Houses are packed close together with high walls and ceilings, maximizing shade at ground level.

The heat of direct sunlight is also minimized with small windows that face away from the sun.

Another element that Persian architects incorporate in their structures are windcatchers.

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Wind catchers at Madinat Jumeirah.Photo credit

Windcatchers functions pretty much like modern air conditioning system.

At the top of the windcatcher are several directional ports usually four open towards four direction.

As the warm air passes over the surface of the water, the air cools through evaporative cooling.

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At night, cold air is sucked into the house thereby cooling it naturally.

Windcatchers can also act in reverse.

At this point, the cooled air is introduced into the building.

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Diagram of a building cooled by a qanat and wind tower natural ventilation system.

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