MICROCLIMATE CONTROL IN MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE: A CASE STUDY OF LAHORE FORT

Abstract

People depended on techniques driven from natural phenomenon that yielded convenient results – before the inventions of mechanical means. This research will deal with the use of such mechanisms like landscaping, vegetation , open spaces and water bodies in the Shah Jahan’s quadrangle , Paien bagh quadrangle and Sheesh Mehal - Lahore Fort to understand how the temperature and the environment of the building can be controlled by using the objects of nature. The Mughals infused Islamic ideas with local traditions to improve the relation between man, environment and architecture. Thus studying relation of man and environment - house building was the first attempt towards possibilism to create artificial climate. Water bodies and gardens were used as the architectural elements in early times while constructing the ancient buildings. The Mughals gave new image and a new form to vegetation and landscaping by using trees, green areas, water bodies and open spaces in and around the buildings to enhance physical comfort and visual pleasure. The gardens and lawns perspire, and the evaporation leads to cooling. This study focuses on the use of indoor and outdoor water bodies to utilize the high thermal storage capacity of water for a moderating effect on the internal and external environment. We shall also deal with the deliberate focus of the builders upon psychological, aesthetic, visual and auditory effects of water and green areas and how they exploited transitional spaces to control the climatic conditions without employing mechanical means. Thus we try to establish the significance of the open spaces, water bodies and vegetation as a climate moderator in this study. Hence, the natural objects in architecture – effects the environment scientifically as well as aesthetically.