As cities heat up, battling relentless heatwaves, we’re reminded of humanity’s ingenious solutions from the past and how they can inform our future urban designs. In ancient Persia, structures like the yakhtchal and badguir turned nature into an ally, cooling living spaces effectively. Today, adapting these ingenious designs may hold the key to naturally cooler, more livable cities.
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Cities
The yakhtchal, a communal fridge-like structure, was originally constructed of porous materials that harness the cold to preserve ice and food through sweltering summers. In tandem, the badguir — known as a wind catcher — channels airflow to provide a passive cooling system, utilizing underground water to reduce temperatures within living spaces. These ancient methods offer valuable insights for modern design challenges.
Innovating with Traditional Techniques
Collaborating with architect Imma Sierra, designer Clémence Althabegoïty has revitalized old concepts for contemporary use. An example is the “Pavillon de l’air”, a modern installation that echoes ancient methodologies. With its bee-waxed, terracotta elements, it cools the air through evapotranspiration, providing a serene refuge from urban heat.
Harnessing Subterranean Spaces
Cities like Paris are dotted with hidden cool spots—old tunnels and quarries lying beneath the surface. The “14C” project taps into these naturally cool environments, proposing standardization of such spaces into cooling retreats. By embracing these quiet, almost forgotten parts of our urban landscapes, cities could offer respite and renewal for future generations. According to Monocle.
Bridging the Old with the New
While low-tech solutions hold immense value, they coexist with the latest innovations. Technologies like thermal imaging enhance project planning, while electric advancements reduce noise pollution. Merging ancient wisdom with new ideas promotes a holistic approach to urban resilience, where cities utilize the full spectrum of available resources.
Embracing Smarter Choices
Our conventional notion of “smart cities” needs an expansion. Beyond sensors and algorithms, smartness lies in balancing technology with sustainability — crafting shaded spaces, tapping natural resources, and fostering community. Elevating comfort with simplicity can lead to more resilient cities poised to face climatic shifts gracefully.
By taking a leaf from our predecessors while emboldening these concepts with modern ingenuity, urban hubs can become cool sanctuaries, naturally harmonizing with their surroundings.