Buildings in developing countries are often designed without taking sufficient account of the climate. Factors such as the urban surroundings or site charac- teristics, orientation and architectural design of the building, choice of building materials, etc are not given enough importance. Consequently buildings often have a poor indoor climate, which affects comfort, health and efficiency. The problem is found in dwellings as well as workplaces or public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. Buildings in developing countries are often designed without taking sufficient account of the climate. Factors such as the urban surroundings or site charac- teristics, orientation and architectural design of the building, choice of building materials, etc are not given enough importance. Consequently buildings often have a poor indoor climate, which affects comfort, health and efficiency. The problem is found in dwellings as well as workplaces or public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. Buildings in developing countries are often designed without taking sufficient account of the climate. Factors such as the urban surroundings or site charac- teristics, orientation and architectural design of the building, choice of building materials, etc are not given enough importance. Consequently buildings often have a poor indoor climate, which affects comfort, health and efficiency. The problem is found in dwellings as well as workplaces or public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. Buildings in developing countries are often designed without taking sufficient account of the climate. Factors such as the urban surroundings or site charac- teristics, orientation and architectural design of the building, choice of building materials, etc are not given enough importance. Consequently buildings often have a poor indoor climate, which affects comfort, health and efficiency. The problem is found in dwellings as well as workplaces or public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. Buildings in developing countries are often designed without taking sufficient account of the climate. Factors such as the urban surroundings or site charac- teristics, orientation and architectural design of the building, choice of building materials, etc are not given enough importance. Consequently buildings often have a poor indoor climate, which affects comfort, health and efficiency. The problem is found in dwellings as well as workplaces or public buildings, such as schools and hospitals.