Bioclimatic Code of Absheron Vernacular Architecture: Towards Mahalla 2.0

Abstract

Abstract. Contemporary urban planning in Baku exhibits a critical misalignment between high-rise morphology and the severe microclimate of the Absheron Peninsula, exacerbating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and pedestrian-level wind turbulence. This study decodes the passive climate-control mechanisms embedded within the traditional mahalla of Baku's historic fortress, Icheri Sheher. Utilizing an integrated framework, the research combines in situ aerodynamic observations during peak Khazri winds, time-based photographic surveys of street-canyon shading, and macro-photographic evaluations of native Absheron limestone (aglay). The empirical findings demonstrate that the vernacular fabric operates as a calibrated environmental control system. Streamlined chamfered and rounded corners mitigate turbulence by minimizing stagnation pressure and flow separation. Deep street canyons, restricted Sky View Factors, and cantilevered shushebands optimize self-shading, lowering summer mean radiant temperatures. Additionally, the high capillary porosity of the 0.6–1.0 m thick limestone walls enables thermal mass dynamics and localized evaporative cooling, establishing effective thermal retardation. Extracting these parameters, this study introduces "Mahalla2.0"—a computational, data-driven design framework that structurally inverts the vernacular archetype. By replacing historical cantilevers with a progressively terraced building profile, the model preserves shaded pedestrian paths, neutralizes wind downdrafts, and safeguards indoor daylighting and ventilation for upper floors. Ultimately, this research repositions vernacular heritage as a transferable, algorithmic methodology for climate-resilient, high-density urban development in hot-arid regions.