Comparative Study of Form and Features of Courtyards in Terms of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Two Contrasting Climates of Iran

Abstract

Courtyards as a traditional strategy were used to create a suitable microclimate for dwellers, but in contemporary architecture, inadequate knowledge of form and features of courtyards makes them deficient. This study presents practical solutions reaching optimal form and features of courtyards based on the traditional architecture of two contrasting climates of Iran. The ENVI-met.4 model was used for simulating the area percentage, water and vegetation level in a very cold climate of Ardabil and Hot-arid climate of Yazd. The simulated atmospheric parameters were imported to the Rayman1.2 to calculate PET thermal index. As the first step, 10% of the total area was advised to be considered a courtyard area for Yazd hot-arid climate, and 60% of the total area was recommended in a very cold climate of Ardabil. Next, the ratio of the water area to the total area of courtyards was simulated and the results advice, 0% of the courtyard to be considered a water area of Ardabil and 10% of the courtyard of Yazd is an optimum choice in hot-arid climate. In the final step, 20% of courtyards recommended the best condition of tree coverage in both climates. By these guidelines, designers can create a more adaptive architecture to the local climate.