From the end of the last century, energy constraint and global warming became the biggest challenges confronting the planet. The building sector is one of the major energy consumers in the world. In hot climates, most 20th century buildings are dependent on air-conditioning systems and electricity, reliant on fossil fuels and increasingly unable to adapt to a warming climate.
In contrast to modern buildings, we find vernacular architecture in these regions is more adaptable to the environment according to principles evolved over many generations, These principles include: layout orientation, distance between buildings, building orientation & form, climatic elements such as porches, wind catchers, central courtyard, and so on.
When sustainable design features of vernacular architecture are under scrutiny, we realize how traditional buildings and settlements in hot- arid regions were designed in harmony with the local cultural, topographical and climatic conditions and how their design and construction could be integrate in today’s design practices.
In vernacular architecture, not only the climatic problems were resolved, but also the aesthetics, physical and social functions of the dwelling were considered. this is why we find so different designs across hot arid climates regions.
This paper aims to explore and evaluate the architectural design elements that can be adopted from the vernacular architecture in hot arid climate. In addition to, It will concentrate on Great examples of well-thought vernacular architecture are located in Egypt(Nubia), where prevail a hot -arid and desert climate zone. |
