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

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.