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Buildings and places need to be designed and developed in a sustainable way to allow communities to be less reliant on air conditioning and cars, according to a leading architect.
Sustainable design can lead to cost and energy efficiencies, enhanced lifestyles and a reduced impact on climate change.
This is the view of Tim Makower, partner at Middle East-based architects Allies and Morrison, who presented his thoughts and ideas at the recent Sustainability and the Built Environment Seminar organised by the UK Trade & Invest section of the British Embassy in Doha.
"Air conditioning is not the only way to cool a building, especially in the more temperate months of the year. The Gulf faces extremely hot weather for three, arguably five, months of the year and during this time air conditioning is essential. But, for the rest of the year, the weather is very pleasant and architects, engineers and developers should explore alternative ways to cool buildings during these months," he added.
Allies and Morrison opened an office in Doha in summer 2009 and over the last three years has helped to develop the 'architectural guidelines' for the 35-hectare Musheireb development.
Mr Makower said that far more air conditioning is used than necessary. He believes that by reducing the reliance on air conditioning there would be some clear benefits, including cost savings and being more eco-friendly due to lower energy consumption.
"We need to design places and buildings that allow people to respond to the climate and live in more harmony with the seasons. For instance, people should be provided with the choice to switch off their air conditioning and open a window during the winter months; for many people that is the most comfortable way to live," said Mr Makower.
"What could be better than being given greater choice, greater comfort and cost savings all in one go? We are designing homes and work places now which can be dramatically opened up on to external courtyards and balconies in good weather."
Mr Makower said this flexibility should also extend to the use of the car. He passionately believes that places should be designed to be pedestrian-friendly and that streets should be naturally cooled so that people can choose to walk to school, shops, the mosque or to work during the cooler months, instead of having to use their cars and face traffic congestion.
During his presentation, Mr Makower explained how using inventive solutions, which are often founded in traditional Arabic methods and building techniques, can naturally cool buildings. For instance, buildings can be cooled by incorporating wind-catchers or using thick walls.
They can also be positioned to capture the prevailing winds and sea breezes and be related to the sun's path to create optimum shade. This can be supported by architectural features such as projecting cornices, canopies, colonnades and screens, all of them traditional motifs.
Re-introducing the traditional form of the narrow lane, or Sikkat, is another way to create shaded spaces with modern buildings.
