Roadmap to developing a geometrical design guide for windcatchers
This study explores the geometrical design of windcatchers, a traditional architectural element offering a sustainable solution for natural ventilation in hot, arid climates. The growing demand for energy-efficient cooling has renewed interest in windcatchers, but their integration into contemporary...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-03-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Built Environment |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1534284/full |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | This study explores the geometrical design of windcatchers, a traditional architectural element offering a sustainable solution for natural ventilation in hot, arid climates. The growing demand for energy-efficient cooling has renewed interest in windcatchers, but their integration into contemporary architecture remains limited due to knowledge gaps and practical challenges. The study aims to: (1) offer architects practical guidelines for incorporating windcatchers into their designs, (2) create a research roadmap to address underexplored geometrical design parameters, and (3) standardize design parameters for each windcatcher component. The review identified well-studied components, such as aerodynamic advantages of curved top surfaces. It highlighted inconsistencies in literature and unvalidated findings, such as conflicting findings on the optimal outlet-to-inlet area ratio. It also revealed unexplored design parameters that require further investigation. The study developed a structured research roadmap with standardized design parameters, facilitating the creation of a comprehensive design guide for architects that ultimately enabling the more widespread and effective use of windcatchers in contemporary architectural practice. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2297-3362 |