COOL IN THE DESERT! OLD TIMERS SKILL

So the surge in temperature brought by this Summer has left us feeling like a roasted marshmallows on a sizzling grill. While the global temperature is on the rise, some regions have long grappled with high temperatures. Surprisingly, ancient societies devised innovative methods to combat the heat, and intriguingly, some of these ancient inventions continue to function even after three millennia.

Let's delve into a journey through history and explore how people ingeniously tackled the challenges of intense heat. So, grab a cold drink with an ice cube and discover the fascinating ways our ancestors beat the heat.

Speaking of ice cubes, did you know that ancient Persians created an ice storage system in the deserts of Persia? Facing the dilemma of preventing food from turning into a melted mess, these inventive Persians discovered a physics trick that allowed them to produce ice in the heart of the desert. They referred to these remarkable structures as "Yakel," meaning ice pits.

These were not ordinary coolers; they resembled dome-shaped mud brick structures externally. However, their interiors revealed a different world. These ice pits featured an evaporation cooler system that worked like magic. Utilizing the radiative cooling effect during the cooler nights, Persians designed clever trenches to hold thin layers of water. As the water froze, defying the desert heat, underground square storage areas collected the melting ice water. Overnight, the Persians froze the collected water again, maximizing the desert's natural chill. To enhance this cooling effect, they built walls to shade the storage areas from the scorching midday sun. Additionally, a wind-catching contraption called a "Badger" directed breezes into the ice pits, creating a refreshing combination of fresh air and ice-cooled breeze. Intricate water channels, known as "Canat," brought water from nearby mountains to the ice pits and homes.

Though the Yakels have faded into history with the advent of modern technology, there's good news – passionate individuals in Iran are restoring these ancient coolers. If you ever find yourself in the desert, make sure to visit these marvelous places and witness the genius of ancient Persians firsthand.

Now, let's shift our focus to wind catchers, which not only contributed to making ice cubes but also functioned as cooling systems. In ancient times, these architectural wonders were prevalent in regions like Persia, modern-day Iran, Egypt, and the Middle East. Imagine tower-like structures strategically designed with openings at various levels to harness the power of nature's breeze. Acting as natural air conditioners, these wind catchers allowed a graceful flow of refreshing gusts into people's living spaces, creating comfortable indoor temperatures without the need for excessive sweating.

The Persians are often credited with inventing these ingenious wind catchers. However, Egypt also boasts traces of similar structures dating back to 1,300 BCE. Yazd in Iran stands out as the city with the largest number of wind catchers, essential for survival in an area with minimal rainfall throughout the year.

Moving on to perforated double-skinned exteriors, envision adorning a building with a stylish perforated screen. This technique scatters natural daylight, providing shade and creating breezy hallways for fresh air circulation. Placing the screen about 4 ft away from outer walls not only offers relief from harsh sunbeams but also adds a touch of elegance to the building. In places like Jaipur, India, where average daytime temperatures reach about 100°F, these structures, known as "jalis," are lifesavers. Crafted from cement, earth, and wood, jalis are deeply embedded cultural symbols in Indian architecture, seen in iconic historical buildings like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

Fast forward to today, and designers are creatively blending traditional wisdom with modern tech. For instance, at the Albajar Towers in Abu Dhabi, over 2,000 hexagonal panels dynamically dance with the sun's movement, providing shade to the building's interior. Water evaporation remains a secret weapon for cooling, as demonstrated by ancient civilizations.

Ancient architects were masters at maximizing airflow. They knew the art of cross-ventilation, allowing hot air to escape while welcoming cooler air. Take, for example, ancient Roman bathhouses – community hubs where people gathered to discuss politics, play sports, and relax. The frigidarium, a giant pool, was the cool spot for Romans to chill out after a steamy soak in the caldarium.

In places like Cappadocia in Turkey, people went underground to escape the heat, carving cozy dwellings in volcanic rock to harness the Earth's natural cooling powers.

The lesson here is simple: architects and designers can create wonders by combining local traditions with smart technology. This fusion of old and new techniques is evident in places like California's Death Valley, where innovative design tackles extreme temperatures. From Africa to Europe, historical temperature records remind us of the ongoing challenge of weather extremes. In 1913, Death Valley recorded the highest officially registered temperature at 134°F, while Africa noted a sweltering 31°F in KB Tunisia in 1931. Europe experienced its highest temperature in Sicily in August 2021, reaching almost 120°F, followed by the UK's hottest summer on record in 2022.

So you see, the tale of combating extreme temperatures spans centuries and continents. From ancient inventions to modern architectural marvels, the pursuit of staying cool continues to evolve. Architects and designers, drawing inspiration from the past, can create innovative solutions that stand the test of time.