A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The Role of Natural Factors in Courtyard Houses of Hot-Arid Climate of Iran
In traditional houses of hot-arid climate of Iran, enclosed spaces are arranged around the courtyard. In this configuration, courtyards reflect the social and cultural aspects of communities and besides have a key role as a microclimate-modifying factor. Presence of water and greenery in the courtyard design enhances the natural cooling effects. Application of this passive technique could be considered in the contemporary courtyard houses as well. A number of historical houses in two major cities of Yazd and Isfahan were selected and their central courtyards were compared and analyzed regarding natural sources’ role in climatic performance. The required data were gathered via desk studies, observation, and field study. Data analysis was carried out through the qualitative method, comparison, and interpretation. In this regard, dimensions, proportions, and overall configuration of the courtyard and its natural components were investigated. All survey-based data were summarized and integrated to propose design guidelines for courtyards in energy-efficient contemporary buildings in the region. The research findings show that the average land area assigned to the courtyard is between 20 and 31% while W/L ratio is 0.74. Also, the average assigned area to water and greenery in both studied cities is approximately equivalent (AG + W = 33% out of courtyard area); among this allocated area, water area is 7.7% and 12% in Yazd and Isfahan, respectively, and the remainder goes for greenery. Regarding natural resource arrangement, it is also found out that water and greenery zones are concentrated in the middle area. Concerning shading and solar gain issues, vertical proportions were also investigated; height to width (east–west direction) and height-to-length (north–south direction) ratios are approximately 40% and 31% in Yazd and Isfahan, respectively.
The Role of Natural Factors in Courtyard Houses of Hot-Arid Climate of Iran
In traditional houses of hot-arid climate of Iran, enclosed spaces are arranged around the courtyard. In this configuration, courtyards reflect the social and cultural aspects of communities and besides have a key role as a microclimate-modifying factor. Presence of water and greenery in the courtyard design enhances the natural cooling effects. Application of this passive technique could be considered in the contemporary courtyard houses as well. A number of historical houses in two major cities of Yazd and Isfahan were selected and their central courtyards were compared and analyzed regarding natural sources’ role in climatic performance. The required data were gathered via desk studies, observation, and field study. Data analysis was carried out through the qualitative method, comparison, and interpretation. In this regard, dimensions, proportions, and overall configuration of the courtyard and its natural components were investigated. All survey-based data were summarized and integrated to propose design guidelines for courtyards in energy-efficient contemporary buildings in the region. The research findings show that the average land area assigned to the courtyard is between 20 and 31% while W/L ratio is 0.74. Also, the average assigned area to water and greenery in both studied cities is approximately equivalent (AG + W = 33% out of courtyard area); among this allocated area, water area is 7.7% and 12% in Yazd and Isfahan, respectively, and the remainder goes for greenery. Regarding natural resource arrangement, it is also found out that water and greenery zones are concentrated in the middle area. Concerning shading and solar gain issues, vertical proportions were also investigated; height to width (east–west direction) and height-to-length (north–south direction) ratios are approximately 40% and 31% in Yazd and Isfahan, respectively.
The Role of Natural Factors in Courtyard Houses of Hot-Arid Climate of Iran
Innovative Renewable Energy
Sayigh, Ali (editor) / Trombadore, Antonella (editor) / Salavatian, Seyedehmamak (author)
2021-07-24
18 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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