A 12th-century invention was a reliable form of air-conditioning in Iran for centuries, and as temperatures continue to rise around the world, this ancient way of staying cool has gained renewed attention.
image: for illustration only dynamosquito from France, Wikimedia Commons
… intricate wind-catching towers rise above the alleyways…
The World writes:
As a kid, radio producer Sima Ghadirzadeh spent her summers in one of the hottest places on earth — the desert city of Yazd, Iran.
“Yazd was always to me this mysterious place that had miraculously escaped the process of modernization,” Ghadirzadeh said.
Here, intricate wind-catching towers rise above the alleyways — they’re boxy, geometric structures that take in cooler, less dusty air from high above the city and push it down into homes below.
This 12th-century invention — known as badgir in Persian — remained a reliable form of air-conditioning for Yazd residents for centuries. And as temperatures continue to rise around the world, this ancient way of staying cool has gained renewed attention for its emissions-free and cost-effective design.
Wind catchers don’t require electricity or mechanical help to push cold air into a home….
Over time, wind catchers became symbols of wealth and success, growing increasingly elaborate. Homeowners would install intricate screens to keep out the birds. Water features and courtyard pools could bring the temperature down even more.
“They would even put water jars made out of clay underneath — that would cool the air further,” Rabbat said. “Or, you can put a wet cloth and allow the breeze to filter through, and carry humidity.” ….
Those shaded walkways, created by overhanging buildings and angled streets so beloved in historic cities like Yazd, were no longer considered desirable. …
Today, air conditioners and fans make up more than 10% of global electricity use, according to the International Energy Agency. …
