Feature: How Did Gulf Arabs Keep Cool before AC? [Community Presentation]
PRESENTER
Dalia Hamati
ORIGINAL CITY
NYC
Original Date
June 11, 2017
DESCRIPTION
The UAE currently represents one of the largest carbon footprints per capita in the world, largely due to the building and operating of climate-controlled buildings in its inhospitable climate. This begs the question, how did its residents manage to keep cool before oil was discovered in 1966? This afikra feature explores the sophisticated techniques that were used for climate management, ranging from the use of specific construction materials to urban planning as a device for solar shading. Central to their techniques was the use of wind towers (barjeel), the earliest records of which are found in ancient Egypt. The feature examines the thermodynamics behind how their work as well as how they promoted an urban seasonal lifestyle, ending with the potential role they can play in a more sustainable future.
ABOUT THE AFIKRA COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Delivered and prepared by afikra Community members, the presentation’s goal is to showcase the presenter’s curiosity and research, and share some knowledge on a topic related to the Arab world’s histories and cultures. The presentation is the culmination of the afikra coaching process to help identify a topic, find research, and develop the presentation. afikra presentations come in two forms, a long question-driven afikra Feature, and a short afikra FWD with the purpose of sharing something interesting.
SOURCES & FUTURE REFERENCES
Note: All community presentations are prepared & presented by non-experts on the subject. They are sharing information in the hopes of spurring interest in that subject.
