A Conceptual Model for Climatic-responsive Vernacular Architectural Forms

Indoor lighting, in terms of its spatial coverage, spectral range and extent is closely associated with occupants’ behaviour, yet little is known about its links with now-abandoned 19th century vernacular architectural forms of dry-and-arid climates in central Asia. Sustainable use of energy for domestic purposes is a critical component of the resilience of urban systems to urban sprawl (and escalating energy demands), mineral resource shortage and changing climate. Domestic energy use is a function of occupants’ behaviour in adjusting themselves to space through movement, which is driven by interrelated light-space-time. A better understanding of such interactions, in the context of energy efficient Iranian vernacular architecture can allow the adoption of traditional styles in design of contemporary indoor living spaces, thereby indirectly influencing occupants’ lifestyles towards lesser use of artificial lighting and energy conservation. It is in trying to understand how vernacular style can be turned into purposeful action that each core domain of vernacular architecture, and the dynamic of light and human through them, should be determined and brought to bear. In doing so, we present a conceptual model, built through field observations - of five three historical buildings in Kashan, Central Iran - interview and archival studies. The model informs on how occupant’s perception of space and response varies with time, space configuration and lighting levels.