International Journal of

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Mosque architecture is considered as a potent visual symbol of the Islamic architects’ design ability. Prayer-hall as the manifestation of equality between the believers and the unity of architectural space has challenged such an ability throughout the history. This study, considering the characteristics of light-openings in the domes of Iranian mosques’ Prayer-hall, aims to investigate these domes’ possible relationship with the climatic features of each mosque. To this end, eighteen case-studies according to the research analytic approach are studied to determine: 1. the relationship between the mosques construction period (Iranian architecture styles) and its light-openings number on the one hand and its climatic features on the other hand, 2. The relationship between the light-openings’ location and the climatic features of each mosque, 3. The relationship between the lightopenings’ number and the climatic feature of each mosque and finally, 4. The relationship between the prayer-hall’s height and the number of light openings of each mosque on the one hand and its climatic feature on the other hand. The study shows that Iranian architects have given considerable priority to the natural ventilation function of the light-openings, So, what used to be considered as the domes' main function, allowing the light to the interior space, is considered as their secondary function.

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This paper is an attempt to Numerical Modeling and Experimental Study of Air Flow in the Yazdi Wind-Towers. Wind Towers has been known as one of the most effective climatic elements in Iranian traditional architecture. This paper is an attempt to evaluating Yazdi wind-tower to discussion the two main questions: 1. What is the role of Orientation of wind-towers span, regarding to climate and height of it, in Yazdi wind-tower? 2. How isthe performance of Yazdi wind tower in natural ventilation and air flow in the different seasons of the year? Computer Modeling and Simulation methods and Logical reasoning have been applied in this article, and study of Library Resources was another part of research.Thus, first, the wind-tower has been modeled in computer environment, then after Appling the climatic characterize, final simulation figures and diagrams have been extracted. Results indicate that increasing of the cooling power and optimized efficiency are one of the most important principles of wind-tower design process, and Yazdi wind-towers has mentioned this fact through 4 seasons of the year. By validate computer modeling and simulation, this paper clarify that Iranian traditional ventilation systems has many undiscovered secrets and facts, which need further investigations. This article indicates that natural tactics, which have been applied in the traditional architecture of Iran, can be mentioned as methods to using this valuable heritage in contemporary architecture.

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Using the concept of passive cooling systems has been utilized as a solution to improve thermal and wind comfort and to decrease energy consumption and environmental pollution, recently. Modern windcatcher, as its name denotes, is an architectural element which is using the concept of Badgir and combined proper devices to create ventilation in buildings using wind energy, but including modern technology. It means that the modern windcatcher is an improved model of traditional windcatchers and the design of modern windcatchers is based on computations and they have been analyzed and improved, unlike the ancient ones. The current investigation focused on the technology of modern windcatchers to face how modern technology uses various methods to foster the windcatchers' performance. The purpose of this manuscript is to summarize previous studies on the technology of modern wind catchers and gives insight into the application of windcatchers as passive cooling systems. different employed methods to foster the windcatchers' performance.

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Derived from a research work of the same title, this article aims at recognizing the spiritual characteristics of the concept of dynamism and motion in the Iranian traditional architecture as well as its manifestation in the connector spaces of traditional houses. These valuable buildings represent the diversity of movement and stagnation for reaching eternal concepts through reproduction and variation of their elements. An Iranian architect expresses these two concepts of Islamic transcendental goals by contrasting combinations both in form and space. The key questions arising here are: what are the characteristics of movement and stagnation in Iranian traditional houses? What are the concepts of movement and stagnation in the architecture of the connector spaces in traditional houses? To answer these questions, a case study was conducted by combination methods. The required information was collected by desk and field studies. Ten traditional houses in Qazvin were selected as samples. According to the results, the movement both in the form of physical and sensational movements can be identified in traditional Iranian architecture. Physical movement or criteria such as moving in space and eye movement and sensational movement can be analyzed by influencing the feelings of viewers as well as the rest provided by a pause atmosphere.