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Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Wind tower

Tradtional wind tower in Al Najada souq

This is one of the few remaining traditional wind towers, which can be seen in the courtyard of Najada Shopping plaza on Grand Hamad Avenue.

Wind towers, or wind catchers as they are also known, were an effective natural form of air-conditioning in the harsh desert climate of the Middle East. They consisted of four openings facing in four directions. The effective is due to convection currents, with any hot air rising and leaving the building, and cool air entering and sinking to the bottom. Sturdy walls and masonry, and sometimes water reservoirs, also helped to keep out the heat and keep in any cool night air.

Although formerly a museum, the building is currently closed to the public.

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