Title: Extracting sustainable design strategies for hot arid regions from vernacular desert architecture: a case study of Jordan

Authors: Siba Adel Awawdeh

Addresses: Department of Architecture Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan

Abstract: This study examines vernacular architecture in Jordan's desert region, aiming to identify sustainable strategies employed by our ancestors to tackle this region's challenges. It addresses the encroachment of urbanisation on limited agricultural land and explores historical urban settlements in the Jordanian desert, focusing on Jawa and Umm el-Jimal. The study classifies extracted sustainable strategies into three levels: strategic selection of suitable urbanisation sites, meticulous planning to ensure access to water, food, and improved microclimate, and building design considering environmental, functional, and social needs. To fully harness this region's potential, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and conducting further research is crucial.

Keywords: desert architecture; hot arid region; Jordan; sustainable design; Umm el-Jimal; vernacular architecture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2024.136503

International Journal of Global Warming, 2024 Vol.32 No.3, pp.322 - 338

Received: 01 Aug 2022
Received in revised form: 08 Aug 2023
Accepted: 10 Aug 2023
Published online: 05 Feb 2024 *

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