Paper Title
Effect of Courtyard Proportion on Natural Ventilation Efficiency

Abstract
Natural ventilation is considered as one of the most fundamental low cost passive cooling strategies. A major part of building potential in terms of using natural energy resources such as wind depends on its physical characteristics, so architectural decisions at the first step of design process can influence the buildings energy efficiency significantly. Courtyards are just one of the numerous passive cooling strategies in ancient buildings that are currently enjoying great popularity. However various configurations of these components will influence their efficiency in terms of receiving natural ventilation. The main objective of this paper was to investigate the influence of courtyard proportions on their natural ventilation efficiency and to introduce the most effective features in this field. The outcome of these researches could be used as a guideline for architects at the first steps of design process. Investigations indicated that reducing the length of windward side would result in better airflow pattern both inside the courtyard and interior space of a building. So it is suggested to design a courtyard with elongation in the wind direction and minimum windward side length to receive maximum airflow rate and take advantage of natural ventilation. Keywords- Wind, Natural Ventilation, Architecture, Courtyard.