Local Aesthetics of Sustainability: The Case of Multi-Storey Housing in Iraq

Abstract The environmental dimension is a crucial element in designing residential complexes, particularly in hot-dry climates that require effective thermal adaptations. This study seeks to identify and derive environmental aesthetic values for sustainability from residential examples in these regions and to assess contemporary complexes, such as those in Baghdad, using Envi-met 5.6.1 software to analyze variables including potential air temperature, relative humidity, predicted mean vote (PMV), and sky view factor (SVF). Results indicate that optimally oriented complexes, exemplified by the Iraq Gate residential complex, demonstrate superior thermal performance and comfort, emphasizing the significance of green spaces and environmental aesthetics in sustainable urban planning.