In the heart of Afghanistan’s Herat Old City, a fascinating study is shedding light on the intricate designs of traditional and modern houses, offering insights that could reshape urban planning and energy efficiency strategies. Ghulam Mohammad Asim, a researcher from the University of Central Asia, has delved into the typology of room arrangements and space utilization, uncovering patterns that could influence future developments in the region and beyond.
Asim’s research, published in the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering (known in English as the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering), meticulously analyzed 92 houses, revealing distinct patterns in room arrangements. “The arrangement of rooms in the form of D.Hk-G.R.L.B/G.L-B-B is the most popular pattern in traditional houses with independent guest rooms,” Asim explains. This translates to a sequence of Dining.Haw-waaj Khana (a traditional dining area), Guest Room, Living area, and Bedrooms. For traditional houses with dependent guest houses, the most common type is D-L.D.B-B-S-B, which includes a Living.Dining area, Bedrooms, and a Service area.
The study also identified four types of gathering places: Takht (a seating area inside a house), the Center of Gozar (a public space outside the house), Mojtama (a community gathering place), and the courtyard of mosques. These findings are not just academic; they have significant commercial implications, particularly for the energy sector.
Understanding the spatial dynamics of traditional and modern houses can help architects and urban planners design more energy-efficient buildings. For instance, the strategic placement of guest rooms and living areas can optimize natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. This could lead to substantial energy savings, a critical factor in a region where energy resources are often scarce.
Moreover, the identification of gathering places can inform the development of community-centric spaces that promote social interaction and cultural preservation. Asim’s research highlights the importance of these spaces in the urban fabric, suggesting that future developments should prioritize community engagement and cultural continuity.
The correlation between built area and family size, another key finding of the study, can also guide policy decisions. By understanding how family size influences house design, planners can create more suitable and sustainable housing solutions. This could have a profound impact on the energy sector, as more efficient housing designs can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.
Asim’s work is a testament to the power of research in driving innovation and sustainability. By uncovering the intricate patterns of room arrangements and space utilization, he has provided a roadmap for future developments that are not only culturally sensitive but also environmentally friendly. As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, such insights are invaluable.
In the words of Asim, “This research aims to bridge the gap between traditional and modern housing, offering a holistic approach to urban planning that respects cultural heritage while embracing sustainability.” His work serves as a reminder that the key to a sustainable future lies in understanding and preserving our past.