A Systematic Review of Passive Cooling Strategies Integrating Traditional Wisdom and Modern Innovations for Sustainable Development in Arid Urban Environments

TL;DR

This systematic review evaluates traditional and modern passive cooling strategies in arid urban environments, emphasizing hybrid solutions for sustainable, culturally sensitive, and energy-efficient urban design.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive synthesis of passive cooling methods, highlighting the integration of traditional wisdom with modern innovations for arid city sustainability.

Findings

Passive principles like solar control and natural ventilation are effective.

Vernacular solutions such as courtyards and wind towers remain relevant.

Innovations like cool roofs and phase change materials expand cooling options.

Abstract

Urban environments in hot-arid regions are increasingly challenged by rising temperatures, rapid urban expansion, and reliance on energy intensive mechanical cooling systems. This study presents a systematic review of peer reviewed literature from 1980 to 2025 to assess both traditional and contemporary passive cooling strategies tailored for arid urban settings. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 30 high-quality studies were selected from databases including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. These works span diverse geographical contexts from the Middle East and North Africa to parts of South Asia, and apply methods including field experiments, computer-based simulations, and qualitative analyses. Findings highlight strong consensus around passive principles such as solar control, natural ventilation, and the use of thermal mass. Vernacular solutions like courtyards, wind towers, and thick masonry walls remain effective, while innovations such as cool roofs, phase change materials, and parametric optimization techniques expand the design toolkit. Implementation is often limited by climate variability, cultural shifts, regulations, and economic feasibility. The review concludes that context-sensitive, hybrid solutions combining traditional knowledge with modern technology hold the greatest potential for achieving sustainable thermal comfort. These approaches must be supported by adaptive urban planning, user centered design, and updated building codes. The study offers practical insights for architects, planners, and policymakers aiming to create resilient, low-carbon cities that harmonize cultural identity with environmental responsibility.