Heat Resilience of Thar Desert Heritage Structures
Word Count : 7500
Objectives to cover:
Introduction: Examines how architectural elements in Thar Desert heritage buildings are designed to withstand harsh heat conditions.
Climate-Responsive Site Planning: Buildings positioned to reduce sun exposure and maximize shading.
Thick Walls and Thermal Mass: Stone and mud walls absorb and release heat slowly for indoor comfort.
Courtyard-Centric Layouts: Interior courtyards improve air movement and provide shaded cooling zones.
Small Openings and Jharokhas: Limited windows with projecting balconies prevent heat entry while enhancing ventilation.
Indigenous Building Materials: Locally sourced sandstone and mud naturally insulate against extreme heat.
Reflective Light-Coloured Surfaces: Exterior finishes reflect sunlight to reduce thermal absorption.
Ventilation Shafts and Wind Towers: Passive systems channel cool air inside and expel warm air.
Water Features and Stepwells: Traditional methods create localized cooling through evaporative effects.
Sun Path-Based Orientation: Plans minimize direct heat gain by shielding the hottest facades.
Conclusion: Thar Desert heritage structures use effective passive cooling strategies that modern architecture can adopt to improve sustainability under rising temperatures.