Professor, Department of Geography and Planning, University of Urmia, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract
This study formulates a design framework for tourist farms specifically suited to cold, mountainous regions by implementing context-sensitive architectural principles. It tackles the prevalent issue where conventional design models are inadequate for the distinctive characteristics of local settings, especially in harsh cold climates. Employing a descriptive-analytical and design-oriented methodology, the research integrates comprehensive desk study with extensive field investigations in the historic and touristic village of Savar.
The findings indicate that successfully combining context-responsive architecture with specific cold-climate adaptations and core agritourism principles generates a highly efficient and practical model for tourism farm development. Detailed energy performance simulations substantiate that this holistic approach can dramatically lessen environmental impact, achieving reductions of approximately 50.8% in heating energy demand, 57.5% in cooling thermal load, 52.6% in water consumption, and 63.1% in associated carbon emissions. These efficiencies highlight the model's strong potential for promoting environmental sustainability and operational cost-effectiveness in sensitive ecological zones.
The culminating design proposal embodies an architectural response that engages deeply with both the environmental and socio-cultural context. It strategically utilizes indigenous materials, meticulously conforms to the existing topographic slopes, employs passive solar and climate-buffering strategies, and seamlessly integrates agricultural production with tourist activities. This synthesis not only addresses functional needs but also preserves local identity. Consequently, the model establishes a viable, adaptable, and scalable prototype for advancing sustainable ecotourism and rural development in comparable cold and mountainous areas worldwide, offering valuable insights for planners, architects, and policymakers.
Taghilou,A. (2026). Developing Ecotourism in Cold-Climate Farms through Contextual Architecture: A Study from Rural Iran (Savar Village, Bonab County). (e733550). Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, (), e733550
MLA
Taghilou,A. . "Developing Ecotourism in Cold-Climate Farms through Contextual Architecture: A Study from Rural Iran (Savar Village, Bonab County)" .e733550 , Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, , , 2026, e733550.
HARVARD
Taghilou A. (2026). 'Developing Ecotourism in Cold-Climate Farms through Contextual Architecture: A Study from Rural Iran (Savar Village, Bonab County)', Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, (), e733550.
CHICAGO
A. Taghilou, "Developing Ecotourism in Cold-Climate Farms through Contextual Architecture: A Study from Rural Iran (Savar Village, Bonab County)," Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, (2026): e733550,
VANCOUVER
Taghilou A. Developing Ecotourism in Cold-Climate Farms through Contextual Architecture: A Study from Rural Iran (Savar Village, Bonab County). CCAE, 2026; (): e733550.