An Analysis of the Impact of Shading Wall Geometry on Formation of the Ice Houses in Southeast of Iran (Case Study: Kerman)

Architectural elements have been always designed for providing comfort for human being. One of these elements is Ice houses that have been used to prepare ice for warm seasons. Given the variety of climates in Iran, different approaches have been adopted to make harsh environments tolerable for a long time. In this respect, architects tried to take the utmost advantage of climatic conditions. Ice house is a typical example for this. The ice needed for ice houses was prepared during the freezing months of the year to be saved and used in hot summers. Thanks to their technical mastery and experience, architects designed the structural elements of an ice house. The ice houses were generally constructed in hot regions where the number of freezing nights of the year and the temperature difference between winter days and nights was considerable. However, ice houses can be seen in cold climates too. Ice houses can be divided into two distinct structural spaces: ice-producing space and ice-keeping space. The ice-producing space includes a shading wall and an ice-producing pool. The keeping space includes an ice-keeping pit and a dome. Geometry is among the influential factors upon the design of elements of Iranian architecture. Review of the forms of ice houses, based on the geometry is necessary for maintenance and revitalization of this important achievement. By understanding the various forms of ice houses components in each region of Iran, including Kerman province, capabilities of the architects familiar with geometric issues used in them can be revealed. Geometry has a direct impact on type, shape, and form of shading wall, and finally upon the form of ice houses of Kerman province. According to the studies conducted so far, fewer research can be found regarding geometry of ice houses elements of Kerman province, especially for shading wall. Data was collected using library sources and field studies. First, different climates of the hot regions in the country and their impact on the ice houses were studied. Some issues such as location of dome, sunshine angle and architectural knowledge have had an impact on the form of the shading wall, and has changed the wall form in the plan. Studies revealed that the shape and form of shading wall is affected by resting, geographical factors and the location of the dome in the plan. Layout of the dome and shading wall was based on the sun angle in the area, and this arrangement is effective on the location of entry points. The type of connection of shading wall to the dome has been different in accordance with the location of the sub-component of ice house plans. Generally speaking, it can be said that all of these factors have been effective on the form of ice houses and their typology. This method can be used for other examples of architectural structures in order to investigate the validity and reliability of the obtained results that. Studies and research carried out in the present study can be also carried out on other traditional structures.