Work

Exploring the principles of sustainability in the traditional dwellings of the Old City of Mosul

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The concept of sustainability has recently emerged as a fundamental issue in many aspects of society. This focus requires the optimal and effective exploitation of available resources and capabilities across various environmental, urban, social, and other domains to preserve these resources and ensure their continuity for future generations. Hence, the importance of this research lies in highlighting the principles of environmental sustainability in traditional local architecture. Traditional residential buildings in the Old City of Mosul, Iraq, represent a distinctive model of local architecture, characterized by their suitability for environmental and climatic conditions and their use of local materials. They also include design features that enhance thermal insulation and natural ventilation, such as open interior spaces and other traditional architectural elements. The research aims to identify the architectural elements of traditional Mosul houses and their role in achieving various sustainability principles. The study concludes that traditional building methods in Mosul can significantly enhance environmental sustainability in current construction projects, especially in areas adjacent to Iraq that face climate change. The research will contribute to a re-evaluation of the importance of traditional architecture in achieving environmental sustainability goals.

Source: Heritage and Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.37868/hsd.v7i2.1407

Author: Raed Salim Ahmed

Institution: University of Mosul

Language: English

Topic: Architecture and Cultural Influences

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Mosul