Study on the visual performance of a vernacular dwelling in Egypt

Almaiyah, S; Elkadi, HA; Cook, M

Abstract

Vernacular dwelling buildings located in hot arid regions are well known for their
sensitive architecture response to the region’s climatic conditions and the sociocultural norms. The architectural value of these buildings is not only limited to their
historical merit, but also to the human conscious adaptation to its context and the
optimum utilisation of natural resources creating both a pleasant and a functional
environment. The majority of these traditional dwellings are well recognised for their
unique perforated fenestration system and courtyard arrangement that evolved to
control the harsh solar, climatic conditions without compromising the quality of space
and occupants’ wellbeing. However, the successful design of these features and
solutions cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the nature of daylight
and solar radiation in which these buildings are revealed. This paper investigates the
impact of the characteristic of the dense narrow streets of medieval cities on the visual
performance of a typical courtyard house in Cairo. The paper examines the daylight
behaviour of one of the well-known historic alleys and of a courtyard house in Cairo.
The paper analyzes and measures the variability in the visual perception and comfort
for a typical pedestrian street and the occupants of the house using a simulation
modelling tool (Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) software). The paper gives
an insight into the overall visual performance of the urban fabric that shapes of the
microclimate, which is an important ingredient of the overall identity of the place.

Citation

Almaiyah, S., Elkadi, H., & Cook, M. (2010). Study on the visual performance of a vernacular dwelling in Egypt. ˜The œNorthumbria built and virtual environment working paper series, 4(1), 127

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Jul 31, 2015
• Journal: Built and Natural Environment Research Papers : Future Intermediate Sustainable Cities Conference
• Print ISSN: 1756-2473
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 127