Sustainable Development Patterns in the Architecture of Semnan Wind-Catchers

This study aims to identify the typology of wind-catchers in Semnan province as an example of traditional architecture based on sustainable development patterns.

This is applied research in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology, which has been done through library and field study. The methodology has been a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods. First, 37 items were selected as the main samples and evaluated using five evaluation indicators. In these perceptions, the selected buildings and especially their wind-catchers were carefully examined and their maps were drawn accurately, and then by examining and comparing the obtained maps, different types of wind-catchers were categorized in separate categories according to the similarities and differences.

The results showed that 10.8% of wind catchers are two-way and 89.2% are four-way. Examination of wind towers’ plan of wind-catchers in the plan shows all wind-catchers studied wind catchers are connected to the hall; 45.9% of them are located in the symmetry axis of the hall and 54.1% are located in the corner of the hall. Examination of the windshield plan showed that 29.7% of the windshields had a square plan and 70.3% had a rectangular plan. The results showed that 40.5% of wind-catchers ventilate only the ground floor, while 59.5% ventilate the basement. Moreover, 27% of wind towers have a square shelf, 46% have a vertical rectangular shelf and 27% have windshields with a horizontal rectangular shelf. The western half of the province has more wind-catchers than the eastern and northern half.

By applying the principles of traditional architecture in line with the climate, it is possible to meet some of todaychr('39')s architectural needs such as air conditioning and optimal energy consumption.