Heat attenuation as a mean to limit cooling load and improve comfort.

A short state of the art in heat attenuation studies and technology is presented, with reference to the climate conditions of Mediterranean countries. The main areas of mass, insulation, building shape, glazing and control are considered. The main problems pertaining to each area are discussed and the most promising perspectives illustrated. A possible scenario for a future European concerted action is proposed, considering both applied research, pre-normative studies, and industrial developments.