Windcatchers in Modern Housing: Enhancing Air Quality and Thermal Comfort

Authors

https://doi.org/10.48314/adb.v2i3.37

Abstract

In light of the growing challenges posed by high energy consumption in the building sector and the urgent need for environmentally compatible solutions, revisiting and reapplying traditional architectural elements—such as the windcatcher—in contemporary building design has gained renewed importance. As one of the most effective natural ventilation systems in Iran's vernacular architecture, the windcatcher plays a significant role in providing airflow, reducing indoor temperatures, and enhancing thermal comfort in hot and arid regions. This study aims to investigate the modern applications of windcatchers in residential buildings by conducting both qualitative and quantitative analyses of their impact on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), temperature and humidity control, and reduced dependency on mechanical ventilation and cooling systems. The research methodology combines a literature review with the analysis of contemporary case studies.
Findings indicate that proper design and strategic placement of windcatchers can significantly improve indoor ventilation, reduce indoor air pollution, and elevate thermal comfort levels. Furthermore, integrating windcatchers with local materials and modern technologies—such as non-mechanical evaporative systems—enhances energy efficiency and significantly lowers the building's cooling load.
Ultimately, this research demonstrates that the intelligent integration of traditional architectural principles with sustainable design criteria and modern scientific knowledge can offer practical solutions to address the energy crisis and climate change challenges faced by today's architects and designers.

Keywords:

Windcatcher, Sustainable architecture, Climate, Natural ventilation

References

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Published

2025-03-04

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): Architectural Dimensions and Beyond

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Moshiri, M. . (2025). Windcatchers in Modern Housing: Enhancing Air Quality and Thermal Comfort. Architectural Dimensions and Beyond, 2(3), 180-194. https://doi.org/10.48314/adb.v2i3.37

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