Functional Overlap Analysis of Vernacular Architectural Elements of Yazd with Contemporary Sustainable Architecture Strategies

The increasing reliance of contemporary architecture on active and energy-intensive systems, particularly in hot and arid climates, has led to a significant rise in energy consumption within the building sector and has intensified environmental impacts. This issue highlights the necessity of reconsidering climatic design strategies and re-examining passive mechanisms rooted in vernacular architecture. The vernacular architecture of Yazd represents a successful example of spatial and environmental adaptation to the harsh conditions of a hot and arid climate. Relying on local materials and the physical principles governing heat transfer and airflow, it has developed a set of architectural elements that contribute effectively to thermal comfort-such as windcatchers, basements (sardabs), central courtyards, thick adobe walls, sabats (covered alleys), and earthen roofs. These elements provide efficient thermal performance without reliance on fossil energy. The aim of this research is to analyze the functional overlap between the architectural elements of Yazd's vernacular architecture and contemporary sustainable architectural strategies, based on the assumption that many modern sustainable techniques-despite differences in form and technology-are grounded in principles similar to those embedded in vernacular systems. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology based on library studies and case study analysis. Within this framework, the climatic performance mechanisms of prominent vernacular elements in Yazd are compared with contemporary technologies and strategies such as natural ventilation towers, Earth-Air Tunnel systems, urban shading structures, high thermal mass walls, and climatic atriums. The findings indicate that the relationship between Yazd's vernacular architecture and contemporary sustainable architecture is based on functional overlap rather than merely formal inspiration. These functional correspondences emerge through shared physical principles, including increased thermal mass, natural ventilation, solar radiation control, microclimate creation, and regulation of relative humidity. Moreover, many vernacular mechanisms demonstrate levels of efficiency and sustainability comparable to, and in some cases even exceeding, modern technological solutions. Accordingly, reinterpreting the functional logic of vernacular architectural elements can provide a valuable foundation for the development of climate-responsive and sustainable design strategies in contemporary architecture. Such an approach can foster a convergence between indigenous knowledge and modern technologies while simultaneously preserving cultural identity, improving environmental quality, and reducing dependence on fossil energy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Vernacular Architecture ، Functional Overlap ، Sustainability ، Sustainable Architecture ، Yazd