Architecture Engineering Department Discusses Design Philosophy and Climate in a Specialized Scientific Seminar

The Department of Architecture Engineering at the University of Samarra organized a specialized scientific seminar titled “Architecture and Climate.” The seminar was presented by a group of postgraduate (Master’s) students, including Eng. Maryam Shihab Mohammed, Eng. Aziz Mohammed, Eng. Ola Younis Badr, and Eng. Sura Hammoud Ahmed, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Zainab Abdul Majeed Khalaf.

The presenters reviewed real-world models from diverse climatic regions, demonstrating how environmental conditions—whether hot-dry, hot-humid, or cold and temperate—have contributed to the creation of varying architectural solutions that harmonize with the nature of each region.

The discussion included balancing originality and modernity by highlighting traditional treatments inspired by heritage, such as internal courtyards and natural shading methods. It also illustrated the integration of contemporary technologies, represented by advanced thermal insulation systems and the use of smart materials that interact with the environment.

The seminar concluded with the lecturers emphasizing the necessity of merging inherited local expertise with modern technology. This approach is considered a strategic path toward achieving sustainable architecture capable of effectively reducing energy consumption and responding flexibly to the rapid climatic changes the world is experiencing.

The seminar featured an in-depth discussion on the dialectical relationship between different climatic regions and their direct impact on formulating architectural treatments and techniques. It focused on the role of climate as a fundamental factor and a primary driver in guiding design decisions to ensure building efficiency and achieve the highest levels of thermal comfort for users.