ARCHITECTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS IN TABRIZ – NW IRAN

One of the most extensively argued and studied topics of the 21st century relates to environmental problems. At the turn of the century, following the rise in industrial production, rural depopulation, emerging new industrial cities, changing life-styles and consumption patterns led to environmental problems, which gained currency in many disciplines as well as architecture. Architectural practice has the potential to minimize environmental problems by directly correlating environmental data with the correct decisions that are to be made throughout the design process.1Residential architechture, which represents the major part of the industry, has a considerable amount of impact on triggering environmental issues.2 Like any other building, residential buildings need energy to maintain optimum living conditions for its residents. It can be assumed that environmental impact and energy needs of a building can be minimized by incorporating indigenous characteristics of the terrain within the design and application of the building.3 It can be assumed that examining the local design decisions and construction techniques of the terrain may provide guidance on reducing environmental impact.4In this study, the Kalantary House situated in the Tabriz region of Iran is examined with the intent of reviewing its potentials and underlying principles of design and construction to contribute to the construction of environmentally sensitive contemporary buildings.5 Through the analyses of the Kalantary House using the Ecotect program, it became possible to take a bioclimatic glance at the characteristics affecting the traditional housing architecture of the city of Tabriz, and to examine how natural environment and local climatic conditions affect its architectural components. The analysis showed that Kalantary House’s compatibility with its environment reveals potential for bioclimatic factors that may be used in contemporary practice.

Keywords:

traditional architecture , sustainability , energy efficiency , environment , green architecture , indigenous materials