Modern buildings, with their glass facades and reliance on electricity, struggle to cope with extreme heat and power outages. But for millennia, civilizations in hot, dry climates have thrived by mastering natural cooling techniques and sustainable water management. As an architectural designer and researcher, I have studied these ancient strategies and believe they hold valuable lessons for adapting to a hotter future.
The Sumerians, who inhabited southern Iraq 6,000 years ago, built their cities with thick walls and small windows to minimize heat exposure. They used adobe and mud bricks, which absorb heat during the day and release it at night. The close proximity of buildings also reduced exposure to direct sunlight, while small courtyards provided ventilation and light.
The ancient Egyptians, too, embraced natural cooling methods. Their palaces were constructed from stone, with courtyards providing shade, while residential buildings were made of mud brick. The Egyptians ingeniously developed the ‘mulqaf,’ tall wall openings that capture prevailing winds and funnel them downward to cool buildings. This principle, known as a wind catcher, is still used in the Middle East and Central Asia to create naturally cool environments.
The Puebloans of the Southwest United States, known for their impressive cliff dwellings, also understood the power of solar orientation. They built their homes under south-facing cliffs, ensuring shade in the summer and sunlight in the winter. They also used mud brick and rock for construction, minimizing heat absorption.
Beyond architecture, ancient civilizations also mastered sustainable water management. The Muslim caliphates of North Africa and Spain utilized rainwater harvesting techniques, collecting runoff from roofs and directing it to cisterns for irrigation. The ancient Teotihuacan city of Xochicalco and Mayan cities in Mesoamerica used their pyramids, plazas, and aqueducts to capture rainwater for future use, creating a resilient water system.
These ancient civilizations offer a wealth of knowledge for modern designers. By incorporating principles of natural cooling, solar orientation, and sustainable water management into our urban design, we can create more comfortable, resilient, and sustainable cities. While retrofitting existing glass towers may be challenging, new construction can be designed to incorporate these ancient wisdoms, reducing our reliance on air conditioning and creating a more harmonious relationship with the environment.
As the planet warms, we must look to the past for solutions to the challenges of the future. By embracing the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, we can build a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.
