A Comparative Study of Traditional and Contemporary Houses in Ghadames from a Sustainability Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36602/famj.2026.21.3Keywords:
Architectural sustainability, ; traditional housing, contemporary housing, Ghadames, hot-arid climateAbstract
This study examines and compares traditional and contemporary residential architecture in Ghadames, Libya, from the perspective of architectural sustainability. A comparative analytical methodology is employed, focusing on architectural layouts, building sections, urban fabric, climatic responsiveness, thermal performance, energy consumption, and construction materials. The findings reveal that traditional houses in Ghadames achieve high levels of environmental sustainability through the use of passive design strategies, including internal courtyards, thick walls, compact urban form, and natural ventilation. These strategies significantly enhance thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption. In contrast, contemporary houses exhibit weak climatic adaptation and higher operational energy demand due to their reliance on mechanical cooling systems and industrial materials with high embodied energy. The study concludes that traditional architecture in Ghadames represents a sustainable residential model for hot-arid environments. It emphasizes the importance of integrating climate-responsive traditional design principles into contemporary housing to improve environmental performance and promote sustainable urban development in Libya.
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