Desert design in traditional context : a delineation on Pakistan

Abstract EN

The architectural heritage of the desert regions of Pakistan originates from a very rich past and cultural history dating back to the civilization of the Indus valley.

Natural and no-energy cooling systems employed in desert design include: simple ventilation through the house; air passing through subterranean tunnels and cisterns, directing wind down into the rooms by roof-mounted wind arresters; and the use of the courtyard as a climate moderator.

These all have great possibilities for providing user comfort and savings in energy if integrated well into the plan of the building.

This paper unfolds such traditions in desert architecture of various locations and provinces of this country, and presents a discussion on socio-cultural contexts and traditional house design in a search for new parameters for desert living.