For a climate-specific design in hot and humid environments, what should be avoided?

In hot and humid environments, effective design strategies focus on enhancing natural ventilation and cooling, which are crucial for comfort. Blocking breezes can significantly detract from the microclimate's livability and can lead to increased temperatures and humidity levels in outdoor spaces. Solid walls and earthworks that obstruct air movement prevent the natural flow of cooler breezes—essential for dispersing heat and alleviating humidity. In such climates, maintaining airflow is critical to providing a comfortable environment, which makes avoiding solid barriers essential for an effective climate-specific design.

Open planting patterns, high canopy trees, and shade structures play supportive roles in these environments by promoting air circulation, providing shade, and helping to mitigate the heat. These elements enhance comfort and contribute positively to the microclimate, which is why they are more favorable in design practices for hot and humid conditions.