优化建筑能源使用的需求正在吸引设计师回到自然环境控制的一些基础上。在控制人体舒适度、空气温度、湿度和空气流动的主要因素中，后者是唯一可以在不大量消耗能源的情况下显著控制的因素。窗户作为空气进出建筑物的交通工具是首要考虑的问题，必须根据其空气控制特性仔细选择。然而，窗户只是空气控制功能“系统”的一部分，必须使用它来增强通过建筑“生活区”的空气流动，从而为居住者降温。空气是由风吹袭建筑物时产生的压差而流动的。风从高压转为低压。风有惯性，移动时会产生摩擦。入口开口（窗户）的位置和类型决定了进入建筑物的空气的模式。 出口开口的大小决定了速度——出口越大，空气流动越快。窗户的位置和类型引导空气，就像软管的喷嘴引导水一样。空气倾向于跟随打开的窗户叶片。其他元素，如悬垂物、景观屏障树和灌木，也可用于控制空气流动。引文:密歇根州底特律ASHRAE学报第85卷第2部分研讨会

The need for optimizing energy use in buildings is drawing designers back to some of the basics of natural environmental control. Of the principal elements which govern human comfort, air temperature, humidity, and air movement, the latter is the only one which can be significantly controlled without substantial energy use.Windows are of primary concern as vehicles for getting air into and out of buildings, and they must be chosen carefully for their air-controlling characteristics. However, windows are only part of'a "system" of air-controlling features which must be used to enhance air movement through the "living zone" of a building where it can cool occupants.Air is moved by pressure differences set up as wind strikes a building. The wind moves from high to low pressure. Wind has inertia and it causes friction as it moves.The location and type of inlet opening (window) determines the pattern of the air entering the building. The size of the outlet opening determines the speed-- the larger the outlet, the faster the air moves.The location and type of window directs the air as the nozzle of a hose directs water. The air tends to follow the opened window vanes. Other elements such as overhangs, landscaping screen trees, and shrubs can also be used in the control of air movement.