Reducing Dust Storm Effects on Architecture and Urban Spaces, Case Study: Sistan

Dust and sandstorms are affecting a large number of the world population, and this question arises whether it is merely a natural phenomenon or partly caused and accelerated by human factor. Excessive cultivation, deforestation and grazing, and the abuse of water resources are amongst the human activities which contribute in the formation of sandstorms. Considering the role of human factor is of high importance so as to reduce sandstorm impacts on architecture and urban spaces by suggesting changes in the ways in which those human behaviors and decisions endanger both human health and built environment. The aim of this study is to suggest strategies, decision makings and measures and to explore architectural solutions to protect interior and outdoor spaces against dust storms. The Sistan region was selected as the case since its climate and its famous 120 days of wind which largely moves dust in the hot air in late spring and in summer. The research is descriptive analytical in studying the architectural characteristics in the vernacular architecture of the region which increase the resistance of buildings against the sandstorms. Insulation of buildings, increasing greenery in urban areas, and reducing unpaved surfaces and stabilizing sand dunes around and in populated regions could decrease dust in the air in windy conditions and consequently improve the architectural and urban qualities for living in Sistan. In the future studies, the degree to which each of these measures correlate to the reduction of dust in the built environment could be evaluated, analyzed and examined.

کلیدواژه ها:

Dust storm ، Vernacular ، Architecture ، Urban space ، Sistan