Department of Art and Architecture, Azad University, Tehran PO Box ... Today, sustainable architecture, the way of architectural design which is based on ...
Sustainable Design in Iranian Traditional Architecture H. Rimaz Department of Art and Architecture, Azad University, Tehran PO Box 4435-11365, Iran.
Abstract Today, sustainable architecture, the way of architectural design which is based on environmental aspects, is a specific style of design which architects and designers try to pay more attention to it. This paper concentrates on techniques of sustainable architecture used in Iranian traditional residence and offer a solution to preserve natural energy sources of the environment. Iran is one of the countries that has varied climate changes. Traditional architects have developed a series of different solutions and methods of construction to cope with these climate conditions. As a results, Iranian architecture can be considered as a decent archetype in sustainable design. In this study, we examine some of the techniques used in traditional architecture of hot-arid zones and present a case study of sustainable architecture in one of the distant desert villages in Iran. Iranian architecture in this geographical location contains a large number of unique features which illustrate aesthetic and ecological aspects in design. Thus, by following these principles, one can obtain a more stable, reliable, and economic design. Keywords: Sustainable Design, Iranian Traditional Architecture, Environment. 1.
INTRODUCTION
By definition, sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs [1]. This definition of sustainability is not restricted to short-term social and ethical activities, but more importantly, it emphasizes on seeking for long-term solutions for improving energy efficiency, manufacturing materials with higher quality, and bringing renewable sources of energies into our modern life. Therefore, the demand for having better architectural resources – land, building products, and energy – will surely become more pronounced in the near future. Architects can offer solutions that support the coexistence of organic elements, living organisms, and humans [2]. This ideology can be traced back to Iranian traditional buildings and settlements where sustainable design and construction strategies are influenced by the local culture and climate conditions in each region. In this work, we first present a brief review of key elements in sustainable architecture of arid regions in Iran and further investigate these elements in a case study about sustainable design of Ashin village, a rural area near Isfahan city, Iran. Hot-arid climate covers almost all parts of the central Iranian plateau, receiving almost no rain for at least six months of a year. This climate of hot-dry zones is characterized by high temperatures, with sharp variations in both diurnal (day-night) and seasonal (summer-winter) temperatures. Cold winds and dust prevail in winter. The solar radiation intensity is high and enhanced by the radiation reflected from the ground [3]. Therefore, in this study, we try to give a better understanding about the climate conditions in hot-arid zones which play a crucial role in the architectural characteristics of this particular region.
