WINDCATCHERS

Wind catchers are common throughout many Middle Eastern and Northern African countries such as Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar due to the arid climate, though this strategy is thought to have originated in Egypt.061 Prevailing wind force and temperature differential buoyancy drive this strategy. Initially, the air is harnessed through the pipes or the opening of the catchment system where it will flow down and discharge any debris to the floor. After discharge, the breeze is funneled throughout the space, cooling the heat gained from the sun. This cool air will replace the warmer air, which is pushed up and out through a vent tower system.062 According to one simulation study, wind catchers can cool a courtyard space 8 to 12 degrees Celsius below the 46 degree Celsius ambient summer temperature in Saudi Arabia (approximately 46 to 54 degree Fahrenheit drop from a 115 degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature).063 This type of technology is a simple and effective passive system which drastically cools an interior environment without the use of electricity. If integrated into the modern cityscape in arid regions, it could greatly reduce cooling costs and offset emissions. There is tweaking to be done with the primitive model for use in modern applications, specifically regarding dust collection, however, strides are being made by many designers, engineers, and architects to revitalize this historical passive cooling strategy.

Unfortunately, due to a move to modernity and electricity, many wind-scoops in Hyderabad, Pakistan have disappeared. Additionally, what remains of the foundational technology has been eaten away by termites, so very few of these remain today.064