A study of thermal performance of traditional courtyard buildings using computer simulation

Author

Usfur, Umar S.

Source

التراث المعماري : الواقع و تحديات الحفاظ، 23-24 إبريل 2008

Publisher

Islamic University of Gaza Faculty of Engineering

Publication Date

2008-04-30

Country of Publication

Palestine (Gaza Strip)

No. of Pages

11

Main Subjects

Physics

English Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential of courtyard buildings in improving human thermal comfort compared to the cotemporary building design.

Courtyard is a traditional architectural element that has been used in public and private buildings for centuries.

The main design concept in such buildings is creation of internal open space to which other internal spaces are oriented.

This is in contrast to the contemporary design, where spaces are oriented towards the outer surrounding area.

This study has been carried out implementing advanced computer simulation, and considering temperate climate conditions.

Many cases of courtyard and contemporary buildings have been modelled in isolation and in urban clusters.

These cases have been compared in terms of human thermal comfort.

It has been found that courtyard buildings have a significant advantage of improving human thermal comfort given that external building surface area is minimised and insulation level of courtyard internal facades is improved.

Data Type

Conference Papers

Record ID

BIM-776676

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