In Persian buildings, particularly traditional Persian houses and gardens, a number of innovative design features were incorporated to maintain an even temperature inside the interior spaces. The techniques primarily focused on reducing the impact of extreme heat during the hot summers and extreme cold during the cold winters. Some of the design strategies employed include:
1. Courtyard Layout: Persian buildings often consisted of a central courtyard surrounded by rooms. The courtyard acted as an open-air space and provided natural ventilation and cooling. The surrounding rooms had large windows or doors opening towards the courtyard, allowing the flow of air and creating a cooling effect.
2. Wind Towers (Badgir): Wind towers, also known as 'badgirs,' were tall structures with multiple openings or vents at the top. These towers caught the prevailing winds and directed them into the building. As the wind passed through the vents, it created a cooling effect by drawing hot air out from the interior spaces and replacing it with cooler air.
3. Thick Mud Walls: The walls of Persian buildings were often constructed using thick mud or adobe material. These thick walls acted as natural insulators, helping to regulate the temperature inside the building. The mud walls absorbed heat during the day, keeping the interiors cool, and released the stored heat during colder nights, providing warmth.
4. Water Features: Water played a crucial role in maintaining cooler temperatures inside the buildings. Fountains, pools, and small channels of water were often incorporated within the courtyard or around the building. As the air passed over or near the water features, it would cool down, reducing the overall temperature in the surrounding areas.
5. Shaded Openings and Roofs: Persian buildings had strategically designed openings and roofs to provide shade and protection against direct sunlight. Arcades, balconies, and overhanging roofs were common architectural elements used to shield the interior spaces from excessive heat. These shaded areas also facilitated improved air circulation and minimized heat gain.
6. Ventilation Openings: Persian buildings had various small openings and vents strategically placed within the walls to allow for natural ventilation. These openings enabled air circulation, allowing hot air to escape and cooler air to enter the interior spaces.
Overall, the design of Persian buildings focused on a combination of natural ventilation, shading, and thermal mass to create a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing the impact of extreme outdoor temperatures.
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