Ancient Iran cooling tech on way to US

As the US grapples with a growing urgency of climate change and urban heat, it may turn to the ancient wisdom of Iran’s windcatchers for inspiration.

Many homes in Iran still enjoy the effective cooling device, which requires no electricity and dates back to some centuries ago.

Experts say while the wind towers (AKA badger in Persian) were designed for traditional architecture, modern adaptations can integrate this technology seamlessly into contemporary urban landscapes.

Thus, architects and engineers may grasp that cultural heritage as an opportunity to incorporate wind towers into their designs of skyscrapers, office buildings, and residential complexes.

By doing so, they not only lower cooling costs but also enhance the cultural richness and authenticity of urban environments.

In a recent story published by TIME, the renowned New York-based magazine portrayed how versions of windcatcher systems, which work without electricity, can even be used in high rises in the US.

TIME’s article titled “The US Should Ditch AC and Use Middle Eastern Techniques to Cool Its Cities”, comes when heat waves break records across the globe with the escalating challenges of climate change.

Ancient Iranians developed wind towers as a way to naturally cool their buildings, even in scorching desert climates. To lay out some details, the article represents several clever ideas on how that ancient expertise offers a viable, sustainable solution to cooling cities and mitigating the impact of extreme heat.

Some experts believe that all of these construction methods are still unpopular in the US due to a combination of lack of skilled workers to source natural materials and reluctance of property developers. However, it is evident that as temperatures rise, American cities will need to change.

Ancient Iranians developed wind towers as a way to naturally cool their buildings, even in scorching desert climates. These towers, a marvel of architectural innovation, harness the power of the wind to create a natural means of ventilation and keep interiors cool.

Iran’s Yazd is known as the city of windcatchers due to the broad usage.

Windcatchers, domes, and minarets can be considered as the architectural symbol of Yazd Province as well.

The architectural element comes in various designs: unidirectional, bidirectional, and multidirectional.

The city of Yazd, the eighth largest city in Iran, is located in the central parts of the country. Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

MG/MG