ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Summer architecture

Ok kiddo, so you know how during the summer it gets really hot outside? Well, buildings need to be designed in a special way so that they are comfortable to be inside even when it's really hot outside. This is called summer architecture.

One important thing architects do is make sure the building has good insulation, kind of like wearing a sweater when it's cold outside. This helps keep the hot air from getting inside and keeps the cool air from escaping.

Another thing architects do is make sure there are lots of windows and vents that can open. This allows fresh air to come in and circulate around the building. It's like a nice breeze that helps cool you down when it's hot outside.

Architects also consider the direction the building is facing. If the building faces the sun directly, it will get really hot inside. So instead, they might angle the building so that it doesn't get as much direct sunlight, or they might add shading devices like awnings or trees to block the sun's rays.

Finally, architects might use materials that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Just like wearing a white shirt in the sun is cooler than wearing a black shirt, using materials that reflect sunlight helps make the building cooler inside.

All of these things help make buildings more comfortable to be inside during the summer, even when it's really hot outside.