A Design Framework for a Climate-Responsive Interactive Building Envelope Using Locally Calibrated Thermal Comfort Models: The Case of Isfahan, Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ashrafi Esfahani University, Esfahan, Iran

2 Assistant professor and member of the faculty of Ashrafi Esfahani University/Phd in energy architecture and lecturer , University of Tehran

Abstract

In the hot–arid climate of Iran, particularly in the city of Isfahan, achieving thermal comfort in buildings remains one of the major challenges in architectural design. The building envelope, as one of the most effective mediating layers between occupants and the external environment, plays a crucial role in ensuring thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. Considering Iran’s diverse climatic conditions and the limitations of conventional static thermal comfort models, the adoption of localized and climate-adapted approaches in envelope design has become increasingly necessary. This study aims to conceptualize and evaluate an interactive building envelope design approach based on Iran’s indigenous thermal comfort equations, with particular emphasis on the climatic conditions of Isfahan. The research adopts a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) methodology, and data were collected through field investigations and documentary analysis. The findings indicate that integrating passive climatic strategies with adaptive and movable envelope systems—when aligned with occupants’ thermal behavior, referred to in this study as an interactive envelope—can significantly contribute to moderating indoor thermal conditions and improving indoor environmental quality. Based on these findings, a design framework for an interactive building envelope grounded in the thermal comfort equations developed for Isfahan is proposed. This framework responds to the characteristics of the hot–arid climate while enabling thermal adaptability, solar radiation control, improved natural ventilation, and reduced dependence on purely mechanical systems.The results of this research provide a scientific basis for advancing climate responsive and adaptive envelope design approaches in contemporary Iranian architecture.

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Journal of Design Thinking

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 June 2026

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