagement can help to stimulate cognitive activity and improve cognitive functioning, particularly in older adults (Fratiglioni et al., 2004). Additionally, social engagement has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia (Fratiglioni et al., 2004).

Impact of Digitization on Social Health

Digitization has changed the way people interact with each other, with many people relying on digital devices and online platforms for communication and social connection. While digitization has brought many benefits, it has also had a negative impact on social health and well-being, particularly among younger generations. Research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to social isolation, decreased physical activity, and increased feelings of loneliness and depression (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).

Decreased Face-to-Face Interactions

One of the biggest impacts of digitization on social health is the decrease in face-to-face interactions. With many people spending more time in front of screens, there are fewer opportunities for in-person social interactions. This can have negative consequences for social health, as face-to-face interactions are crucial for building and maintaining relationships, developing social skills, and adapting to social norms and values. Additionally, face-to-face interactions provide opportunities for nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and body language, which are important for building trust and understanding (Malloch & Trevarthen, 2009).

Research has shown that face-to-face interactions are more effective for building and maintaining relationships than digital interactions. For example, a study found that people who reported spending more time on digital devices tended to have weaker social connections and reported higher levels of loneliness compared to those who spent more time engaging in face-to-face interactions (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Another study found that face-to-face interactions were more effective for reducing feelings of loneliness compared to online interactions (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).

Increased Social Isolation

Another impact of digitization on social health is increased social isolation. With many people relying on digital devices for social interaction, there are fewer opportunities for in-person social interactions. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which can have negative consequences for mental health and well-being (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).

Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). Additionally, social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia (Fratiglioni et al., 2004).

Decreased Physical Activity

Excessive screen time can also lead to decreased physical activity, which can have negative consequences for physical health and well-being. Physical activity is important for maintaining good physical health and preventing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (Haskell et al., 2007). Additionally, physical activity has been linked to improved mental health and cognitive functioning (Haskell et al., 2007).

Studies have shown that excessive screen time is associated with decreased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle (Loprinzi et al., 2017). For example, a study found that children who spent more time on digital devices were more likely to be sedentary and less likely to engage in physical activity compared to those who spent less time on digital devices (Loprinzi et al., 2017).

Addictive Nature of Digitization

The addictive nature of digitization can also have negative consequences for social health and well-being. Research has shown that digital devices and online platforms can be addictive, with many people spending excessive amounts of time on these platforms (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). This excessive screen time can interfere with other important activities, such as sleep and physical activity, and can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).

Studies have shown that excessive screen time is associated with a higher risk of addiction and a decreased ability to regulate screen time (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Additionally, excessive screen time has been linked to a higher risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).

Conclusion

The impact of digitization on social health and well-being is a growing concern, particularly among younger generations. While digitization has brought many benefits, it has also had a negative impact on social health, with many people spending more time in front of screens and less time engaging in face-to-face social interactions. This shift has raised concerns about the impact of digitization on social health, with research showing that excessive screen time can lead to social isolation, decreased physical activity, and increased feelings of loneliness and depression (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).

It is important for individuals to be aware of the impact of digitization on social health and well-being, and to find ways to balance digital interactions with face-to-face social interactions and physical activity. This can include setting limits on screen time, engaging in physical activity, and seeking out in-person social interactions (Loprinzi et al., 2017). Additionally, it is important for policy-makers to consider the impact of digitization on social health and well-being and to develop strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of digitization on social health (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

References:

Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.

Fratiglioni, L., Paillard , T., & Winblad, B. (2004). An active and socially integrated lifestyle in late life might protect against dementia. The Lancet Neurology, 3(6), 343-353.

Haskell, W. L., Lee, I. M., Pate, R. R., Powell, K. E., Blair, S. N., Franklin, B. A., ... & Bauman, A. (2007). Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(8), 1423-1434.

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.

Loprinzi, P. D., Cardinal, B. J., & Ducharme, M. G. (2017). The effect of screen time on children and adolescents. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(4), 463-468.

Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The narcissism epidemic: Living in the age of entitlement. Free Press.

Urban floods: Drowning of Indian megacities

In recent years, Indian cities start facing urban flood during monsoon season. Every year from July to august many parts of the Indian region face the flood and other impacts from it. In the western region state of Gujarat and Maharashtra, eastern states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and eastern part of Uttar Pradesh and in southern states like Karnataka and Kerala have faced the floods. Bihar is the most vulnerable state in all of them. In the year 2017, Rajasthan followed by West Bengal, and Bihar are amongst top three states affects in terms of land areas while Bihar is a topmost state in terms of population affected i.e. approximately 17.2 million followed by west Bengal having 8.7 million (https://data.gov.in/resources/stateut-wise-damages-caused-floods-across-country-data-available-central-water-commission).There is a significant increase in urban flooding in India.  Urban flooding is different from Natural flooding.

The major cause of urban flooding is the increase in population and unplanned urbanization. Construction activities in low lying area and interference in catchment areas and floodplains change the course of natural drainage routes is a major concern. Urban flooding is typically characterized by

1. Increase in flood peaks by 2-8 times;

2. Increase in flood volumes by up to 6 times;

3. Decrease in time required to reach flood peak;

4. Excessive economic losses (in the form of damage to property and loss of productivity)

 

Cities	Flooding Years
Ahmedabad	2001
Bangalore	2005, 2009, and 2013
Chennai	2004 and 2015
Delhi	2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016
Guwahati	2010 and 2011
Hyderabad	2000, 2001,2002, 2006 and 2008
Jamshedpur	2008
Kolkata	2007 and 2013
Mumbai	2005, 2007, and 2015
Srinagar	1992, 2014 and 2015
Surat	2006 and 2013

Source: https://smartnet.niua.org/sites/default/files/resources/FS%203_Urban%20Flooding.pdf

For the intensity of rainfall of 12-20 mm, stormwater drainage systems were previously designed. When higher intensity rain has been received, these capacities have failed very quickly. Furthermore, because of inadequate maintenance systems very often do not work at the designed capacities. Accommodations started to flourish into urban communities by rivers and bodies of water. This resulted in an increase in water flow proportional to watershed urbanization. To accommodate the greater flows of stormwater, the natural drains should ideally have been broadened. As a result, the capacity of natural drains was diminished, and flooding occurred. Improper management and dumping of construction waste to drains of solid waste, including domestic, commercial, and industrial waste, also significantly contributes to the reduction in capacity. Better operations and maintenance measures are absolutely crucial.

Floodwater surrounds the premises of Aluva Siva Temple, Kochi

The Chennai International Airport runway was also built directly over the river Adyar. Most of the airport was built on the riverine floodplains, which resulted in massive flooding during the Chennai floods in 2015. Similarly, developments such as the Amaravati Capital City Project of Andhra Pradesh had proposed that large areas be developed on the Krishna River floodplains.

Urban flood Impacts:

1. Traffic jams 

2. Damage to public and private property 

3. Mixing of solid waste in floodwaters causing further choking of drains 

4. Vector and waterborne disease 

5. In coastal cities, increased inundation of low lying areas during high tide reduced capacity of drains to discharge stormwater

6. Disruption of power supply and telecommunication 

7. Mixing of fecal matter in the flood water due to open defecation

Responsibilities and Challenges

The reality is that our big cities were built with hardly any regard for the natural topography and there is seriously a lack of integrative initiative. Also, with regulations on rainwater harvesting, sustainable urban drainage systems, etc., in regulatory systems such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Notification 2006 or almost every state's building bylaws, adoption at the end of the user and local law enforcement remains a problem. Cities such as Mumbai suffer from a substandard urban infrastructure issue, as they have organically expanded its boundaries over the years. In recent years, Gurugram has seen an exponential growth of both the urban population and the infrastructure. Throughout the year's water bodies and wetlands have declined as a consequence of inadequate planning, unchecked development, and mismanagement of natural resources. From 644 in 1956, the number of bodies of water fell to 123 in 2018. Green coverage is just 9%, which would preferably have been at least 33%.

Measures to tackle urban flooding:

·      National Disaster Management (NDMA) Guidelines: In 2010, NDMA had issued guidelines on Urban Flood Management in India -to create a National Hydro-meteorological Network for providing early warning,  use of Doppler Weather Radars to be expanded to cover all urban areas in the country, an inventory of the existing stormwater drainage system to be prepared, economic loss, etc.

·      Rainwater harvesting and other check measures: on-channel storage of rainwater in storm drains, artificial recharge trenches, retention basins, deepening of ponds and lakes etc.

·        Sustainable usage of land: Low-lying areas in cities have to be reserved for parks and other low-impact human activities, restrict encroachments in natural drainage areas; clearance of river beds, proper implementation of Coastal Regulation Zone rules. Planting drought resistant and flood-resistant sturdy trees in vulnerable areas also help.

·      Utilizing international best practices: Implementing ‘Mobile Walls’ like in Germany, and ‘sponge’ cities in line with cities in China which involves replacing concrete pavements with porous pavements to ensure better filtration.

CONCLUSION

    Lack of planning vision and expansion of cities to accumulate population moving towards them without proper infrastructure has induced the demand for sewage and stormwater management strategy in urban areas. Unorganized development on flood plains and natural wetlands leading to flash fools during monsoon season in India every year. Lack of integrated flood control strategy and lackadaisical attitude of local governing bodies have contributed to the urban flood. Policymakers, planners must learn from the growing case of slood in Indian cities and must prepare various plans at different levels to successfully mitigate and reduce the impact of floods for everyone.

 RELATED LINKS

• https://ndma.gov.in/images/guidelines/flood.pdf
• https://rahat.up.nic.in/undp/sop_search_rescue.pdf
• https://smartnet.niua.org/sites/default/files/resources/FS%203_Urban%20Flooding.pdf
• https://vikaspedia.in/social-welfare/disaster-management-1/natural-disasters/urban-floods#:~:text=Urban%20Flood%20Risk%20in%20India,-There%20has%20been&text=The%20most%20notable%20amongst%20them,Guwahati%20and%20Delhi%20in%202010.

COURTYARD IN INDIAN CONTEXT

BRIEF HISTORY

The origin of the Indian courtyard houses  can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilisation. In the course of a moment, climate and society have always affected houses of distinct types. In hot areas, buildings with inner courtyards are regarded as the most suitable. The design of the Courtyard had emerged in Egypt, Iran and China as far back as 3000 BC. The first courtyard homes seemed likely to have come from India around 6500-6000 BC according to historical proof. If we evaluate different cultures carefully, we can understand that courtyard structures are components of Chinese, Japanese and Spanish societies. The change from public to personal courts was made by influencing diverse cultures. The introduction of the Islamic Rulers (14th century) to northern India introduced the main question of dealing with an open room in the country. The British arrival resulted in a significant shift in architectural styles and the courtyard idea (18th century). 

REFLECTION FROM SOCIETY

In India, courtyards were not just a type of architecture. They seemed to have been a way of life. Courtyards represented the time's culture and regulated the house's personality and mood. Courtyards had a formal or influential impact on the house's configuration. They assisted individuals to adapt to the summer highs and the Indian subcontinent's cold temperatures.

Modern-day courtyard house
Copyright@ Richard Barnes

Courtyards have various titles such as Kerala's nalukettu (the main courtyard encircled by chambers), Rajasthan's haveli, Gujarat's Wada houses, Ahmedabad's poles, Goa's traditional houses, etc. The design of Kerala's traditional (tharavadu) buildings was easy and intended to accommodate a big number of individuals living in a common household scheme. Each design has arrangements for adequate sunshine and great ventilation has occurred in some well-designed nalukettus. The temperature would be pleasant throughout the year keeping cool in summer and warmer in the winter. The traditional tharavadu's architecture accommodated many individuals residing under one roof and enjoying the homestead's widely shared comforts. The courtyards in Kerala's traditional households put the sacred thulasithara (an elevated platform for tulsi) apart as a prominent location.

Traditional Courtyard Home

There are many courtyards in Central India's houses. The first courtyard is called the baithak (the place of standing). Another is close to the women's area called the inner courtyard. These courtyards have beautiful façades and wealthy design element variants. What is intriguing is that these courtyards not only describe the ideal spatial organization of those moments but also behave as centers for ceremonies, weddings, celebrations, and cultural gatherings. This demonstrates that the courtyard homes develop from the idea of constructing a house around a big room.

RELEVANCE

Despite the successful use of courtyard design over the centuries the notion now seems to disappear as compact construction drawings take priority. The impact of Western society, shifts in lifestyle, and the contemporary equipment accessible on the market have rendered it possible for individuals to offer their houses a contemporary look, often disturbing the environment. Because of economic reasons, the architecture of the old days cannot be reproduced now. Every inch of land is now expensive, so we can't construct enormous buildings with courtyards. Indeed, many hotels, households, farms, etc. are now closely recreating courtyards. More and more planners are now searching at methods to bring courtyards that can play a vital part in the rural and regional growth of today's housing. 

A courtyard in a house in inhabited regions can provide a family with a break from the daily bustle and a secure location for kids to play. Architects are experimenting with courtyards with room at a price as a manner to provide living room for tiny groups of people. A courtyard encircled by at least ten buildings would provide a park-like room for those households who would also take pleasure in owning the room. Nevertheless, in the sense of development where ecological problems are of paramount significance, courtyards can still be regarded as a significant component of the architecture that acts both as a social space and as something that decreases the building's carbon footprint.

After the invasion of both Mughal and British there is a dramatic change in the design of houses as factors of land availability, reduced plot sizes, affordability, and development of gated communities have replaced the way home design used to be earlier. The courtyard is trying to make a comeback in theme among the upper crust, though sometimes with artificial grass. New features have been added such as hanging gardens, green walls, and cascading bodies of water to make it more appealing to its residents. Modern architects play a major role in this regeneration, where multi-level courtyards across the magnificent mansions are becoming not only a trend but an emblem of profundity and a design driver as the courtyard significantly enhances the Livability and spaces can be arranged around everything, with a dramatic play of light and shadow.

Sketch view of a Traditional courtyard
Creator@Ar.SuhridPal 

Benefits :

• Sufficient open spaces for light and ventilation
• Maintains a pleasant interior atmosphere throughout the year.
• Energy-efficient as it reduces the dependency on ACs and other light requirements.
• Provides spaces for cultural gathering and events.
• Best suited for larger families.

Limitations :

• Requires a large land area.
• Challenges affordability.
• Construction costs can be higher.

1. Thermal Performance

Courtyard form, proportions, scale, emphasis, building materials, landscape elements, and opening design that opens on to any of it, the inner spaces that surround it, and the housing cluster surrounding it merge to form the thermal capacity of the courtyard home.

2. Shape of Building

Geometry and orientation of the courtyard affect the thermal efficiency of the house. Courtyard orientation (or thermal efficiency)  is regulated by Annual and seasonal Thermal variation, Solar orientation.

3. Aspect Ratio

     Aspect Ratio (AR) is defined as “the degree of openness to the sky”. Therefore, the greater the aspect ratio, the more exposed the courtyard is to the sky. This factor is considered for the daylight and is calculated as.

Aspect ratio = area of the courtyard floor/(average height of the surrounding walls)^2

If the courtyard is wide and shallow (high aspect ratio), it performs as the sun collector. On the other hand, the narrow and deep courtyard (low aspect ratio) performs as a sun protector, in which orientation has a weak effect on the house.

4. Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Surface Area to Volume Ratio is an indication of the rate at which the building heats up during the day and cools down at night. This ratio is obtained by dividing the total surface of the building including facades and roofs by their volume.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio= Total Surface Area of Building/Volume of Building

In the summer, a higher proportion results in greater heat gain and in winter heat loss. A high ratio also provides a significant raise in the ventilation potential and daylight, which could counter the enormous surface area drawback.

5. Solar Access and Shading

The solar performance of the courtyard depends upon solar access and shading achieved in the courtyard. A shady courtyard in winter may turn up to an open courtyard in summer due to a change in the altitude angle of the sun.

6. The Solar Shadow Index

The Solar Shadow Index (SSI) is a factor that deals with winter sun exposure. The greater the solar shadow index, the deeper the wall formed by the courtyard, and thus the less winter sun reaches the floor or the south wall.

Solar Shadow Index = (South wall height)/(North-South floor width)

7. Natural Ventilation

The ventilation and air movement through the courtyard is determined by prevailing wind direction, average wind velocity, and position and size of fenestrations.

In this enclosed space, air circulation depends mainly on the ratios of the walls and window placement in the rooms in the proximity. The appropriate ratio of the courtyard building offers a cool airflow inside the house it helps in create Comfortable living and sleeping conditions during the day throughout the night. Courtyard temperature, daylight, and air can be monitored in the rooms surrounding it movement. Orientation, profundity, and height are all In order to maintain the same values.

The airflow and natural lighting can be achieved in two ways which affect the thermal comfort of the residents.

• Temperature-generated pressure differences (stack effect)

Based on the fact that hot air rises and exits through the top opening, and cool air replaces it. Stack effect phenomena are caused by the pressure difference between the outer air and the air inside structure induced through temperature variation.

• Wind-generated pressure differences (cross ventilation)

where air travels from the openings across space. During the day, the courtyard heats up quickly, which enhances the stack effect due to high air temperature differences. However, this happens when the outside temperature is cooler than inside.

8. Thermal Mass

Thermal mass is a concept in building design that describes how the mass of the building provides "inertia" against temperature fluctuations, sometimes known as the thermal flywheel effect. When outside temperatures are fluctuating throughout the day, a large thermal mass of a house can serve to "flatten out" the daily temperature fluctuations. Thermal admittance: Thermal admittance quantifies a material's ability to absorb and release heat from space as the indoor temperature changes through a period of time. Admittance values can be a useful tool in assessing heat flows into and out of thermal storage. Admittance is measured in W/(m2K). So that

h = NQ / A x NT

Where: h = heat transfer coefficient, W/(m2K)

NQ = heat input or heat lost, W

A = heat transfer surface, m2

NT = difference in temperature between the solid surface and the

adjacent air space.

Higher admittance values indicate higher thermal mass.

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