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Wed, Jun 24, 2026
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Volume 36, Issue 2 (2026)
IJAUP 2026, 36(2) |
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Javid P, nikghadam N, karimpour A, Sabernejad J. Optimal Atrium Configuration in Office for Thermal Comfort Enhancement (Case Study: Yazd and Tabriz Cities). IJAUP 2026; 36 (2)
URL: http://ijaup.iust.ac.ir/article-1-942-en.html
URL: http://ijaup.iust.ac.ir/article-1-942-en.html
1- Department of Architecture, ST.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Architecture, ST.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. ,n_nikghadam@iau.ir
2- Department of Architecture, ST.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. ,
Abstract:
Climate change and rising temperatures have made thermal comfort and energy management in buildings a fundamental challenge. Optimizing environmental conditions requires intelligent design and accurate simulation tools. This study aims to determine the optimal placement of atriums in office buildings located in two different Iranian climates: the hot-dry climate of Yazd and the cold-dry climate of Tabriz. Thermal comfort was evaluated using Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) indicators, combined with solar radiation and climate data. Simulations were conducted using the Honeybee and Ladybug plugins for Grasshopper, enabling parametric analysis of thermal comfort. In Yazd, Summer PMV values (2.34–2.50) indicate reduced comfort, with Types 5 and 8 showing the lowest discomfort (PMV = 2.34). Winter PMV values (-3.48 to -3.63) indicate cold conditions, where Type 5 performs relatively better. During spring and autumn, PMV values for Types 5, 8, and 3 approach near-zero. Southern-oriented atrium (Type 8) maximizes solar gain in winter. In Tabriz (cold-dry), Most PMV values fall outside the comfort range (-0.5 to +0.5). Only the Atrium Type 3 achieves comfort during autumn. Type 3 receives maximum solar radiation in winter, enhancing natural heating. Strategic atrium placement based on solar exposure significantly improves seasonal thermal comfort. Type 8 (southern orientation) is optimal for Yazd, while Type 3 (northeast orientation) is optimal for Tabriz. These findings provide actionable insights for climate-responsive office building design in arid and semi-arid regions. Based on the hypothesis, Solar-based atrium placement significantly improves seasonal thermal comfort in both climates. Further research should examine other building typologies, alternative atrium geometries, and other climatic zones in Iran.
Keywords: Optimal atrium configuration, Thermal comfort, Yazd, Tabriz, Predicted mean vote (PMV), Predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD)
Type of Study: Research Paper |
Subject:
Architecture
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