A VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE HIJAZI MIXED-USE COMMUNITY IN MAKKAH, K.S.A.

Abstract

The scope of this thesis project is to design a mixed-use community in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia, that reflects the local culture, accommodates the topographic condition of the site and consumes less energy and water. The project was designed to address the potential of sustainability in Makkah City based on the four quadrants of Integral Theory: Culture, Experience, Performance and Systems. The design discusses the need for green and social spaces to promote interaction community, health and well-being while preserving the cultural need of privacy. In addition, Scenario Planning was used so the design can adapt to an uncertain future without resulting in massive construction waste or compromising various cultural needs. This thesis investigates the impact of integrating vernacular traditional elements on annual energy demand and indoor comfort levels. Moreover, the paper studies the effect of integrating a passive evaporative cooling system through a traditional courtyard on the cooling demand in Makkah’s climate. The design was simulated in IES to evaluate the proposed systems. The simulation tools used found that the house can rely on the proposed passive cooling system only if the outdoor temperature is below 30°C. Also, the envelope of the building, with U-value of 0.15 (37.86 ft2.h.°F/BTU R-value), will help reduce cooling demand in summer daytime when air-conditioning is needed.