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A. Mahdavi, L. Lambeva, D. Shehayeb, A. El-Habashi:
"A systematic approach to scientific study of traditional architecture";
Talk: PLEA 2006 - 23rd International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, Geneva, Switzerland, 6-8 September 2006 - Clever Design, Affordable Comfort - a Challenge for Low Energy Architecture and Urban Planning, Genf; 2006-09-06 - 2006-09-08; in: "PLEA 2006 - 23rd International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, Geneva, Switzerland, 6-8 September 2006 - Clever Design, Affordable Comfort - a Challenge for Low Energy Architecture and Urban Planning", R. Compagnon, P. Haefeli, W Weber (ed.); Genf, Schweiz (2006), ISBN: 2-940156-30-1; 125 - 130.

We present the systematic framework and the initial results of an effort to obtain, analyze, and interpret data from traditional "hammam" (bath) buildings in six Mediterranean countries. This work is part of a larger interdisciplinary research effort supported by the European Union with the aim of a comprehensive understanding of the technical and social aspects of hammams, including their current state, role, and functionality, as well as their future potential. We specifically illustrate the matrix of outdoor and indoor environmental parameter to be monitored together with the corresponding instrumentation tools and data collection processes. These parameters mainly relate to the thermal and visual performance of the objects studied (air temperature and humidity, wind velocity, solar irradiance, illuminance, etc.). We describe how data thus obtained will be used to calibrate computational (simulation) models of the buildings. Such models can be used to better understand the specific bio-climatic performance features of traditional architecture and to evaluate alternative options for their improvement, restoration, and reuse.

Keywords: Traditional architecture, hammam, building performance and diagnostics