Investigating traditional natural ventilation methods used in El-Dakhla Oasis, old village

Several natural ventilation techniques are employed in traditional desert architecture across the hotdry region. These techniques vary depending on the socio-climatic requirements of the communities. This article presents the results of a field study investigating the natural ventilation techniques used in a traditional Sahara desert village called El-Qasr located in El-Dakhla Oasis in Egypt. The study investigates the drivers of the natural ventilation systems used. It was found that the main drivers of natural ventilation in El-Qasr are: street canyon design; street and building wind orientation; building form and spatial planning; and opening design.