Wind Engineering
Pedestrian Wind Comfort
We study and optimize the comfort and safety of pedestrians in the built environment
Creating healthy, liveable and safe outdoor spaces
Wind is a powerful natural force that can affect the comfort and safety of pedestrians in the built environment. The local wind climate mainly depends on the characteristics of the approaching wind and on the massing, shape and orientation of the surrounding buildings. A building which is substantially taller than its surroundings forms a large obstruction to the approaching wind and can cause uncomfortable and/or unsafe wind conditions at pedestrian level. We help to identify possible wind-related issues and propose practical guidelines to solve them.
Pedestrian Wind Microclimate Studies and Wind Comfort Assessments
We provide pedestrian wind microclimate studies and wind comfort assessments for a wide range of clients, including developers, architects, engineers, municipalities and planning authorities. Our studies help to ensure a safe, comfortable and compliant wind environment in the built environment.
Wind Studies for Developers, Architects and Engineers
For developers, architects and engineers, we assess pedestrian-level wind conditions around proposed buildings and building complexes. These wind studies analyse the impact of new developments on the local wind climate in public outdoor spaces, such as streets, squares and building entrances.
In many regions, it is mandatory to demonstrate compliance with local wind comfort and wind safety standards as part of the planning or permitting process. A professionally conducted pedestrian wind study is often required by planning authorities to prove that a development provides an acceptable wind climate for pedestrians.
We support our clients throughout all phases of the development process, from early design stages to final approval. Identifying wind-related risks early in the project is essential to minimise the time, costs and design changes needed for effective wind mitigation measures.
Services for Municipalities and Planning Authorities
For municipalities and planning authorities, we offer a dedicated range of wind engineering and advisory services, including:
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Wind assessments for large-scale masterplans and urban developments
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Independent expert reviews of pedestrian wind studies
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Training sessions and masterclasses on wind comfort and wind safety
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Development of local wind policies, standards and guidelines
These services support evidence-based decision-making and help create high-quality, wind-comfortable public spaces.
Click here to learn more about our services for municipalities and planning authorities.
Services for Municipalities and Planning Authorities
Specialist wind engineering and advisory services for municipalities and planning authorities. Supporting safe, wind-comfortable, high-quality public spaces.
Our services throughout the project timeline
At Actiflow, we provide expert support at every stage of the project design process—from initial strategic advice to comprehensive pedestrian wind microclimate studies for planning applications.
Our extensive experience demonstrates that the greatest value is achieved when we are involved from the outset. Early identification of wind-related challenges allows for effective mitigation, helping to minimise both time and costs. Addressing wind issues later in the design phase often results in more expensive and disruptive solutions.
Below, we outline the key assessments and services we recommend at each project phase. These can be tailored to meet your specific needs and project requirements.
Phase 1 | Pre-Concept Design
Expert Opinion / Desk Study
In the final design phase, the pedestrian wind microclimate is thoroughly assessed using detailed CFD simulations, wind tunnel testing, or a combination of both, depending on official requirements.
This final assessment supports the planning application and demonstrates compliance with relevant wind comfort and safety standards. If wind considerations have been addressed consistently in earlier phases, the results should confirm a safe and comfortable pedestrian wind environment, with minimal surprises during submission.
Phase 2 | Concept Design
CFD Quick Scan
Once initial massing or building volumes are available, we perform a CFD quick scan to evaluate the local pedestrian wind climate using numerical simulations. At this stage, the proposed development and its surroundings are represented as simplified volumes.
A quick scan provides early insights into expected wind comfort and safety levels. Where necessary, we suggest wind mitigation measures. The results guide informed decision-making as the concept design evolves, helping to reduce costly design changes later.
Phase 3 | Schematic Design
Full CFD Study or Wind Tunnel Testing
In the final design phase, the pedestrian wind microclimate is thoroughly assessed using detailed CFD simulations, wind tunnel testing, or a combination of both, depending on official requirements.
This final assessment supports the planning application and demonstrates compliance with relevant wind comfort and safety standards. If wind considerations have been addressed consistently in earlier phases, the results should confirm a safe and comfortable pedestrian wind environment, with minimal surprises during submission.
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Phase 4 | Detailed Design
Full CFD Study or Wind Tunnel Testing
In the final design phase, the pedestrian wind microclimate is thoroughly assessed using detailed CFD simulations, wind tunnel testing, or a combination of both, depending on official requirements.
This final assessment supports the planning application and demonstrates compliance with relevant wind comfort and safety standards. If wind considerations have been addressed consistently in earlier phases, the results should confirm a safe and comfortable pedestrian wind environment, with minimal surprises during submission.
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Read MoreCompliance
All our pedestrian-wind microclimate studies meet the quality requirements set out in the relevant local and international standards, building codes, and guidelines. We typically present results using Lawson LDDC, City Lawson, or NEN 8100 criteria. As recognised experts in wind comfort assessment, Actiflow is currently contributing to the national committee responsible for updating the Dutch NEN 8100 standard, with the revised version expected in early 2027.
In the early phases of building design, we may intentionally deviate from the full official standards for practical reasons. Early design stages often require rapid iterations, and adapting our approach enables us to keep pace with our clients’ schedules. Thanks to our extensive expertise, we can accelerate these analyses without compromising the quality or reliability of the results.
Expertise at your fingertips
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Tom Fahner | Senior CFD Specialist
