Architectural Responses to Heat: Passive Cooling Strategies in Motorsport Facilities for Tropical Regions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.13.2026Keywords:
Passive cooling, Motorsport Architecture, Tropical climate, Sustainable Design, Climate Responsive DesignAbstract
This study explores the effectiveness of passive cooling strategies in climate-responsive motorsport facility design within tropical climates, focusing on Malaysia. Despite progress in sustainable infrastructure, there is a lack of research on passive design suited to hot and humid environments, where performance often takes precedence over environmental responsiveness. A comparative case study of six circuits Sepang, Dato Sagor, Kuala Selangor, Melaka, Mandalika (Indonesia), and Chang (Thailand) was conducted using observational data, environmental analysis, wind speed measurements, sun path studies, and thermal material evaluations. The findings show that circuits employing strategies such as strategic orientation, natural ventilation, shading, insulated materials, and integration with vegetation or water features achieved superior thermal comfort and reduced dependence on mechanical cooling. In contrast, local circuits lacking these features exhibited thermal inefficiencies. The study offers design recommendations, including climate-sensitive material selection and passive ventilation methods, contributing to sustainable motorsport architecture and offering a framework for future tropical design.
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