Due to the effect of impinging solar radiation, high thermal loads can be predicted in buildings in many climates of South-East Asia and thus components devised to protect and ventilate the facades have been known for centuries. Features such as the ″jalis″ or stone lattice work combined with deep overhangs and elements conceived to reflect excessive sunlight such as ritual ponds or even elaborate water tanks have adorned Indian-style palaces and temples since ancient times. These features have subsequently inspired modern architects like Le Corbusier, Antonin Raymond, Benjamin Polk and Geoffrey Bawa to cite just a few. Climatic control elements were well adapted to the craftsmanship of traditional architecture but their use as industrial products suitable for prefabrication is more controversial. Not only has the climate changed since the origin of Indian architecture, but also the use of glazing has increased in an alarming way and thus the need to protect openings is now even more demanding. In this paper, within the context of Indian civilization, the author will present the simulation of the radiative field generated by different types of solar protection and reflective surfaces, especially ponds and systems of louvres or brise-soleil. By virtue of this process it is intended to extrapolate the procedures used for ancient fabrics to their more modern counterparts found in internationally acclaimed buildings and to obtain useful design insights for future projects.

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