Investigation of the exterior skin proportions of urban district buildings with a climatic management approach

Lack of paying attention of contemporary architecture and urban planning to the environment and adaptation to the climate of the region has caused many environmental problems. To solve a part of the problem, the present paper was conducted to achieve the proportions governing the exterior skin of open spaces of urban districts that have unique characteristics to adapt to the climate of their region, since about 2/3 of Iran is covered by arid climate, it was examined. The old texture of Yazd is one of the best architectural models compatible with arid climate of Iran, which its teachings can give suitable guidelines for contemporary architecture and urban planning. In this regard, three districts from the historical texture of Yazd were selected as research samples. This research is of applied in terms of aim and its methodology is descriptive-analytical conducted by library method and field survey. The method of research and data analysis is a combination of quantitative and quantitative, in which the geometric properties of 143 plots were studied first and then, by comparing and analyzing the results, the fit was obtained. The results showed that the average height of the exterior skin in the squares was more than that in the passages and entrances; this ratio is 1.22 for the entrances and 1.35 for the passages. The average width of the exterior skin is greater in the squares, followed by the passages and entrances, respectively, with ratios of about 2.3 and 12, respectively. The ratio of height to exterior skin width is 1 to 5.7 in the squares and 1 to 39 in passages, exterior skin width is about 6 times in the squares and 39 times in passages.  These proportions are a sign of the influence of the region's climate, the generalization of which in similar climates will increase the harmony with the climate. Results suggest the existence of proportions and relations in the exterior skin that are affected by the climatic characteristics of the arid region of Iran and can be managed in the open spaces of urban districts.