ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 745
this evaluation will be checked through a simulation model technique - the proposed software is
Design Builder -, this can help the researcher to find the most affordable form of passive heating
and cooling skycourts in high-rise buildings. Finally, this approach will be translated into guidelines that can lead designers to different alternatives of skycourt design and performance that
can support passive heating and cooling in addition the social and economic benefits.
4. The skycourt in high-rise buildings as a sustainable design element adapted
from courtyards
The concept of passive design is based on enhancing occupants’ comfort level inside the building
through appropriate harvesting of natural light and ventilation, and thus reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of life (Fathy 1986). Courtyards in buildings have been recommended as passive design elements to maintain indoor thermal comfort through controlled
natural ventilation during day and night times (El-deeb et al. 2014). Furthermore, it has been acknowledged due to its function as a microclimate modifier that improves comfort conditions of
the indoor environment (Almhafdy et al. 2013b). Many studies (El-deeb et al. 2014; Taleghani et al.
2014; Almhafdy et al. 2013b; Almhafdy et al. 2013a; Al-Masri & Abu-Hijleh 2012; Edwards et al. 2005;
Safarzadeh & Bahadori 2005) discussed the different aspects that are related to the traditional
courtyards in different climate zones. Those aspects include; the shading effect of the courtyard
forms and proportions, the effect of plants and water pools in courtyards on the temperature and
energy consumption for heating and cooling, the energy performance of courtyard buildings
in different climatic conditions, the effect of orientation on thermal performance, the effect of
change in building depth (BD) surrounding the courtyard, the effect of courtyard height proportions and courtyard efficiency in mid-rise buildings (El-deeb et al. 2014). In addition, to their
social functions (Edwards et al. 2005). However, the efficiency of courtyard in high-rise buildings
is still not clear. One mechanism for creating social and less energy demanding high-rise buildings in terms of theme, function and design principles of courtyard could be the skycourts. The
Skycourt is not a new design element phenomenon; it was known from the 6th century B.C. as in
the ancient gardens of Babylon/ Iraq and in the design of Vignola’s Villa Giulia in Rome (Lotfabadi
2014). Pomeroy (2007) defined skycourts as ‘recreational social spaces’ often semi-public spaces
that allow the users a particular freedom of movement and social interaction at the pinnacle of
tall buildings, and can provide the opportunity to observe memorable skylines and panoramic
views as a viewing gallery’ (Pomeroy 2007:16-17). In addition, skycourt within a tower could create
a socio-environmental balance; it can form a hierarchical network of open spaces that replenish
and complement the existing open space designed on the ground level. Moreover, it was acknowledged that high-rise buildings will require skycourt as part of project program due to their
social, environmental and economic benefits (Pomeroy 2008; Pomeroy 2007; Yeang 1999).
Although considerable research has been devoted to the influence of traditional courtyards in
low and medium rise buildings, rather less attention has been paid to the significance of courtyards in high-rise buildings (Almasri 2010) and how to develop it based on the traditional/vernacular architecture. Moreover, few studies have discussed the efficiency of skycourt as a passive
design element in high-rise buildings (Mahgoub & Abbara 2012), and, little information is available regarding the skycourt geometry and its impacts in different climate regions (Taib et al. 2013).
4.1 New Approach for Passive Design Strategies in High-Rise Buildings: The Skycourt as a
Vital Design Element
This section discusses the diverse advantages of skycourts within high-rise buildings from social,
environmental, and economic perspectives.
Passive design approach for high-rise buildings: from courtyards to skycourts
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