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SUSTAINABILITY IN TRADITIONAL AND VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF IRAN - An approach to Climate Responsive, Passive and Low Energy design strategies
Sustainability and Vernacular architecture.. In order to progress in the future of architecture and sustainable building, it is important to first gain knowledge of the past and employ these strategies as a well-balanced, methodical whole to achieve optimum energy efficiency. Climate Responsive Architecture - Passive and low energy design Reducing energy consumption, using natural resources and providing comfortable, healthier and sustainable living spaces are the aims of a climatically responsive sustainable building design.
The objective of this project report or study is to give an overview of Iranian .vernacular architecture in the perspective of sustainability
Diverse climate in Iran, has led to different architectural styles and construction in different areas but there were few principles or fundamental beliefs, to which the traditional and vernacular architecture of each region was committed to. Iranian traditional and vernacular architecture has developed over millennia in response to its diverse climatic conditions, often using advanced passive, low-energy techniques to provide for human comfort; strategies that are integral to the form, orientation and materiality of the buildings. One of the main characteristics of Iranian traditional architecture is being responsive and consistent to the climate, making the best use of renewable energies, such as solar energy, and wind for heating and cooling the buildings, showing their proficiency in using natural energies.
Optimum utilization of natural resources, minimum - energy consumption and use of fossil fuels are other distinguished features of vernacular architecture of Iran. One of the main principles of Iranian traditional architecture is self-sufficiency. It means building materials usually achieved from the place which they were going to be built. Stability and strength of forms is a key for Iranian architecture- it gives unique life to the structure as well as durability and performance; Traditional architecture of Iran is Organic and is formed with extreme respect to site, geophysical specifications of earth and geographical conditions.
METHODOLOGY
Firstly to classify Iran into four main climatic regions: 1- Mild and humid climate (southern coast of Caspian Sea) 2- Cold climate (western mountains) 3- Hot and dry climate (central deserts) 4- Hot and humid climate (southern coast of Iran)
Secondly to analyze the Climate responsive and energy efficient design strategies in different climatic regions, on three levels/scales Macro Medium Micro
Urban Context
-Urban form and Texture -Street Pattern -Building form -Orientation
Building Envelope
-Building spaces/ elements like courtyard, porticos, etc. -Roofs -Walls and Openings -Materials
Case studies and reason for selection: Ghilan province (mild-humid climate)
Ghilani architecture is very different from that in other parts of Iran. In Ghilan compact dwellings have been found that faced outwards and instead of adobe, timber was the chief building material used. These were not only eco-friendly but also Earthquake resistent.
Case study selected for demonstrating best utilization of natural renewable sources of energy by the Iranian traditional architects: Boroujerdi house..a historic house in Kashan, Iran
Qannats
Yakhchals