Evaluating the Effectiveness of Sustainable Energy-Efficient Design in School Buildings in Urban Areas of Aswan: A Case Study of Fares Village School

Abstract

This research presents a proposed methodological study for evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable design in school buildings in hot, arid urban areas, using the case study of the Fares Village School in Aswan, designed by the renowned Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy in 1957. The proposed methodology relies on computer simulation using Design Builder V 7.0 software to measure the energy efficiency and thermal performance of the building under the harsh climatic conditions characteristic of Aswan. The research analyzes the school's design features, which rely on natural passive cooling strategies, such as the use of thermal mass in thick mud-brick walls, domes and vaults, an internal courtyard, a natural ventilation system, and the "Salsabil" (water basin) element designed by Fathy for air cooling. This research aims to develop a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of traditional energy conservation methods in educational facilities in the hot climate of Upper Egypt, specifically in Aswan Governorate. The results indicate that the traditional design of the Fares Village School in Aswan Governorate, designed by the architect Hassan Fathy, is highly energy-efficient compared to conventional school designs. Therefore, we conclude that this building represents an innovative and sustainable design that should be documented and preserved to enhance its future performance with minimal intervention. The researcher suggests integrating sustainable passive design techniques, based on traditional architectural designs, into the standards of the General Authority for Educational Buildings. Furthermore, the proposed methodology should be applied on a large scale to evaluate school buildings in various climatic regions of Egypt .