Page 20 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Natural ventilation in courtyard dwellings

1. Introduction Furthermore, most existing studies on natural
ventilation in courtyard-style buildings rely solely on
1.1. Background either computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations
Fresh air strategies are receiving increasing attention or field measurements, without integration of the two. The
in modern green design, particularly for their role in lack of comparative analysis between simulation data and
improving energy efficiency and the thermal comfort empirical field measurements hinders a comprehensive
of residential occupants. In regions with hot climates, understanding of how courtyard designs perform under
such as parts of the Mediterranean, certain construction local climatic conditions, revealing a critical gap in this
forms—such as courtyard-style housing—have been domain.
shown to support effective natural ventilation (Xu et al., 1.3. Aims and objectives
2018). Insights from these traditional designs reveal how
courtyard houses can adapt to improve indoor climate by The primary objective of this study is to review existing
passively cooling or warming interior spaces, aligning with literature on natural ventilation in courtyard-based
the principles of the New Theory of Architecture within residential buildings in the Inner Mongolia region.
climatically distinctive regions such as Inner Mongolia. The aim is to synthesize findings from CFD models,
Specifically, courtyard houses, which are longstanding field measurement investigations, and previous studies
features of Inner Mongolian residential architecture, to develop a consolidated understanding of strategies
provide conducive settings for such studies due to their that enhance natural ventilation in such structures.
spatial organization and adaption to environmental Furthermore, this research aims to propose architectural
conditions (Chandel et al., 2016). By examining these design suggestions for improving thermal comfort in
traditional designs, modern architectural practices can buildings located in similar climatic zones via spatial
learn from and incorporate their principles to address planning and integrated design approaches.
current sustainability and comfort goals. 1.4. Research question

1.2. Research problem This research aims to address the following research
question:
Despite the abundance of research on courtyard
architecture and natural ventilation across different “What strategies can be applied to provide natural
climates, little has been done to apply these principles to ventilation in courtyard-style residential buildings in
the unique environmental conditions of Inner Mongolia. Inner Mongolia to enhance thermal comfort and minimize
The region faces distinctive seasonal challenges that energy use?”
require ventilation strategies tailored for cooling in 1.5. Research rationale
summer and heat retention in winter (Tafti et al., 2018).
Although previous studies conducted in the Mediterranean Amid growing awareness of energy efficiency and
and the Middle East offer comprehensive insights, their sustainability, this research is both timely and necessary.
findings are not readily transferable to Inner Mongolia It contributes to the discussion of sustainable architectural
due to significant disparities in wind regimes, temperature approaches in extreme climates by examining the relevance
variability, and seasonal climate patterns. of premodern courtyard designs and their contemporary
applications. Additionally, it addresses a knowledge gap
This discussion can be further extended to other in the existing literature regarding how specific courtyard
Chinese provinces with courtyard traditions, such as typologies in Inner Mongolia can be improved to optimize
Gansu, Henan, and Sichuan. For example, Gansu shares natural ventilation.
arid and semi-arid climatic zones with Inner Mongolia,
but its milder winters influence the size and openness of 1.6. Significance of the research
courtyards (Azimi & Shafaat, 2024). In contrast, Sichuan’s This study is particularly relevant to architects, planners, and
humid subtropical climate promotes denser urban researchers engaged in sustainable residential architecture.
courtyard arrangements that incorporate passive cooling. Its findings aim to inform design strategies that enhance
The hybrid courtyard, prevalent in temperate regions, natural ventilation in courtyard structures, minimize
illustrates how architectural design can balance thermal reliance on mechanical conditioning systems, and improve
mass and ventilation efficiency across seasons. These perceived indoor environmental quality. Furthermore, the
regional differences highlight the necessity of adopting insights generated can help guide architectural decision-
courtyard ventilation strategies that are responsive to both making in the planning of residential developments in
microclimatic and sociocultural conditions. regions facing similar climatic challenges.

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.7226