Climate-Responsive Architecture in Hot-Arid Central Iran: A Comparative Study of Passive Cooling, Solar Control, and Water-Efficient Strategies in Three Built Projects

This study examines climate-responsive architectural strategies in three contemporary built projects located in the hot-arid climate of central Iran. Through a qualitative comparative case-study methodology, the research analyzes the integration of passive cooling, solar control, natural ventilation, daylight management, landscape-based microclimate modification, water management, and material and envelope strategies. The selected projects include a luxury villa in the Isfahan region, a roadside service and rest complex along the Isfahan–Airport Highway, and a residential villa in Shidan, Isfahan. The analysis develops a comparative framework for understanding how passive environmental strategies can be integrated into contemporary architectural design in hot-arid contexts. The study is based on project documentation and design analysis and does not claim quantified operational energy or water savings.