Cite this article
Ganjimorad, M., Duran Fernandez, J., Heiranipour, M. (2024) ‘Impact of wind in urban planning: A comparative study of cooling and natural ventilation systems in traditional Iranian architecture across three climatic zones’, Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU, 29(4), pp. 15-30. https://www.doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2024-0020
SUMMARY
The article titled “Impact of wind in urban planning: A comparative study of cooling and natural ventilation systems in traditional Iranian architecture across three climatic zones” investigates how traditional Iranian architecture utilises wind for passive cooling in three climatic zones: cold and mountainous, hot and dry desert, and moderate and humid northern regions. The study analyses city layouts, building designs, and traditional technologies used to harness wind, comparing how these systems impact indoor air temperatures and overall comfort across different environmental conditions.
Background and rationale
Traditional Iranian architecture is known for its sustainable, passive cooling methods, particularly the use of wind and sunlight to maintain indoor comfort. Unlike modern architecture, which often emphasises aesthetics and relies on energy-intensive technologies, traditional designs in Iran are climate-responsive, leveraging natural elements to regulate temperature. This study aims to apply these traditional methods to inspire modern, sustainable building designs that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Research focus
The study examines three climatic regions in Iran:
- Moderate and humid northern regions.
- Cold and mountainous regions.
- Hot and dry desert regions.
It focuses on how wind and sunlight shape both urban and architectural forms in these areas. The role of wind, air circulation, and building orientation in creating thermal comfort are explored, providing insights into how traditional designs can be integrated into modern sustainable architecture.
Traditional building characteristics:
– Temperate regions: Airflow is crucial for comfort.
– Cold mountainous regions: Buildings use windbreaks and compact layouts to prevent cold air intrusion and maximise solar gain.
– Desert regions: Windcatchers (badgirs) and courtyards capture cooling breezes and reduce heat absorption.
Methodology
The research covers:
- Case Study Selection: Cities chosen based on their climates.
- Climate Analysis: Focus on wind patterns.
- Urban and Architectural Analysis: Study of urban layout, building materials, roof height, and window orientation.
- Literature Review: Review of climate-responsive architecture.
- Simulation: Energy Plus software used to simulate building thermal performance.
- Site Visits: Direct observations of traditional architecture.
- Modelling and Visualisation: Visual models created to illustrate wind-driven cooling strategies.
Numerical analysis and modelling
EnergyPlus software models the heat dynamics within buildings across three climate types. The findings show that traditional buildings, when designed with climate-specific elements like windcatchers and thick walls, maintain more comfortable indoor temperatures. The research highlights how ancient Iranian architecture, although simple, effectively adapts to its climate and offers valuable insights for modern sustainable design.
Indoor air temperature profiles
Heatmaps and temperature data compare indoor air temperatures across three cities, revealing the efficiency of traditional designs in maintaining thermal comfort. Discrepancies between simulations and real-life measurements suggest the importance of urban layout and construction techniques not fully captured by the models.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that traditional Iranian architecture effectively utilises wind and sunlight for passive cooling, offering valuable lessons for modern sustainable urban planning. In cold regions, the focus is on insulation and compact layouts of buildings, while in desert areas windcatchers and courtyards are used to cool indoor spaces. By revisiting these traditional methods, architects can design more energy-efficient buildings that align with global sustainability goals, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling systems.