Problem statement:This study discussed the concept of identity and the role of modernity in shifting towards globalization. The literature study covered definitions of the key words which are modernity, identity and architecture. The definition included description and issues related to the key words, which became a crucial study in identifying factors which influence the concept of change and continuity in architectural identity. Approach: This study adapted a procedure of two measuring scale Syntax analysis and Semantic analysis. The study identified checklist factors which will be used as a measurable factor for the syntax analysis and prepared a proper standardized questionnaire for (Semantic analysis). The aim was to do qualitative analysis to the influence of modernity to the architectural identity throughout the history of architecture. It illustrated the level of modern influence by western and international style that bore with its unprecedented modern concepts in comparison to the accustomed norm of the traditional architecture of the region. Results: This analysis was to evaluate negative impacts on the modern architecture in relation to the local culture, religion and environment. The case study was selected areas influenced by the development of modern buildings in Erbil city, one of the ancient cities in Iraq. Conclusion: The research contribution was to measure the level of modern influence that has damaged the traditional building identity in Erbil City.

Carefully designing a building facade is the most crucial way to save energy, and a double-skin facade is an effective strategy for achieving energy efficiency. The improvement that can be made depends on how the double-skin facade is set up and what the weather conditions are like. This study was designed to investigate the best-case scenario with an appropriate double-skin facade configuration for optimizing building energy performance. A methodology for optimizing the building's initial condition was introduced using EnergyPlus and ClimateStudio according to a 1-year period of the city of Erbil. Analysis of double-skin parameters was performed by utilizing a multi-objective analysis approach. Four naturally ventilated geometric configurations were assessed: building-height, storey-height, shaft-box, and box-window. The results provide annual and seasonal consumption curves for each orientation. The massive airflow between adjacent thermal zones of a shaft-box facade significantly reduces the amount of cooling energy needed. Hence, due to the intricate internal partitioning that allows for airflow within the cavity and shaft, this design indicates multiple advantages over others. The annual cooling demand drops significantly, by 9% to 14%. Energy savings of up to 116,574 kWh per year are possible when using a double-skin facade compared to the building’s initial condition, which is a great asset in the temperate environment of Erbil.

Recently, the concept of modernity and its influences on global warming comes to be a common topic in architectural debates. The disappearance of gardens in the contemporary house layouts generated a need for new approaches to create a sustainable network of green areas within residential neighborhoods. The objectives of this paper intend to emphasize on the holistic phenomenon of house garden transformations. The rationale behind selecting cases inside Erbil city, Iraq return to its historical background which passed through rapid transformations due to the political, economic, and cultural changes. This paper aims to identify reason behind disappearance of house gardens in new developments. Moreover, it describes the physical elements of local traditions in different periods. The analytical methodology used in this paper relies on four different periods of the city evolution. It discusses the building garden visual elements in terms of architectural physical factors. The study emphases on two types of analyses, the morphology analyses for each period individually, and comparative analyses between different periods. The findings of this paper will indicate the crucial factors that affecting the disappearance of house garden as well as the general positive effects of vegetation in urban contexts.

Environmental problems were initiated with the rise of human civilization, and they increased with the rise in technology's contribution to human lives. Researchers in the field of architecture believe that regenerative approaches are systems based on aligning architectural design with natural resources to provide positive outcomes. Regenerative design holds significant promise for a new theory of sustainable architecture. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework for the concept of regenerative architecture and testing materials' effectiveness (thermal, availability, waste, and toxicity) and impacts on shifting towards regenerative architecture. Materials' thermal properties were examined by determining energy consumption through Ecotect as a simulation program. However, other factors were measured by a checklist derived from an intense review of the literature. The results revealed that the existing current buildings in Erbil City do not lie in the regenerative zone. Moreover, the study also shows that material selection plays a significant role in reducing energy consumption and toxicity levels that result from moving architectural design towards regenerative design.

Carefully designing a building façade is the most crucial way to save energy. A double skin façade is one of the effective strategies for achieving energy efficiency. This depends on the configuration chosen for the double skin façade that synchronizes with climate conditions. The study aims to investigate the best-case scenario with appropriate double-skin façade configuration for optimizing building energy performance. A methodology for optimizing the building's initial condition was introduced using EnergyPlus and ClimateStudio according to the one-year period of Erbil city. Analyzation of double skin parameters performed through utilizing a multi-objective analysis approach. Four geometric configurations were assessed; building-high, story-high, shaft-box, and box-window. The results offered annual and seasonal consumption curves for each orientation. Shaft-box double skin façade significantly reduces the amount of cooling energy due to massive airflow between two skins. a significant drop in the annual cooling demand of 9–14%. The use of an appropriate double skin façade greatly benefits Erbil city climate as it can result in annual energy savings of up to 116,574 kWh.