Faramarz Hassan Pour - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art & Architecture, University of Zabol
Jamshid Davtalab - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art & Architecture, University of Zabol
Abolfazl Heidari - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art & Architecture, University of Zabol

Dust and sandstorms are affecting a large number of the world population, and this question arises whether it is completely a natural phenomenon or it is partly caused and accelerated by human factor. It is believed that human being has had its devastating role in changing the balance in our natural environment. Considering the role of human factor is of high importance so as to reduce sandstorm impacts on architecture and urban public spaces by suggesting changes in the ways in which those human behaviors and decisions endanger both human health and built environment. The aim of this study is to suggest strategies, decision makings and measures and to explore architectural solutions to protect interior and outdoor spaces against dust storms. The Sistan region was selected as the case since its climate and its famous 120 days of wind which largely moves dust in the hot air in late spring and in summer. The research is descriptive analytical in studying the architectural characteristics in the vernacular architecture of the region which increase the resistance of buildings against the sandstorms. Insulation of structures, increase of greenery in urban areas, and reducing the areas around and in populated regions which increase dust in the air in windy conditions are of significant actions to improve the architectural and urban qualities in dust storms. In the future studies, the degree to which each of these measures correlate to the reduction of dust in the built environment could be evaluated, analyzed and examined.

Dust storm, Architecture, Public Spaces, Urban spaces