Abstract

The traditional courtyard house in Iraq generally and Baghdad in particular has distinct characteristics. However, there are several reasons underlying the decline of the environmental performance of this type of house. Focusing on this decline, the main objective of this study is to explore how active systems can enhance the existing environmental performance of the traditional courtyard house. The framework of this investigation focuses on two points: first, it seeks to clarify the existing system and, second, it investigates the existing need to add new systems. To achieve these objectives, interviews with 25 architects and 24 occupants of traditional courtyard houses, alongside 12 physical surveys in the Al-Kadhimiya historical area as a case study, are discussed, based on a qualitative method. The research revealed the interplay between the passive and active systems, and the efficiency of technology in enhancing the traditional environmental performance through improving the level of comfort and increasing the response to the environment.

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