A Comparative Study of Traditional and Contemporary Houses in Ghadames from a Sustainability Perspective

Traditional houses in Ghadamès, Libya, demonstrate exceptional sustainability through passive design strategies that enhance thermal comfort and minimize energy consumption. These structures utilize internal courtyards, thick walls, compact urban forms, and natural ventilation to adapt effectively to hot-arid climates. In contrast, contemporary houses rely heavily on mechanical cooling systems and industrial materials with high embodied energy, leading to higher operational energy demands. This comparative study highlights the potential of integrating climate-responsive traditional design principles into modern architecture to improve environmental performance and promote sustainable urban development in Libya.

Bugaldaen, A., & Alghabaile, S. (2026). دراسة مقارنة بين المنازل التقليدية والمعاصرة في مدينة غدامس من منظور الاستدامة. Journal of the Faculty of Arts and Media – Misurata University, 21(21), 88–73. https://doi.org/10.36602/famj.2026.21.3