WIND CATCHERS

P R A C H I N E WA D K A R
T.Y. B . A RC H D I V. - A
CO N T E M P O R A RY A RC H I T EC T U R E S E M I N A R
Function of
Wind Catchers
• Wind Catcher is an architecture
element installed in buildings to
provide thermal comfort to the
people residing inside the
building.

Cross section through a

wind catcher
History of Wind
Catchers
• Ancient Wind Catchers are found
throughout Middle East ,Arab
countries, Pakistan and
Afganisthan.

• Constructed of Ceramics which had

high Insulating Values.

• In Egypt, a Unidirectional wind

catcher is known as Malqaf and a
Multi directional wind catcher is
known as Badgir.

Wind Catchers constructed along with a

water reservoir.
 Traditional Wind Towers
used in various parts of
Middle East
• Hot and dry Climate
• Dusty winds
• Cooled air also used to
cool water.
 Uni directional wind tower Two directional wind tower

Four, six and eight directional Cylindrical wind catchers

wind catchers

TYPES OF TRADITIONAL WIND CATCHERS

 PARTS OF A WIND
TOWER

Main Components
1. Head/Roof cover
2. Column
3. Openings

Other Parts
1. Water reservoir
2. Cooling pads
3. Screens
4. Curtains
5. Water spraying pipes
6. Valves
7. Filters
 TRADITIONAL WIND CATCHERS IN INDIA

Datsgirs in Orccha, Madhya Pradesh Vernacular houses in Tamil Nadu

Palkhi Mahal
Modern Wind Towers in India

JOHRI HOUSE
JODHPUR
Ar.Manish Banker
CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre
Location –Hyderabad
Architectural Design-Karan Grover and Associates
 CII Institute of Quality
Location-Outskirts of Bangalore
 Torrent Research Centre
Location-Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Hostel Building, University of Jodhpur
University Campus at Neemrana ,Thar Desert
 LIMITATIONS Reason of Unpopularity of Wind Catchers in India
1. Allow birds and insects 1. Technological hurdles in wider adaptation of wind
to enter the building towers.
2. Cannot rotate in the 2. Extreme unpredictable weather changes
direction of maximum 3. Puts unattended buildings into risk
ambient air. • Storms may cause mechanical damage
3. Part of inlet air flows • Rain carried by winds may enter the building
without circulating.
4. Do not have any
application in areas
where wind speeds are
low, rains.
Wind catcher of
unoccupied house shut
down in Gujarat
MODERN WIND CATCERS USED IN
THE WORLD
 CONCLUSIONS
1. A more detailed study on the Design Aspects of Wind Catchers should be done.
2. Easy installation and maintenance for small scale structures should be worked upon.
3. Aesthetics of wind catchers should be considered.
4. New materials and techniques.

THANK YOU!