Archnet > Publication > An Inquiry into the Thermal, Acoustical, and Visual Aspects of Indoor Environment in Traditional Hammams

In the present paper, the authors focus on the indoor environmental performance of traditional Islamic hammam (bath) buildings. In the course of a long-term monitoring effort within the framework of an EU funded project (HAMMAM, 2008), data on indoor environmental (thermal) conditions and outdoor microclimatic conditions in the immediate vicinity of five traditional hammams located in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Syria, and Algeria was collected. Moreover, short-term visual (lighting) and acoustical measurements were performed in a number of these buildings. The monitoring results provide the opportunity for an objective assessment of the actual performance of these buildings and evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to evaluation and interpretation of indoor environmental conditions, the authors also used the monitored data to calibrate digital performance simulation models of the objects studied. These calibrated models of the hammams can be applied to predict the consequences of alternative options for their renovation, restoration, reuse, and adaptation.

Type

journal article

Year

2008

In the present paper, the authors focus on the indoor environmental performance of traditional Islamic hammam (bath) buildings. In the course of a long-term monitoring effort within the framework of an EU funded project (HAMMAM, 2008), data on indoor environmental (thermal) conditions and outdoor microclimatic conditions in the immediate vicinity of five traditional hammams located in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Syria, and Algeria was collected. Moreover, short-term visual (lighting) and acoustical measurements were performed in a number of these buildings. The monitoring results provide the opportunity for an objective assessment of the actual performance of these buildings and evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to evaluation and interpretation of indoor environmental conditions, the authors also used the monitored data to calibrate digital performance simulation models of the objects studied. These calibrated models of the hammams can be applied to predict the consequences of alternative options for their renovation, restoration, reuse, and adaptation.

Mahdavi, Ardeshir, and Orehounig, Kristina. "An Inquiry into the Thermal, Acoustical, and Visual Aspects of Indoor Environment in Traditional Hammams," in ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 2, issue 3 (2008).