Investigating Sustainability of the Traditional Buildings in Kermanshah, Iran

Sustainability is known to be a worldwide issue. In a situation where fossil energy consumption, pollution, and climate change have all become problems for human societies, the need for a comprehensive review and modification of the building rebirth seems to be essential. This is particularly true given the challenges on today’s global agenda, as renewable energy consumption requires that attention be paid to ideas and construction methods alike. Consequently, analyzing and investigating traditional architecture is one possible solution. Traditional Iranian architecture is a valuable template for the creation of more environmentally friendly buildings. In fact, it can be useful to investigate past experiences for underlying and worthy patterns if there is any hope of creating a better future. Kermanshah is one of the capital cities of Iran and has a rich heritage, valuable historical buildings, ancient civilization, and an architectural identity heavily influenced by the past. This research aims to explore the elements of sustainable architecture outlined by environmental and economic approaches of traditional Iranian buildings in Kermanshah. The cases that are analyzed include the traditional bazaar, holy building and mosque. This research found that Kermanshah has an architectural identity that conforms to the regional climate and environment. It also noted the use of renewable sources as passive strategies in these traditional buildings for energy efficiency, economic efficiency and environmental solution. For example, using domed roofs, introverted building form, dark color, and Ivan, among others, can be listed as some of the sustainable parameters found in Kermanshah traditional buildings.