The role of intelligent systems in traditional courtyard houses in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Intelligent systems (IS) are seen as a vital component in improving building performance. The research reported in this thesis explored the potential role of such systems in improving the performance of courtyard house types in Baghdad, Iraq. The Iraqi government’s intention to refurbish those courtyard houses that possess significant historical architectural value was based on modifying the ambient social and environmental condition to protect the occupants. The benefits of IS are generally to: provide environmental control and system control, reduce running costs, improve operational effectiveness and energy efficiency, maintenance/building upkeep, reliability/dependability, and last but not least monitoring and observation. However, the majority of IS research and development has been on commercial and office buildings, and although there were applications in dwelling houses, their potential benefit for certain house types, for example courtyard houses, has not been well understood. Against the background of the possible refurbishment of the courtyard house, the aim of this research is to explore the potential role of intelligent systems in improving the performance of the courtyard house type in Baghdad, Iraq. The main objectives of this research were to: (1) investigate the characteristics and features of the traditional courtyard house in Iraq, (2) investigate the meaning, nature and application of intelligent systems in buildings, (3) investigate the lifestyle of current users of traditional courtyard houses and how these buildings support their needs, (4) examine the potential role of IS in improving the performance of courtyard houses, and (5) make recommendations on the possible applications of IS to courtyard houses. Various research methods and strategies were adopted to achieve the defined aim of this research. These methods include an extensive literature review in both the areas of the courtyard house and intelligent buildings, and a case study was collected the data from two main sources through: (1) semi-structured interviews with twenty five architects and twenty four occupants, and (2) physical survey and observation of the traditional courtyard house type in the Al-Kadhimiya historic area. The qualitative method was used to analysis the data collection. Abstract The findings from the study identified the following new themes which provide the basis for exploring the research question: (1) Architectural value - key feature through the passive system of the traditional courtyard house type in the Al-Kadhimiya, (2) Limitation of space use, some spaces were not used, and the residents felt as if they were paralyzed at these times and (3) Requirement for new systems in this house type. It is concluded that the key features of the traditional courtyard house type are passive systems which support the lifestyle by achieving thermal comfort. Adding simple IS as applications which are integrated and wireless, with an actuator, will certainly help the residents enhance the house performance in Al-Kadhimiya. This will be done by: developing the level of control over the environment, reducing the environmental challenges, decreasing the social struggles, and supporting the response to the environment. This study contributes to the role of ISs in enhancing the performance of the traditional courtyard house. For the current users, these roles are achieved through three major steps: (1) the nature of IS in traditional courtyard house, (2) The priority of systems; (3) Using the courtyard house as a container for intelligent systems. Future users are likely to have a different lifestyle and so the level of intelligence may change; thus, the potential need for ISs might change too due to the type of IS and its operation. A clean air recirculation module is one application to be used in the traditional courtyard house type in Al-Kadhimiya, which can be selected to enhance house performance.