Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment

Abstract The increase in energy consumption in office buildings, environmental consequences, and rising energy costs have made energy consumption optimization a necessity. This study was conducted to analyze the performance of various office buildings in the semi-arid and cold climate of Tabriz city, based on the national standard 14254 (National Energy Standard). This study examined energy consumption (electricity and gas) in 22 office buildings. The total equivalent energy consumption of the buildings was calculated using data on the amount of gas and electricity consumed by the building, and compared with the indicators of the national standard of Iran to determine the energy label of each building. In some office buildings, server rooms are one of the most important energy consumers throughout the year due to the need for permanent cooling. Therefore, in this study, the status of server rooms was examined separately. The results showed that the energy consumption ratio in these buildings varied between 2.94 and 14.8. The average energy consumption ratio in these buildings was also obtained as 5.81. Also, short-term and long-term solutions for reducing energy consumption in these buildings are presented in this article. The findings of this research can provide a model for optimizing energy consumption in other similar buildings in cold and semi-arid climates or other climates.

Abstract Optimizing energy consumption in the building sector is one of the most important strategies for achieving sustainable development. In this context, the layout of building blocks plays a crucial role in managing energy use, especially in cold climates. This study aims to analyze the impact of different building block layout patterns on heating energy demand in the cold climate of Tabriz city. The research was conducted using numerical simulation with EnergyPlus software. By keeping independent variables constant—such as the thermo-physical properties of materials and environmental conditions—and parametrically varying geometric factors like the arrangement of blocks (compact, detached, and semi-detached), the study examined how these layouts affect overall energy consumption in building complexes. Hourly climatic data from Tabriz were utilized for the simulations. Results showed that the semi-detached block layout improved energy performance by 8.76 % compared to the detached arrangement. Moreover, the compact layout performed best among the examined scenarios, achieving a 16% improvement over the detached layout. These findings can guide the optimal design of residential neighborhoods in cold climates, contributing significantly to reducing energy consumption and enhancing economic efficiency.

Abstract The use of decorative motifs in historical buildings has been common in all periods. These motifs were formed based on semantic concepts derived from religious sanctities. The main structure of the sanctity of mathematical numbers and geometric shapes was also derived from mystical thoughts.

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the decorations of the tomb of Sheikh Gabriel Kalkhouran and the semantic concepts of numbers and geometry. Based on the maps of this building as well as field observations and photography of architectural decorations, the geometric and numerical semantic concepts in this work are analyzed and described; therefore, it is a qualitative research with a descriptive-analytical approach, . In this research, by examining the concepts of numbers and geometry, the relationship between the formation of decorative motifs (geometric, animal, and plant) in the building and the mystical and religious thoughts of that era was examined. The results of this research show that the geometry of the spaces forming this tomb consists of simple shapes with semantic concepts. The interior and exterior decorations of the building are also formed from these shapes and their repetition and rotation. The manifestation of mysticism is evident in the decorations with motifs and Islamic motifs, each of which is an interpretation of the world of meaning in this sacred place.

Abstract Despite numerous studies in the field of Qajar architecture, there is a significant knowledge gap in the integrated understanding of the interaction of architectural elements with cultural and climatic factors. Previous studies have examined climatic characteristics separately, but the knowledge gap in analyzing the inseparable links between function and meaning in these spaces is felt. Focusing on the porch element, this research seeks to explain how to intelligently integrate cultural and climatic functions in this architectural element. The main objectives of the present study are to systematically analyze the physical and climatic characteristics of the porches of Qajar houses in Tabriz and to analyze the socio-cultural role of the porch in organizing the living space. This research has been conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach and using qualitative-quantitative methodology. Data have been collected through library studies and field observations of 10 porches in Qajar houses in Tabriz. Data analysis has been conducted using comparative and analytical methods within the framework of cultural contingency theory. The results of the research show that the porch in the Qajar architecture of Tabriz is a manifestation of the intelligent interaction of architecture with climate and culture. Native architects, with a deep understanding of climate principles and cultural needs, have succeeded in creating a multifunctional space that simultaneously meets the material and spiritual needs of the residents. Also, three main types of porches were identified in the houses studied, including ceremonial-climatic porches, functional-mediating porches, and service-access porches.

Abstract This research investigates the dynamics of walkable urban environments in cold-climate mountainous cities, with a focused case study on Tabriz, Iran, specifically examining the Tarbiat and Valiasr pedestrian corridors. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, gathering primary data through structured questionnaires developed by the researchers. Advanced analytical techniques were employed, including Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Fuzzy TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making model. The findings reveal that walkability quality is significantly influenced by five distinct dimensions, in order of impact strength: social (β = 0.29), economic (β = 0.27), spatial-physical (β = 0.25), managerial (β = 0.21), and environmental (β = 0.18) components.

Furthermore, an obstacle prioritization analysis using the Fuzzy TOPSIS method identified four principal challenges hindering walkability in the studied areas. These are, in descending order of priority: the occupation of effective walkway width by street vendors (Fuzzy score: 0.8411), a decline in cultural and administrative activities (0.8108), a lack of spatial and visual diversity (0.7638), and difficulties in pedestrian movement and accessibility (0.7601). Based on these results, the study proposes the adoption of a Climate-Adaptive Walkability Framework for cold-climate cities. This framework emphasizes the critical need for integrated urban management, the intelligent formalization and spatial organization of street vending, and the design of multifunctional public spaces equipped with passive and active thermal comfort strategies, such as localized heating systems and weather-protective canopies.

Abstract Rural communities in Iran’s cold zones, including the iconic village of Kandovan, have long leveraged distinctive subterranean “kandovan” architecture carved into soft volcanic formations to sustainably navigate environmental and socio-economic stressors. This study proposes a novel integration of vernacular design principles and resilience-focused spatial strategies to optimize rural sustainability. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, empirical data were gathered via 20 semi-structured interviews, systematic observations of 50 traditional/modern dwellings, a stratified survey (n = 138), empirical temperature monitoring (30 days across 15 households), and geospatial analysis. Thematic coding (MAXQDA) and regression modeling (SPSS) revealed that heritage structures outperform contemporary buildings in thermal regulation (mean indoor temperatures: 17.8°C vs. 12.3°C), attributable to passive design features such as thermal mass walls, solar-oriented layouts, and optimized ventilation. Crucially, these architectural forms concurrently strengthen intangible resilience pillar's cultural identity, communal solidarity, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Statistical analysis confirmed a robust association (r = 0.74, p < 0.01) between thermal satisfaction and cultural valuation of traditional housing. Alarming generational gaps were observed, with resilience metrics among youth (mean = 2.9) plummeting relative to elders (mean=4.3), underscoring vulnerabilities to cultural attrition and tourism-driven commodification. The research positions endogenous knowledge as a critical foundation for policy frameworks aiming to bolster ecological and socio-cultural resilience in cold-climate rural settlements.

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.