مهسا عرب

In response to the growing crisis of increasing water deman‎d, hydro‎political tensions, an‎d the consequent rise in energy consumption, recent attention has been directed toward resource efficiency, with a focus on optimizing consumption in the housing sector through the modernization of indigenous architectural patterns in hot an‎d humid climatic regions. The southern coastal areas of Iran represent prominent examples that are critically affected by these challenges. The location of these regions within the hydro‎political belt, combined with the existence of transboundary rivers an‎d policy constraints related to water distribution, control, an‎d quality, formed the main rationale for selec‎ting the humid an‎d hot border zone as the case study. Accordingly, adapting an‎d modernizing existing housing typologies—while preserving their cultural identity an‎d aligning them with contemporary technological an‎d environmental requirements—can facilitate a sustainable transition. The primary objective of this study is to propose architectural strategies that reduce energy an‎d water consumption while fostering on-site food production through integration of the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus. This approach promotes the development of self-sufficient housing models by utilizing climate-responsive technologies an‎d renewable resources, enabling water recycling an‎d reuse for crop irrigation an‎d enhancing food autonomy. Moreover, energy efficiency is achieved through the incorporation of alternative green energy systems such as solar an‎d wind power, as well as atmospheric water harvesting technologies, which collectively reduce reliance on the conventional power grid. Rural communities are particularly vulnerable to future deman‎ds for water, energy, an‎d food; this vulnerability is exacerbated in regions simultaneously experiencing water scarcity an‎d economic constraints. The WEF nexus has therefore received increasing global attention owing to the interdependencies among these resources, which serve as a foundation for developing conceptual frameworks for environmental sustainability. In this context, the WEF nexus underpins economic development an‎d enhances wellbeing. The integration of water an‎d energy systems plays a pivotal role in re-phasing, planning, an‎d developing rural areas to address both current an‎d future needs. Consequently, this research aims to analyze an‎d simulate the effects of modifications in indigenous housing typologies in the Makran region on key water, energy, an‎d food indicators to enhance community self-sufficiency. To achieve the research objectives, a set of simulation an‎d optimization tools were employed, an‎d integrated WEF systems were defined. Parametric simulations in MATLAB were conducted to assess the influence of architectural features (such as roof an‎d courtyard area) on metrics related to rainwater harvesting, energy savings, an‎d available space for food production. By eva‎luating existing system configurations an‎d quantifying the synergistic effects of water, energy, an‎d food parameters on self-sufficiency, the enhancement of this nexus was examined. Specialized software, including Nexus Tool 2, AMOS, an‎d VOSviewer, was utilized to integrate an‎d validate field data through systematic modeling. Conceptual an‎d spatial frameworks of the proposed systems at the housing scale—comprising water storage units, rooftop cultivation modules, energy generation systems, an‎d natural filtration mechanisms—were designed an‎d eva‎luated. A key innovation of this study is the development an‎d assessment of multi-scenario WEF strategies for rural settlements, categorized into four configurations. These scenarios were designed to maximize resource efficiency, minimize energy loss, an‎d strengthen self-sufficiency in food production. Field findings, particularly regarding rooftop agriculture, rainwater collection an‎d purification systems, an‎d the exploitation of solar an‎d wind energy, demonstrated not only the technical feasibility of implementing these strategies within local settlements but also their economic viability an‎d the acceptance of potential users. Sensitivity analyses of WEF variables indicated that optimized system design tailored to local conditions could result in significant resource savings an‎d approximately 26% improvement in self-sufficiency. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the necessity of integrating architectural design with ecological an‎d economic considerations an‎d introduces a comprehensive, applicable model for designing self-sufficient housing. This model aligns with macro-level sustainable development policies, alleviates pressure on natural resources, an‎d enhances quality of life in underprivileged areas. Based on local capabilities an‎d supported by modern technologies an‎d international best practices, the proposed framework can serve as a transferable an‎d inspirational model for rural planners, architects, an‎d regional development policymakers.

پيوند آب- انرژي- غذا , مسكن خود‌اتكا , بازيافت آب , معماري سبز , انرژي بيوگاز , مكران بلوچستان

Water–Energy–Food Nexus , Self-sufficient Housing , Water Recycling , Green Architecture , Biogas Energy , Balochistan Makran

Mahsa Arab

Mehdi Khakzand, Fatemeh Mehdizadeh Seradj