Journal of Research in Ecology
An International Scientific Research Journal
A Review on the efficiency of using natural ventilation in traditional
architecture (Case study: northern Iran, Qajarieh era houses)
Authors:
Journal of Research in Ecology
Nilgoun Eslami1 and
Babak Fazli Malidareh2
Institution:
1. Department of
Architecture, Gonbad
Kavoos Branch, Islamic
Azad University,
Golestan, Iran.
2. Department of Civil
Engineering, Babol Branch,
Islamic Azad University,
Mazandaran, Iran.
Corresponding author:
Nilgoun Eslami
Email ID:
Web Address:
http://ecologyresearch.info/
documents/EC0346.pdf
Journal of Research
in Ecology
An International
Scientific Research Journal
ISSN No: Print: 2319 –1546; Online: 2319– 1554
Review
ABSTRACT:
One of the main problems in human life is achieving an inexhaustible source
of energy. One of the most important renewable energies is wind and human being
has been always thinking about application of this energy in industry and construction
of buildings. Oldest method of using wind energy is documented in returns to ancient
Iran. For the first time, Iranians succeeded to invent waterwheels by using wind force
and send water from their water wells to farms. In Iranian traditional architecture,
natural ventilation was the main part of building design that came to existence by
creating natural air current into buildings. Native architecture reached to a
phenomenon of stable architecture. For example, in North of Iran (Gilan, Mazandaran
and Golestan Provinces) architecture in humid and moderate weather, as a sample of
native architecture mixed with nature, has an ancient history in which a soothing
space compatible to climate was created by considering nature. This architecture
guaranteed its stability by using ecological buildings and proper storage of energy
resources that one of the main samples is in Qajarieh era and has considerable
importance in art and architecture history of Iran because in that period, based on
architecture of their ancestors heritage and also intercommunication with west,
salient revolutions and innovation produced in domain of art and architecture. This
review was aimed in identifying stable architecture and useful alternatives that were
used for utilizing air current in humid and moderate climate.
Keywords:
Wind energy, Natural ventilation, Stable architecture, Native architecture,
Qajarieh era
Article Citation:
Nilgoun Eslami and Babak Fazli Malidareh
A Review on the efficiency of using natural ventilation in traditional architecture (case
study: northern Iran, Qajarieh era houses)
Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741-750
Dates:
Received: 01 April 2017 Accepted: 05 May 2017 Published: 12 Jun 2017
This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
741-750| JRE | 2017 | Vol 5 | No 1
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Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
INTRODUCTION
Since the origin, humans received help from the
nature for securing themselves from natured forces and
had shelter in caves and, trees and among stones
(Ahmadpour, 2015). He did invariable initiatives for
organizing environment around himself to meet his pri-
mary needs (Shoaee and Arabesmaili, 2013) and gradu-
ally learned to make his shelter more stably and then the
world's different civilizations used their special methods
by considering special conditions of climate and human
Figure 1. An example of aristocratic Qajari house,
was always looking for creation of biological environ-
Amirnezam house, Tabriz
ment to meet his emotional and physical needs and used (https://www.panoramio.com/user/7096451)
environmental conditions for his interests and made
more comfortable houses by using sun, wind and water. able energies because of its proper geographical loca-
Four decades prior to BC, Aristotle and one decade tion (Tabriz et al., 2012). One of the renewable energies
press to BC, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman archi- is wind. So in the past, Iranian architects used wind fac-
tect, talked about the method of using wind in architec- tor for moderating heat inside houses, salons and reser-
ture and construction. Among them, Iran's traditional voirs. They could make the best coordination with envi-
architecture was one of the best examples of climatic ronments by natural resources and pure energies in dif-
architecture which had the most desirable solutions for ferent climates and provided the best biological require-
survival of biology and human welfare and desires using ments with limitations and equipment’s (Shahamipour
natural energies. Iran has enormous resources of renew- and Farzanmanesh, 2015; Utaberta et al., 2012). North

Figure 2. The impact of favorable wind on three northern provinces of Iran

(https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran)

742 Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750


Figure 3. Ventilated by natural air flow (Tahbaz and Jalilian, 2011)
of Iran architecture is one of the successful samples of
native architecture that has mixed with nature in such a
way that is pure of natural context and environment
around it (Peirov and Farivar, 2015). The purpose of
this view is identifying ecological elements used in nat-
ural ventilation of Qajarieh buildings in humid and
moderate climates.
Alternative Energy
Alternative energy i.e. renewable energy for
producing these kinds of energy resources without car-
bon is used. These kinds of energies don’t have disad-
vantages of fossil fuels like increase of carbon dioxide
concentration and finally increase of earth temperature,
weather changes and environmental pollution. In addi-
tion, the resources of their production are inexhaustible
limitless.
Figure 4 . Extraversion and openness of the 4
sides in Amirlatifi house, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/411516484678121816/)
Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750
Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
Fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are
currently the world’s primary energy sources. The
heavy dependence on the fossil fuel in 20th century
largely reduced the natural reserve of it (Bhandari et al.,
2015). The issue of energy and the ways of taking the
advantage of natural and renewable ones are the most
important which attract attentions nowadays (Kalantari
et al., 2015).
Kinds of renewable energies used at Qajarieh
Wind Energy
At the present time, we are able to predict wind
current position and their effect on all structural collec-
tions by using architecture aerodynamic science. With
the help of this science, one can investigate wind cur-
rents by using wind tunnel or using theoretical methods
and mathematical calculations and impose required cor-
rections before designing.
Figure 5. Summer setting room of Bagheri house,
Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
743
Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
Figure 6. Summer setting room of Bagheri house,
Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
Architecture in Qajarieh era (1796-1925 AD)
Totally, architecture of Qajarieh period is divid-
ed into two general periods
The first period (Agha Mohammad Khan’s monarchy
to the end of Mohammad Shah’s monarchy)
In this period, dominant look on architecture
was on introvert look and based on Isfahan style and its
accomplishment such as St. Masoumeh shrine in Qom
and Soltani mosque (http://arktourism.ir).
The Second Period (Naseroddin Shah monarchy to the
end of Qajar dynasty government)
In this period, an architectural style began in the
effect of Naseroddin Shah based on his posterity trips
and also sending some Iranian students to Europe and
being affected by government parties and elites of socie-
ty. This architectural style is a compound of native and
western architecture (Qasemi et al., 2015).
Qajar architecture is divided in the Isfahanian
method, but in this period, a new method was made in
architecture that was again based on Isfahan style and
Tehran style, is a compound of Iranian noble architec-
ture with western architecture. (Qasemi et al., 2015).
Qajar architecture promoted the principles and
old patterns of Iranian architecture and made innova-
tions specially. Locality and degree of Qajar architec-
ture in history of Iranian past architecture (before new
period) can be arguable and deliberative. Spaces reach
744
Figure 7. Exposure of openers of Taqavi house,
Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
to dilation and old patterns of Iran architecture are ac-
complished for dilating space. In summary, if we con-
sider architecture development, dilation, transparency
and levitation of spaces, architecture of this period is
proposed as a development stage of Iranian old architec-
ture. We should consider that, the end of Qajar era was
coincident with the time origin of modern architecture
which was established in Europe and some typical con-
structions of modern architecture became viable. In fact,
Qajar architecture promoted principles and old patterns
of Iranian architecture and created some innovations
spatially (Figure 2) (http://www.islamicartz.com)
Macro characteristics of architecture in Qajarieh
period
 Using purple or red color in seven-colors of adobe
tiles
 Using crenation beside castles roof
 Decorative elements and facing influenced by west-
ern elements
 Construction of huge and high "Iwan" (balcony) in
entries
 Construction centrality with columns and capitals
 Constructions in elevated form showing grandness
and power
 Stone, cement and iron materials
 Interior decorations
Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750

Figure 8. Roof height in Fazeli house, Sari,
Mazandaran, Iran (http://tripyar.com)
 Construction of staircases in main axis
 Respecting hierarchies
 Alteration of three valves to two valves
 Housetop roof and construction of fields
Residential constructions in Qajarieh Period
 Including central room, Iwan with two columns in
front of it, small rooms around central room in a
simple and ample form
 Plans extended across construction
 Construction of widespread landscape by windows
 Springhouse shebang
 Common funnel for construction of space
 Construction of capitals and columns in entries
 High "Iwan" porches
 Construction of two-ways staircase in main axis
 Alteration of three valves to two valves and entrance
of direct light into construction
 More variety and levity and dilation of spaces
 Gradient roof and housetop
 Mix of Iranian and European architecture (http://
www.islamicartz.com)
Native architecture in Northern Iran
Humid and moderate Climate
Design and construction with climatic attitude
for saving energy, using natural materials like wood,
Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750
Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
Figure 9. Taqavi house, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
plant fibers, stone, soil, etc., providing requested ener-
gies for ease with proper design of dilations and extro-
version of buildings with proper orientation, using tech-
nology and native methods of making and creating de-
sirable environments with natural energies and minimi-
zation of fossil energies are some ecological patterns in
native architecture of northern Iran. Native construc-
tions of this area not only damage to their context but
also play a role for improvement and its quality. Con-
struction is used as a member of natural cycle and for
development of this cycle (Peirov and Farivar, 2015).
North of Iran native architecture
Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan Provinces
Native architecture of northern Iran has the fol-
lowing characteristics. For preserving building from
extra moisture of earth, houses were made over wooden
legs, but moisture is less in foot of mountains. Houses
were usually established over stone and mud feed and
sometimes over the "Gorbeh ro" (catwalk)
 For preserving rooms from rain, small and wide
Iwan were made around rooms.
 Most buildings were established with materials of
minimum thermal capacity.
 In all buildings of this area, without exception
draught or natural ventilation are used.
 Buildings were decentralized and sparse.
745
Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
Figure 10. Air exchange in Amirlatifi house, old
Estrabad, Golestan, Iran
 Plans of this area is widespread and open and this
skeletal form is lengthy and narrow and with geo-
metrical shapes.
 Because of much rain, roofs were made gradient
(Kasmaei, 2012).
 Buildings have lengthy and narrow geometrical
shapes and are extended east-west.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation means the movement of
fresh air inside building outside without using mechani-
cal systems that ends in saving fossil energies. In this
process, air inside the building was heavy due to, skin
inspiration, cooking, smokes and similar cases and is
replaced with fresh and light air from outside (Tahbaz
and Jalilian, 2011; Schiller and Schille, 2000).
The main advantage of utilization of natural
ventilation in building design is not only reducing ener-
gy consumption and cost, but also providing acceptable,
comfortable, healthy and productive conditions
(Moosavi et al., 2014). Provision of fresh air with a con-
nection to the outdoors, which are the main require-
ments of natural ventilation, can be achieved by opena-
ble windows, double facades, ventilation stacks, balco-
nies, patios, terraces, atriums and gardens in a tall build-
ing (Irwin, et al., 2008).
Using wind energy in architecture
In climatic architecture, wind current is used for
natural ventilation and renewal of air inside the build-
746
Figure 11. Kalagh Neshin of Agha Jan Nasab house
ings. In addition, in hot regions and hot climate, wind
current is used for cooling environment and internal
space of buildings from one side, avoiding from unde-
sirable and intruder winds and their control are the main
subjects that should be considered (Tahbaz and Jalilian,
2011).
Investigating sustainability elements in ecology using
renewable energy of wind in natural ventilation of
Qajarieh buildings in northern Iran
In north of Iran’s traditional architecture, each
part is a member of a regular and stable macro enviro-
ment that plays a role in reacting with each other. Pre-
sent material, structuring methods, kind of buildings and
their relation with design bed, all of them indicate bal-
ance and dynamics of this architecture. Sustainability
elements which played a role in natural ventilation of
buildings by using wind energy is as follows:
Dispersion and extroversion of building
Dispersion and extroversion of construction of
building was the best way in using wind current and air
ventilation in building (Figure 4). So, the building had
to be opened from two sides or four sides.
Building orientation or direction
It is one of the main works in buildings of Qajar
era and also Pahlavi era in north of Iran for ventilation
and cooling by air, construction of north oriented build-
ings and behind southern buildings was preferred. Be-
cause in north of this area, there is the Caspian whose
Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750

Figure 12. Gorbehro in Agha Jan Nasab house
building, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
air flows from north to south and this causes natural
ventilation of air. Also in winter, the southern side has
more sunshades and as a result it is heated and north
side is shaded and is cooler.
Plurality and exposure of openers
In the north of Iran’s traditional architecture,
openers are used more in front of each other, in order to
flow air well into building. Of course it should be men-
tioned that the number of higher or upper floor openers
was usually more than lower floor ones (Figure 5)
Height of the building roof
It was the main principle that was considered
more by most of the architects of that time. Height of
down floors was made less than upper floors (Figure 6).
As an example height of the ground floors was made
about two meters and these rooms were called winter-
setting rooms. Because of shorter roof and also fewer
number of openers, airflow was less and thermal ex-
change was less in open spaces and as a result, internal
space became warm earlier and height of upper floors
were made about four meters and they were called sum-
mer-setting rooms. Because of roaf height and also
more number of openers and as a result using better
airflow, space became cool earlier (Dashti, 2013).
Construction of a small room between rooms around
In many buildings of that period, a small room
was made between other two rooms for cooling space
Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750
Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
Figure 13. Iwan of Bagheries house, old
Estrabad, Golestan, Iran
more especially in warm months of year in upstairs. In
fact, it was the coolest room of house because there
were two corridors in front of each other that one of
them was in north side and the other in south side and
air moved into this space with more pressure from north
to south and moved out of this space with more pres-
sure. As a result, this part of house had more air current
and natural ventilation was better.
Construction of stairs in mid-space of building
In many buildings of Qajar era and also Pahlavi,
stairs were made in mid-space of building because of
more air current to have natural ventilation (Figure 7).
In other words, a kind of air movement was from up to
down and from down to up (Dashti, 2013).
Kalagh Neshin
In traditional constructions with humid and
moderate climate, a reticulated valve was made for en-
tering air outside in to the space. As seen in Figure 8,
"Kalagh Neshin" was the highest part of building and
airflow directed from outside into buildings and caused
natural ventilation between spaces of house, like Bâdgir
operation in dry and hot climates. Fixing and repairing
roof cracks were other applications of "Kalagh
Neshin" (Dashti, 2013).
Gorbehro
As seen in Figure 9, Gorbehro is a canal made
under building and taking moisture from foundation of
747
Eslami and Malidareh, 2017
Figure 14. Iwan of Osia house, Babol, Mazandaran,
Iran
building and direct towards up and removes moisture.
"Gorbehros" have a main role in lowering degree of
moisture and hence flowing wind inside the space of
house causes cooling air inside (Dashti, 2013).
Iwan
In Persian language, Iwan means 'portico, open
gallery, porch or palace' and the word lwan in Arabic
covers the Persian concept (Reuther, 1967). Iwan is one
of the historical elements of Iran’s architecture that is
considered as a main innovation in native architecture.
This element was designed by climatic method and was
known as a ventilating system and provides pleasant
ventilation by using renewable energy (Mirhadi and
Sanaee, 2014). Also it is the semi-open space of house
that is the main and most applicable space which has
multiple operations (Diba and Yaghini, 1993). Iwan is
in the middle and semi-open space in hierarchy and is
available from open to close space (Armaghan and Gor-
ji, 2009). This element was in Safavi architecture but
less common in Qajarieh era because of fewer limita-
tions but in Pahlavi period, this element was considered
more and adjoins over Qajarieh buildings, as it is shown
in Figure 10 (Dashti, 2013).
CONCLUSION
North of Iran’s traditional architecture was
mixed with nature by using native materials and self-
sufficiency. This architecture is a proper sample of mix-
748
ing and coordination of building with nature. Those
days, architects used some techniques that nowadays
engineers neglected or forgot them. By the development
of modern architecture and extra dependency of human
on technology, native architecture and in following na-
tive oriented architecture are less argued. Also progres-
sive utilization of fossil energies put the world into cri-
sis of finishing energy resources and this case caused
inexpiable damages to our environment. Traditional
architecture while energy consumption has not been
defined as today, have utilized some passive design
methods by attending to the potentials of the region and
made them highlight. Air conditioning and mechanical
ventilation have been for decades the standard method
of environmental control in many building types. Global
warming, pollution and dwindling energy supplies have
lead to a new environmental approach in building de-
sign. Innovative technologies along with bioclimatic
principles and traditional design strategies are often
combined to create new and potentially successful de-
sign solutions. In Iranian traditional architecture, natural
ventilation was the main part of building design, but
nowadays optimal utilization of wind energy was ne-
glected very much. Therefore, according to this fact that
wind energy is more economical than other pure ener-
gies, it is necessary to apply the solution for decrease of
using fossil fuels and using stable patterns according to
climates as a step for preserving our environment.
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- http://arktourism.ir
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran
- http://www.islamicartz.com
- https://www.panoramio.com/user/7096451
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/411516484678121816/
- http://tripyar.com

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750 Journal of Research in Ecology (2017) 5(1):741–750