Abstract
Asbads (Persian windmills) present a multifaceted view of using heritage science. These mills are no longer in use due to advances in technology and the advent of new grinding systems. Windmills show perfect harmony between vernacular architecture and mechanical system. This paper aims to review and analyze the mechanism of one of these windmills in Iran and illustrate how these historical buildings can bridge the gaps between these two science branches for better understanding of cultural heritage. To that purpose, a precise 3D modelling of mechanical components and architectural elements is provided based on architectural survey, photographs and sketches. This study addresses how vernacular architecture, with the specific flexibility, can be considered as one of the most useful tools for human beings. Thus, one of the Iranian windmills in Nehbandan was selected through field studies to be modelled. In this construction, local materials such as wood, adobe and stone are used. Findings reveal that windmills and their architectural flexibility are consistent with mechanical components and address environmental needs.
Highlights
Human beings have immemorially benefited from wind energy for different purposes, like moving sailing boats, cooling houses through circulation of outside air and operating machinery in agriculture [1]
The three-dimensional modelling of the windmill reveals how mechanical components affect the architectural design and how architectural design determines the complexity of the mechanical system
The results reveal that there is a close relation between architectural features and mechanical components
Summary
Human beings have immemorially benefited from wind energy for different purposes, like moving sailing boats, cooling houses through circulation of outside air and operating machinery in agriculture [1]. Residents in certain areas of the world, where there are strong winds and water shortages, have been encouraged to find alternative sources of energy. They developed windmills, which constituted another technical innovation, by using vernacular building techniques and relying on the science of mechanics [2]. Windmills were used in Sistan region of modern Iran. They were used to grind grains [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14]
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