Climate adaptation in traditional dwelling typologies: the case of Southern Anhui, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study focused on the climate adaptation of traditional dwellings in Southern Anhui to identify the architectural features that influence thermal comfort conditions and uncover the mechanisms behind climate adaptation from a typological perspective. To elucidate the relationship between architectural forms and bioclimatic strategies, this study categorizes climatically responsive solutions in traditional dwellings into three levels: built shape type, space gradients, and interface adaptation. This research was conducted through a field study in Southern Anhui, and the data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively and a simulation of the environmental performance was conducted. The research findings demonstrate that the architectural forms and construction logic prevalent in traditional dwellings in Southern Anhui are well suited to the local climate. There was an explicit mathematical and morphological correspondence between the three types of architectural forms and climatic comfort. Overall, the results of this study can contribute significantly to contemporary residential architecture in Southern Anhui by shedding light on the inherent value of bioclimatic strategies in traditional dwellings, thereby facilitating the critical transmission to modern architectural practices in the region.