Investigating the Climate-Friendly Features of Local Engineering in Ghazni for Low-Cost Housing Design (Case Study: Old City, Ghazni Province)

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the characteristics of climate-friendly engineering and its application in designing economic housing in cold and dry climates. In this study, the area of ​​the old city of Ghazni was selected as a case study. In this study, the research method was considered quantitative-qualitative and data were collected through library studies, case study analysis, and analytical reconstruction of spatial and climatic patterns. Therefore, indicators such as: compact form, thermal capacity of materials, introverted spatial organization, and intermediary elements such as central courtyard, thick walls, and verandah have been investigated. The results indicate that increasing physical compactness and using materials with high thermal capacity, along with appropriate spatial organization, leads to improved thermal performance and relative reduction of energy loss and control of thermal fluctuations in buildings. Also, the use of local materials and labor plays an effective role in reducing construction costs. These features, beyond their historical value, have a significant capacity to adapt to contemporary needs for affordable housing in climatic, economic and social dimensions, and are compatible with local residential patterns and family structures.