Natural air conditioning, traditions and trends : high performance of sustainable indoor ventilation in a hot and dry climate
Nowadays due to the increased use of fossil fuels and electricity, the natural environment is in danger because of high levels of pollution. Hence by creating natural air conditioning, we may save a significant amount of energy. In line with the global objective of sustainable and green architecture, the use of patios to save energy and natural ventilation coupled with wind- catchers, Trombe walls and other natural air conditioning systems (both traditional and emerging architectural elements) seems pertinent. This thesis analyzes designs to produce natural air conditioning and cooler air with the minimum amount of energy, with regard to the tradition and the trends, especially in hot and dry climate regions like Iran. In this context, looking to Islamic Architecture and the Qur’anic discipline of thought are considered as a guide to the way Muslims approach the design-decision making process. We therefore look to the traditions and the trends of natural air conditioning through the most important element of the Islamic context (the Qur’an). So, within the theme of "tradition", we have introduced some thinking about the influence of Islam and particularly the respect of nature while providing for a balance between harmony and individuality, such as proposing one special kind of decision-making process to solve the main scientific problems according to the Islamic philosophy and the accompanying methods, suggesting some recommendations. Descriptions of (a) the principles of wind-catchers and (b) antecedents in nature such as the termite hills are pursued as well. Under "trends", we have introduced the use of novel materials and novel design principles. Looking at the new materials and simultaneously at the analogy of the termite mounds suggests one good sample of design of a shelter for people in earthquake-prone regions. Bam, an Iranian city, can be considered to be a specific context in which the general considerations expressed in this thesis can be most usefully applied.
Islamic architecture Qur’anic context Wind-catcher Trombe walls