Sobre los tres procesos, base de los aprendizajes presentados en este documento

When we discussed the development of the T.C.H.T. with architects, the interviewees were asked to answer how they would enhance the level of comfort in T.C.H.T, and whether this would be through some active systems.

The interviewees pointed out that there was no problem in using artificial systems to increase thermal comfort for the residents that would not consume a great deal of energy and increase sustainable architecture. The problem is not the addition of technological devices, but how they can be added in a way that retains the spirit and tradition of the house, while not destroying the architectural value. The industrial systems which are suitable for the traditional house in order to produce user comfort also need to be determined. At the same time, these interviewees added that the natural ecosystems needed to be improved as they were also important in T.C.H.T.

such as the ancient cooling and ventilation system for the Bad-Geer. Such an idea can be seen in an account by one interviewee:

“Both the natural and artificial are important; the use of artificial systems is important but without killing the power of the T.C.H.T. concept. After any additional components, we must ask ourselves if they are suitable for the traditional house;

technology is the answer but which type?” (Arch.11, 2012).

Also, the interviewees confirmed that artificial systems are not necessary to make the occupants more comfortable, or even to enhance their comfort. Artificial systems should be seen as having many problems, such as with noise, shape, location, cost, maintenance and waste (i.e. where and how to dispose of it) when they are

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functional and by-influences, as well as how far they can serve the whole house compared by the traditional hidden system embedded in the CH. design. Also, artificial systems work within a certain climate and this was emphasised by one interviewee who worked in the ministry of housing:

“I believe the most important characteristic of the T.C.H.T. is independence from technological devices; it helps to create a local mini atmosphere. Practical thinking looks at the artificial systems as to be the second line of comfort to support the living environment when the latter is unable to defend itself and perform against the prevailing environment, and then the artificial system should be used” (Arch., 16, 2012).

Furthermore, the architect interviewees were asked about the characteristics they thought were important for appropriate services in the T.C.H.T., especially in Al-Kadhimiya historical area. The interviewees confirmed that the house’s ability to use energy efficiently and at a low cost can provide thermal comfort for its residents. The most important characteristics for the new services systems in the T.C.H.T are providing environmental performance with minimum consumption of energy. For example, one interviewee said:

“The most important characteristic for the services in the traditional interior CH. is their ability to use energy efficiently, so the house can provide thermal comfort for its residents with minimum consumption of energy” (Arch., 23, 2012).

Interviewees noted the house’s compatibility and ability to adapt for appropriate services with the local environment, such as temperature, humidity, wind movement and others. Any additions must not increase environmental pollution while minimizing new resources. There is less equipment which radiates heat and reduces negative energy and improves an atmosphere. It provides an excellent solution in respect to environmental considerations.

The interviewees stated that if a certain system is added, one must understand the basic plan for the traditional unit with the interior courtyard and its fabric, for example, the relationship between mass, space and slots (openings), and the additional system must make no aesthetic distortion or visual effect on the T.C.H.T.

Furthermore, additions do not affect the protection of the houses, such as the structure, or affect human health, such as by excess noise.

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Interviewees added that the requirements of living have changed so that the inner courtyard does not meet the requirements of most families, who require new technologies. To live in a traditional house, all service facilities must be modified to fit our modern age and our time. The interviewees discussed the infrastructure services system, which was a new idea about developing the courtyard proto type. The establishment of adequate services that indirectly connect with the central courtyard will improve the present traditional house, regarding the thermal, sewage, water and electricity systems, which must be adequate and efficient. Moreover, the availability of the service system should fit the size and number of occupants. New system types can be acceptable to today’s users and be affordable, containing new green technologies.

Furthermore, they discussed how additions should be of very good quality and from reliable sources following world standards, and should also be self-sufficient in general, with a long-life and durability, but should also be adaptable and changeable, and expandable and flexible. To be clear, specific, continuity of interaction and stability creates a natural environment, reduces negative energy, and improves sustainable values. It has no aesthetic distortion or effect on the surrounding walls such as the proportions of the walls, and it could be flat and smooth, so no insects can live within the grooves of rough textures. Moreover, the building material does not distort or pollute the visual environment, or the environmental performance. Also, it should be low-cost energy, friendly to the environment, affordable, and replaceable.

These systems can be developed and easily changed and modified in general. The maintenance of the added system must be known as should its repair in case of malfunction. The awareness includes how to use the added system and make it easy to use.The resident will set limitations, rules and specific attitudes about the use of the new system. Such as view can be explored in the account of one interviewee:

“In Iraq, maintenance is ignored by the state and people when buying new systems, which is a problem affecting the country as a whole” (Arch., 16, 2012).

Lastly, one interviewee highlighted that the state must be aware of the importance of the traditional units and must set a "Control observer side" that observes and supervises these units and educates the residents about their importance. The state must connect these units with public electricity, water, and sewage, and provide social security for the residents.

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This different perspective was presented by one architect concerning the improvement by new systems and their characteristics, who confirmed:

 “A socio-eco theme when designing and implementing services in courtyard houses.

 The main core of the house needs better spatial orientation in its shape, height and size, which can be multi-purpose so that the courtyard is the heart of the house and all services pass through it; the house then depends on the courtyard for survival.

 The traditional house can be understood as a raw element: we just need to reform and rediscover it by going back to our past way of life, its legacy, and the local culture and identity, to use it in new urban area developments or planning themes” (Arch., 24, 2012).

Moreover, the architect interviewees asked what further improvements to services would help the occupants in the T.C.H.T. The interviewees stated that T.C.H.T have a hidden system so we need an integrated system of improvements, beginning with the infrastructure and ending in the small details of the house by the new concepts of sustainability, integrated with the design to give the house the power to survive.

Modern technology is needed now in the traditional houses since the city plans have changed dramatically within the last fifty years. Simple technological solutions could help to improve the lifestyle in these ancient homes, such as a central heating and cooling system, adequate electricity, and water and sewage systems. One architect interviewee explained that:

“We need to use active systems that fit with the nature of the building. This system must be designed and not attached to the building, such as central air conditioning and heating systems which could be help the natural ecosystem in sudden emergencies (dust, high and low temperatures and humidity suffocating” (Arch., 3, 2012 ).

From a different perspective, the architects noted that it is difficult to find a solution to improve the lifestyle in the interior courtyard house without interfering or changing the urban planning of the whole city. It should be able to meet the contemporary needs of the population and at the same time face environmental challenges. Such an idea can be seen in an account by one professional interviewee who did consultancy work in Iraq:

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“It is very difficult to modify or develop single traditional units with an interior courtyard. A complete sector must be developed and modified since the single unit with an interior courtyard cannot work by itself” (Arch., 17, 2012).

Furthermore, the interviewees were asked what they wanted to see in a new courtyard house. They considered that improvements for such a design would include the old principles of a T.C.H.T., mixed with contemporary ideas and details derived from a traditional old courtyard. The house would also preserve and renew an older district and try to rediscover it once more for social needs, such as the degree of privacy and the ecological approach, which applies to the needs of today.

This is because the traditional courtyard was environmentally successful within the context of the traditions of its time. These interviewees confirmed that the T.C.H.T.

has the ability to receive any new systems willingly. One new aspect about the new interior courtyard is the possibility of: using it as an open space to produce local natural energies, especially in dry hot zones, such as solar, air, and soil energies;

renewing wind catchers (“badgeers”) through the formation of “air chimneys”; re-using the shanasheel and controlling their openings and closures electronically; and re-designing the light prisms and light shelves, so light can reach the deepest spaces in the house. There is also the possibility to use: electrophoto or “thermal cells” in the front and on straight roofs as sun barriers, and controlled-masks which are able to open and close in the walls and roofs. Summer shaded or semi-shaded spaces can be designed which connect with air chimneys as places for sleep or entertainment, and a central system can be used for heating and cooling. Also, the architects pointed out the need to improve the natural ecosystems, focusing on the area of service rooms, and to use insulating material for walls and floors in a way that does not increase any additional dead weight. We may also make use of advanced building techniques following old principles, but with modern techniques such as reflectors, coverings, barriers and others. The use of smart materials and the establishment of a moving roof that can close the interior courtyard during dust storms and rain will help to improve the atmosphere inside the house. The use of double foam-glazing means the foam can boil in the case of bright sun and block the negative sunrays. Therefore, it is understandable that this interviewee considered such an idea in her account:

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“From my point of view, the traditional house used developed technological systems in its time, and will receive the new technological system such as high technology. I think the traditional house must not stop developing” (Arch., 18, 2012).

Also, one interviewee, an architect and senior planner, wanted to see a social life back in the courtyard, as well as details that can serve this type of activity (Arch., 19, 2012). Another interviewee was a member of the consultant team of the contracting company which implemented a residential complex in Baghdad. This interviewee mostly indicated in their account that any type of improvement and /or modification to the design should be directed towards the reduction of pollution for the benefit of the environment (Arch., 16, 2012).

In contrast, the architects confirmed that the new look of the CH, such as the addition of mechanical and sophisticated technological devices to the interior courtyard house, must be implemented in such a way that they will not destroy its traditional value. The shape, decorations, and style of these traditional buildings must stay.

Their thick walls and beautiful decorations cannot be replaced, and must be kept as Iraqi heritage.This idea was expressed in an account by an architect who said:

“The T.C.H.T is like any other building in the world, in that the traditional house can use modern systems that raise the efficiency of its services like fire-warning systems and direct communications systems as well as automation, safety, and control systems. These systems must be added during the maintenance and rehabilitation of these houses without affecting or distorting their unique design.

Today, with the housing crisis, many historical buildings have been rehabilitated instead of demolishing them and building new ones, and modern advanced systems for operation and services have been incorporated which help to save energy, so the orientation today is rehabilitation” (Arch., 9, 2012).

Interestingly, from the point of view of the architect interviewees, we explored how this type of T.C.H.T. could be developed and while also accepting the need for new technological systems.