The Impact of Biophilic Design Patterns on Improving Thermal Comfort in Public Libraries within Hot Arid Climates (A Case Study of Misr Public Library - Aswan)

Authors

• Zainab Hassan Aljamily, Lecturer, Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt.
• Hatem Mahmoud Fathy, Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering – Faculty of Engineering, Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt.
• Breksam Hafez Elkess Boules, Teaching Assistant, Department of Architectural Engineering – Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology, El-Tod, LuxorFollow

Corresponding Author

Breksam Hafez Elkess Boules

ORCID

0009-0005-2693-7373

Subject Area

Architectural Engineering

Article Type

Case Study

Abstract

Reading contributes to cognitive and cultural development, highlighting public libraries as educational and cultural spaces and emphasizing the need to improve their environmental performance. This study analyzes biophilic design patterns and thermal comfort in public libraries in hot arid climates, using Misr Public Library in Aswan as a case study. Despite growing interest in biophilic design, quantitative studies addressing its thermal impact remain limited. The research adopted an applied analytical methodology, including field measurements of temperature and relative humidity in the reading hall using a UT330TH/UT330THC data logger to verify simulation accuracy. Thermal performance was evaluated using DesignBuilder software before and after implementing four patterns: an internal planted courtyard, a water feature, a green wall, and double low-emissivity glazing. Results demonstrated improved thermal comfort, with operative temperature reductions of 10–12°C, particularly due to the courtyard and glazing. The study recommends integrating these strategies into library design in hot climates.

Keywords

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) - Biophilic Design - Environmental performance - Sustainable public buildings -- Courtyard architecture - Design Builder Software

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Aljamily, Zainab Hassan; Fathy, Hatem Mahmoud; and Boules, Breksam Hafez Elkess (2026) "The Impact of Biophilic Design Patterns on Improving Thermal Comfort in Public Libraries within Hot Arid Climates (A Case Study of Misr Public Library - Aswan)," Mansoura Engineering Journal: Vol. 51 : Iss. 6 , Article 11.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58491/2735-4202.3421