The Influence of Enclosed and Semi-Open Transitional Spaces in Residential Houses on Human Thermal Comfort in the Hot and Arid Climate of Iran (Kerman)

Khalifeie, Rezvan; Mahmoudi Zarandi, Mahnaz; Mehdizadeh Saraj, Fatemeh

doi:10.22034/bagh.2025.485720.5694

The Influence of Enclosed and Semi-Open Transitional Spaces in Residential Houses on Human Thermal Comfort in the Hot and Arid Climate of Iran (Kerman)

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.485720.5694

Volume 22, Issue 142
April 2025

Pages 57-70

The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Rezvan Khalifeie ¹ ^¶

Mahnaz Mahmoudi Zarandi ²

Fatemeh Mehdizadeh Saraj ³

¹ Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture, Department of Architecture, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University,Tehran, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Professor, Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Problem statement: In hot and arid regions such as Kerman, vernacular architectural design plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal thermal conditions and long-term comfort for residents amid increasing temperature fluctuations. Given this significance, assessing the impact of enclosed and semi-open spaces in Kerman’s traditional buildings from the perspectives of thermal environment and adaptive thermal behavior is of high importance.
Research objective: This study aims to comprehensively examine the influence of enclosed and semi-open spaces in Kerman’s vernacular buildings on thermal environment, thermal adaptation behaviors, and residents’ thermal responses in a hot and arid climate.
Research method: Utilizing advanced statistical methods, this research gathered and analyzed data from a year-long field study. The assessments included environmental measurements in both enclosed and semi-open spaces and the determination of thermal comfort indices based on existing standards.
Conclusion: Findings indicate a significant difference in the thermal environments of enclosed and semi-open spaces, leading to varied thermal comfort conditions at different times of the day. Furthermore, residents’ thermal adaptation behaviors are closely linked to the spatial configuration of buildings. Notable findings include differences in neutral temperature, acceptable temperature (80% satisfaction), and preferred temperature, measured at 1.1°C and 0.9°C (neutral temperature), 2.2°C and 2.7°C (acceptable temperature), and 1.6°C (preferred temperature) during transitional seasons and summer, respectively. The results confirm that the thermal diversity present in Kerman’s vernacular buildings significantly impacts adaptive thermal behaviors and residents’ comfort levels. The smart design of enclosed and semi-open spaces, by offering distinct thermal conditions, enhances thermal adaptation and improves overall comfort, emphasizing the critical role of vernacular architecture in adapting to hot and arid climates.

Keywords

Semi-open spaces

transitional spaces

residential house

thermal comfort

hot and arid climate

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