Comparison Study of Traditional and Contemporary Islamic Dwelling Design in Hot Climates, with Reference to Benghazi, Libya

In Benghazi, Libya, the rising population and increased housing demand has led to high energy consumption in order to provide comfortable conditions. These contemporary dwellings make use of outdoor open spaces and a high glazing ratio of the building envelope, leading to significant underperformance with respect to heat gains and cooling loads when compared with more traditional dwellings. The aim of this paper is to investigate the main features of traditional Islamic houses, which can enhance environmental comfort and reveal insights when compared with contemporary houses. The methodology will consist of reviewing previous research regarding traditional Islamic houses in order to find the main climatic features, as well as a case study that will involve evaluating contemporary houses in Benghazi, Libya. Furthermore, 60 questionnaires were distributed in order to determine the main problems relating to both residents and housing design in terms of enhancing housing thermal comfort and decreasing energy consumption. The comparative study shows that the majority of traditional Islamic houses have sustainable features that can be integrated into contemporary houses in order to provide thermal comfort whilst minimising energy consumption. These features include internal open spaces (such as courtyards), and small, high openings in the external façade, together with shading devices and specific building orientation. The research likewise displays that 89% of contemporary Islamic houses in Benghazi not only lack the integration of these sustainable features as internal open spaces, but also shows that all of the local residents depend on air conditioning when facing the hot days. Additionally, the survey illustrates that just 15% of architects are responsible for designing these houses, and this has led to window designs with a high glazing ratio, and all of the windows being located in the hottest façades of the houses. The implication of the outcome with regards to sustainable designing of contemporary Islamic houses is discussed in order to help produce guidelines for designers that would respond to both the climate and to local people’s needs.