Home / Current Issue / Paper 1709447
Assessment of Vernacular Design Principles for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Historic Coastal Towns
Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment · Area of research: Vernacular Architecture, Indoor Air Quality
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical aspect of human health and comfort, especially in tropical coastal regions where heat and humidity pose persistent challenges. This study investigates the effectiveness of vernacular architectural principles in enhancing IAQ through a qualitative case study approach. Focusing on four historic coastal towns-Lamu (Kenya), Stone Town (Zanzibar), Elmina (Ghana), and Galle (Sri Lanka)-the research examines how indigenous building strategies contribute to thermal comfort, humidity control, and natural ventilation. Data collection involved architectural analysis, literature review, and secondary environmental sources. The findings reveal recurring design features such as courtyards, verandahs, breathable natural materials, and strategic building orientation. These elements function as passive systems that regulate airflow and moisture, maintaining stable indoor conditions with minimal reliance on mechanical ventilation. The study highlights how vernacular forms not only reflect cultural identity but also offer environmentally responsive solutions that remain relevant for contemporary sustainable architecture. It concludes that integrating these strategies into modern practice can improve IAQ, reduce energy use, and support healthier living environments in humid tropical climates. The paper recommends the reintegration of vernacular design into building codes, hybrid architectural models, and further empirical research to quantify performance outcomes.
Keywords
Vernacular Architecture, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Passive Design, Coastal Towns, Humid Tropical Climate, Sustainable Architecture, Natural Ventilation, Traditional Building Strategies
How to cite this paper
@article{1709447,
author = {Adekunle O. Ogunnaike, Williams U. Danjuma, Ososesele F. Ibhafidon},
title = {Assessment of Vernacular Design Principles for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Historic Coastal Towns},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {1687-1694},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709447.pdf},
abstract = {Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical aspect of human health and comfort, especially in tropical coastal regions where heat and humidity pose persistent challenges. This study investigates the effectiveness of vernacular architectural principles in enhancing IAQ through a qualitative case study approach. Focusing on four historic coastal towns-Lamu (Kenya), Stone Town (Zanzibar), Elmina (Ghana), and Galle (Sri Lanka)-the research examines how indigenous building strategies contribute to thermal comfort, humidity control, and natural ventilation. Data collection involved architectural analysis, literature review, and secondary environmental sources. The findings reveal recurring design features such as courtyards, verandahs, breathable natural materials, and strategic building orientation. These elements function as passive systems that regulate airflow and moisture, maintaining stable indoor conditions with minimal reliance on mechanical ventilation. The study highlights how vernacular forms not only reflect cultural identity but also offer environmentally responsive solutions that remain relevant for contemporary sustainable architecture. It concludes that integrating these strategies into modern practice can improve IAQ, reduce energy use, and support healthier living environments in humid tropical climates. The paper recommends the reintegration of vernacular design into building codes, hybrid architectural models, and further empirical research to quantify performance outcomes.},
keywords = {Vernacular Architecture, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Passive Design, Coastal Towns, Humid Tropical Climate, Sustainable Architecture, Natural Ventilation, Traditional Building Strategies},
month = {June},
}