Assessment of residential settlement planning in Medina, based on climate adaptability

Abstract

The theme of World Habitat Day 2020 was Housing for All: “A Better Urban Future”. In light of this postulate, this study aims to determine the climate response of traditional urban morphology to the Sousse climate, which allows us to assess the effectiveness of ancient urban planning considered a model of low-energy and low-carbon. This study purposes to help future urban planners in the early phase of the project and preserve their urban heritage. Design strategies such as indoor and outdoor daylighting and different natural ventilation conditions were studied to assess ancient city planning. The results show that the grouped houses in linear blocks with courtyards promote natural ventilation, solar gain, and thermal comfort control. This self-contained, compact urban morphology is beneficial in the semi-arid climate; it reduces heat loss through the exterior envelope and creates a comfortable atmosphere inside and outside the block, especially in summer.