In connection with the planning of a building complex with up to 120 m heights in the center of Frankfurt (Frankfurt Main Center), it was necessary to study the potential effects of the project on climate and air hygiene. Of foremost concern were questions about influences on wind comfort, ventilation, air temperature, humidity, shading (see also Chapter 3), and dispersal of exhaust gases (LOHMEYER et al., 1992). The following section deals solely the problem of wind comfort.

Figures 4/14a and b shows the local situation as a model in a wind tunnel, both in the current state and with the planned developments.

During the planning of the anticipated buildings, two relevant aspects came forward in relation to the wind comfort:

a) In which areas within the study area would the wind velocity be especially high, and with what frequency would that occur? The information about areas with particularly high wind exposure is needed to make decisions on the future use of presently undeveloped land. Street cafes, parks, waiting areas, and other uses involving the extended outdoor presence of people should not be located in areas where especially high wind velocities frequently occur.