Research Methodology in the Built Environment

Traditional desert architecture in Ghadamès, Libya, demonstrates superior energy efficiency compared to contemporary air-conditioned buildings. A mixed-methodology approach combining surveys, interviews, observational techniques, architectural modeling, computer simulation (using EnergyPlus), and physical measurements revealed that traditional buildings leverage natural ventilation and compact urban morphologies to minimize energy consumption. Field surveys from 2013–2014 involving 100 residents highlighted sociocultural perceptions of thermal comfort, which, when integrated with objective data, informed architectural modeling and computer simulations. These findings show strong agreement between simulated and actual environmental performance, providing a conceptual framework for sustainable housing design in hot climates.

Ahmed, V., Opoku, A., & Aziz, Z. (Eds.). (2016). Research Methodology in the Built Environment. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315725529