Evaluating Contemporary Housing in Hot and Arid Climates with a Focus on Climate Responsiveness and Residential Satisfaction (Case Study: Isfahan City, Iran)

The need for suitable housing is an issue not just for individuals but also for governments. If efficient design is not adopted in the face of climate change, serious consequences will follow, including an increase in environmental issues and, as a result, a deterioration in the quality of human life in various societies. In this regard, it is necessary to identify the existing situation and evaluate the climatic principles employed in the design of contemporary housing, as well as measure living conditions, occupants' comfort, and quality of life in apartments.

This study's methodology is quantitative, and its strategy is case study, field research, and simulation using Design Builder and Climate Studio software. In addition, the descriptive survey method and statistical analysis with SPSS software using a questionnaire were employed to evaluate residential satisfaction. Therefore, Zaitoun Residential Complex in Isfahan was selected as a case study for post-occupancy evaluation.

According to the questionnaire results, the complex's response to the climate was not very desirable due to disregard for the detailed design of dwelling apartments in the existing situation. The simulation results also revealed that the macro-scale climatic strategies used to optimize energy consumption and the thermal and visual comfort of interior spaces were inadequate. As a result, the energy label for this complex was given an F.

In terms of residential satisfaction, differences in the design quality of each individual apartment and inaccuracy in designing the details can be problematic, so all climatic principles of microscale design must be considered, as well as the equitable distribution of natural energy sources among each flat. Evaluation of built housing projects not only helps us to understand the performance of present buildings but also creates a knowledge base for the design of future buildings.