Climatic Management of Open Spaces in Urban Localities by Controlling Skin Proportions

Lack of attention of contemporary architecture and urban planning to the region's climate has caused many environmental problems. The purpose of this study is to achieve the proportions governing the open space skins of urban localities that have unique characteristics in order to adapt to the climate of their region. Considering that more than 3.4 of our country is covered by arid climate, this study has dealt with it. The old texture of Yazd is one of the best architectural models compatible with the arid climate of Iran, whose teachings can give suitable instructions for contemporary architecture and urban designing. So, three localities of the historical context of Yazd were selected as case studies. This research is applied and descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology, and it has been carried out by the use of library methodology and field survey. The method of research and analysis of data is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. First, the geometric properties of 143 plot skins were studied, by comparing and analyzing the results, proportions were obtained. The results showed that the average height of the skins 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 skins is greater in the squares, followed by the passages and entrances, with ratios of about 2.3 and 12, respectively. The ratio of height to skin width is 1 to 5.7 in the squares and 1 to 39 in passages, skin width is about 6 times in the squares and 39 times in passages. Findings indicate the existence of ratios and relationships in skins that are affected by the climatic characteristics of the arid region of Iran that can be managed in open spaces of urban localities.