The use of graph theory to study the relationship between the spatial organization and climate in traditional Iranian architecture

Abstract

This research will analyze the traditional Iranian buildings according to the climatic factors by the use of graph theory. By this way, the hypothesis that climate factor has a major effect on the organization of the spaces in traditional Iranian buildings will be tested. Access graphs have been used to clarify the connectivity and depth of a building's spaces from the Socio-Cultural point of view. However, it cannot be applied to climate studies. Thus, this study developed the existing technique to define building layouts in terms of climate and thermal comfort. The thermal comfort was graphically evaluated by the two main factors like solar gain and wind effect, with the use of a simple Multi-Attribute rating technique. All the analysis had been done in the interval of zero (the worst condition) to three (the best condition). The proposed Orientation-Weighted graph method proved that the thermal comfort factors of the buildings under study match the seasonal movements of their inhabitants. Consequently, the developed Orientation-Weighted graph method can be used to study space organization in traditional Iranian building in terms of solar gain and wind effect.