Natural cooling methods in #Morocco
October 27, 2024
"Morocco’s hot and dry climate makes it hard to keep homes cool. But, the country’s #TraditionalArchitecture has found clever ways to beat the heat. Using the environment, Moroccan builders have created natural cooling methods.
"They use things like porous [clay] jars and #mashrabiyas. These techniques keep homes cool without needing #AirConditioning.
Key Takeaways
- Moroccan architecture uses passive cooling like thermal mass design, shading, and ventilation.
- Evaporative cooling systems like porous jars and mashrabiyas cool homes by evaporation.
- Features like wind catchers, courtyards, and underground irrigation help cool naturally.
- Modern projects are using these old methods in new buildings for #sustainable cooling.
- Moroccan cooling methods show a deep understanding of the local climate and a focus on comfort and well-being.
Traditional Moroccan Architecture:
"Moroccan architecture shows the clever use of #nature to make homes comfortable. At its core are the riads, traditional Moroccan houses. These houses have thick walls of clay or stone that keep the inside cool, even when it’s very hot outside.
#Riads and #Courtyards
The central courtyard, often with a #garden or fountain, acts as a natural air conditioner. In Fez, where it can get up to 104°F (40°C) in July, this design makes air conditioning unnecessary. The thick walls and central courtyard work together to keep the inside cool.
Khettaras and Fountains
"Traditional Moroccan architecture also uses advanced irrigation systems called khettaras. These systems bring water from the mountains to the cities. This water is used for cooling fountains and pools, lowering the temperature through evaporation.
"The sound of water and greenery in these courtyards make a peaceful and cool atmosphere. This adds to the natural cooling effect.
"The architecture in Morocco showcases a sustainable and cost-effective model for contemporary buildings, emphasizing the effectiveness of design and natural materials over reliance on air conditioning.'
"The traditional Moroccan building methods teach us about sustainable design. They use local, natural materials and work with the environment. This is a valuable lesson for modern architecture around the world."
Read more:
https://moroccandiaspora.com/natural-cooling-methods-in-morocco/
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/0OMUu
#SolarPunkSunday #heatwave #Heatwaves #KeepingCool #TraditionalDesign #MoroccanArchitecture #TraditionalArchitecture
![The image depicts an architectural interior scene of a historic building. It shows the entrance to what appears to be a grand hall or courtyard, featuring intricate and ornate decorations typical of Islamic artistry found in Spanish Moorish architecture.
In the foreground, there are two potted plants on either side of what looks like an archway leading into a deeper space within the structure. The walls surrounding these planters have colorful geometric patterns reminiscent of traditional Andalusian designs with vibrant hues such as reds, blues, greens, and yellows.
Above is a series of white arched windows or passageways that allow light to filter through, casting soft shadows on the floor below. These archways are part of a larger decorative scheme incorporating elaborate floral motifs in alternating bands of color along their edges.
The center focal point is an ornately carved wooden door with red and gold embellishments indicating significant craftsmanship and cultural importance within this context. It's framed by two white columns which support a canopy or portico above the doorway, adding to its majestic appearance.
This particular photograph captures a moment in time at Seville Alcazar around 1890-1906 as per an inscription visible on one of the lower corners where it says "Sevilla Alcazar," suggesting that this was taken within or near what is now known as Royal Palace of Seville. The overall ambiance evokes [...]](https://files.mastodon.social/cache/media_attachments/files/113/468/978/132/313/067/original/9c9993a5f7548cbf.jpeg)
![The image depicts an architectural courtyard with a historical design, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The structure features multiple levels of galleries supported by ornate columns and arches that create a series of enclosed spaces within the open-air environment. A prominent clock is visible on one corner building above arched windows, suggesting this may be an institutional or public space such as part of a university campus.
The courtyard appears to be devoid of people, emphasizing its architectural details rather than social activity. The monochromatic tone suggests it could either be a historical photograph in black and white or digitally altered for artistic effect. Notable features include the decorative balustrades along the galleries, the symmetry between the buildings on either side, and the play of light and shadow that adds depth to the scene.
The reference "Salamanca" indicates this courtyard is part of Salamanca's architectural heritage, possibly located in a building known as Casa de la Salina. The image captures both historical significance through its depiction of European architecture from an earlier period and serves as a reminder of patios' traditional function within urban design for leisure or public gatherings.
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![The image showcases an intricate and beautifully designed architectural structure known as the Generalife, located in Granada, Spain. The photograph captures a section of the building with detailed arched doorways that are adorned with ornate carvings and patterns, indicative of Islamic or Moorish architecture.
Several columns support these arches, adding to the overall grandeur of the scene. In front of the structure is an expansive courtyard paved with stones, upon which one can see potted plants placed strategically around it, possibly for decoration or practical purposes like providing shade.
The sunlight casts shadows on the ground, creating a contrast between light and dark areas that highlight the texture of both the architecture and natural elements within the space. The overall atmosphere is serene and evocative of historical Islamic civilization's architectural prowess.
Additional information about this image can be found in Granada at Galeria exterior del Generalife Zürich, Switzerland by Photoglob Company, dated around 1890-1906. This print likely represents a part of the region’s rich cultural heritage and serves as an artistic record for future generations to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance.
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