The Effect of Building Typology on the Reduction of Energy Consumption in Esfahan Schools

Given the effect of climate on architecture, particularly in Iran's climatic conditions, and the limit to fossil fuels, appropriate architectural designs can greatly contribute to decreases in total energy consumption, using inactive systems solutions. One alternative is to design forms which are consistent with the climate and build space interior spaces appropriately. Schools, because of their space use patterns and the type of users as well as the time they are used (only nine months a year), enjoy a higher potential to be designed in a climatically friendly way. On the other hand, the average monthly temperature in Esfahan is lower than the standard thermal comfort conditions for 7 months of the year. In this study, using energy dynamics modeling, the effect of such factors as optimal form, the number of stories and appropriate placement of classroom spaces on energy consumption was investigated in a school in Esfahan. The results obtained from the analyses of the data revealed that the mentioned factors can reduce the amount of energy consumed by 9 percent.