Impacts of climate on genesis of vernacular architecture of different parts of Iran: case study of cold and dry Azerbaijan - Iran

Abstract

Understanding vernacular way of energy-saving and providing low-impact thermal comfort in the buildings of every region may have significant impacts on developing well-established green strategies for the new architecture for that region. The conducted preliminary desktop research revealed fundamental similarities among architectural approaches of
different regions of Iran. The conducted literature review also revealed that much research has been done for exploring different angles of vernacular sustainable methods of architecture in central arid zone of Iran which is
often recognised as the representative of the traditional architecture of Iran; as this part already contributes to almost three fourth of the total area of Iran. In other words, notwithstanding distinctive differences, the other
creative methods of adopting sustainable architecture in other parts have been neglected by far. This research investigated the innovative methods
through which the architects of cold and dry Azerbaijan managed energy use in the vernacular buildings. The study adapted field studies as well as archival research followed by qualitative methods of content analysis. The
research discovered the similarities and differences between the vernacular methods of energy saving in this part of Iran and those for the arid central parts of the country. The results revealed that although there are a lot of similarities between these two architectural styles, the traditional architects of Azerbaijan have had various innovative and sustainable methods in construction and structure of the buildings which are exclusive for this
region. This research contributes with highlighting particular and significant approaches of the neglected vernacular architecture of Azerbaijan which could be used as a reference for further development and adaptation in designing new buildings in this part of the world.