Comparative study of Courtyard Spaces Patterns in Vernacular Architecture of Arid Climate (B) and Hot and Humid Climate (A) Case study :the cities: Yazd and Bushehr

Subject Areas :

Meghedy  khodabakhshian ¹ (Islamic Azad University Isfahan(Khorasgan) Branch)
marjan  saeednia ² (Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch)

Received: 2022-10-17 Accepted : 2023-02-21 Published : 2023-02-20

Keywords: ", Vernacular architecture", climate responsive architecture", Hot and humid climate (A)", arid climate (B)", open spaces", , ", Yard",

Abstract :

The concept of vernacular architecture for humans has always been subject to climatic conditions if health and comfort were of concern. For this purpose, it is necessary to assess the constitutive component thereof. One of the basic components of vernacular architecture is the open spaces or courtyards with different dimensions subject to the climatic conditions of the reign. The rational spatial orientation of these spaces determines the architectural nature of vernacular structures and highly contributes to the axiomatic aspect and the identity of such structures. The existing general patterns of these spaces are assessed in two, hot and humid, and arid climates in the two cities of Yazd, located in central, and Bushehr, located in the south-west regions of Iran. In each city, four structures of the Qajar era (1796-1925) constitute the subjects of this article. The subject structures belonged to the wealthy and elite, where the courtyard was located in the middle of summer and winter dwellings. The method adopted in this article is comparative-qualitative. An attempt is made to compare the findings of the subject structures through field observations and library documentation. The objective is to answer the following this question : " How is the climatic performance of the yard in two arid climate and hot and humid climates ? " . In general, the findings indicate that the shape and dimensions of each courtyard are proportionally subject to the geometry and physical characteristics of the entire structure. As to the proportion of the structure height, Vertical component to the dimensional horizental components of the courtyard in Bushehr, with an average depth-to-height ratio of Z at 1.24 is evident, indicating a standing position . Consequently, the airflow in the courtyard follows a circular pattern, something essential for this unique climate in providing natural vertical ventilation. This phenomenon is reversed in Yazd where the airflow follows a flat pattern, with an average depth-to-height ratio of Z at 0.51 is evident, something essential for this unique climate in providing natural horizontal ventilation. In both climates, the courtyard orientation is N-S to control temperature rise with an average of 16% and 29% of the entire structure area, respectively. It is found that in Yazd the existence of a water pond area with a 73 m2 average and a vegetation area at 56 m2 in the courtyard provide the required humidity for the area. The courtyards in Bushehr are covered with less vegetation with an average area of 5 m2, and the existence of a water pond there is an almost new phenomenon with an average area of 7 m2 because in the traditional architectural plans water pond non- existence. The courtyard area in Bushehr is square with an average of length to width ratio1.07 and smaller than the rectangular courtyards of Yazd with an average of length to width ratio1.43. Therefore, the yard has also had a climatic approach in both cities. The findings of such studies can contribute to the planning and construction of modern buildings with vernacular architecture if necessary.