Wind Catchers: An Element of Passive Ventilation in Hot, Arid and Humid Regions, a Comparative Analysis of Their Design and Function

Abstract

This review study circumscribes wind catchers as vernacular zero-energy systems of passive ventilation. The research reviews various types of wind catchers and analyses their design, effectiveness and utility in building design. Furthermore, the study documented some of the technological transformations of wind catchers and their adaptation (functional and symbolic) in various regions. In this context, the complex design data of various wind catchers were appraised, and adaptable design data is compiled in “Geographical and Regional Influences on Wind Catcher Design “ and “Performance Evaluation of Wind Catchers” of study. The design analysis uncovered interesting facts about the effectiveness of various types of wind catchers; for example, a wind catcher with one side could be employed only as a wind scoop, whereas a multi-sided wind catcher can work simultaneously as a wind scoop and a heat sink (exhaust). The study also revealed that, in the near past, wind catchers were extensively used for ventilation. However, in modern times they are being adapted as an element of urban and architectural (identity) rather than a functional element. Finally, the end results of this study present candid suggestions for using wind catchers in modern buildings and chalks out blueprints (design guidelines) to adapt wind catchers. Towards the adaptation of wind catchers in modern buildings, this study has worked out 14 key design modifications in different types of wind catcher. Most of these findings are related to improving wind intake, preventing dust and rain penetration, the size of a wind catcher’s opening and shaft.

Traditional Passive Design Solutions as a Key Factor for Sustainable Modern Urban Designs in the Hot, Arid Climate of the United Arab Emirates

“…The purpose of their study was to provide a different approach to preserving Acehnese homes that can be used as a model for modern adaptable housing in terms of both structural and architectural features. Moreover, Du, Bokel, and van den Dobbelsteen [18] confirmed the capability of traditional houses to provide better thermal performance, observing how various passive cooling methodologies were incorporated into the vernacular buildings' layouts to improve their indoor thermal conditions in the summertime. They mentioned that contemporary projects do not offer sufficient summer thermal conditions for the inhabitants, as they disregard the needs imposed by the local climate.…”

“…In comparison to regular windows, wind catchers provide increased passive ventilation, cooling down building interiors on hot summer days, and are more practical and effective [18].…”

“…Numerous solutions can be implemented in this scenario, and a variety of alternatives, including passive design solutions, may be included in planning contemporary urban neighborhoods. However, despite extensive research on conventional passive design approaches that might aid in developing sustainable modern architecture and urban areas, such as [13,[15][16][17][18][19][20]22,23,41], no comprehensive study has yet concentrated on the hot, arid climate of the UAE or established a firm foundation in this area. Thus, this study aims to compare the old and new urban districts in the UAE (as an example of urban settings in a hot, arid climate) in order to assess traditional architecture's potential to improve the thermal conditions in hot areas.…”

Optimizing Windcatcher Designs for Effective Passive Cooling Strategies in Vienna’s Urban Environment

“…-Cylindrical windcatchers; -Square windcatchers; -Rectangular windcatchers; -Hexahedral windcatchers; -Tetrahedral windcatchers [32,33].…”

“…Windcatcher Typology 2.3.1. Classification by Number of Openings Windcatchers, according to the number of openings, are classified into the following: -One-sided windcatchers; -Two-sided windcatchers; -Four-sided windcatchers;-Six-sided windcatchers; -Eight-sided windcatchers[32,33].…”