AI-Driven Parametric Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in Vernacular Heritage: A courtyard-centric study of Unnati School, Ahmedabad, India

Vrutti Patel; Nishant Kansagara; Tithi  Solandhara

doi:10.38027/smart.v3n1-12

Authors

Vrutti Patel Institute of Architecture and Planning Nirma University, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7828-9261
Nishant Kansagara Institute of Architecture and Planning Nirma University, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4639-6859
Tithi Solandhara Institute of Architecture and Planning Nirma University, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0968-160X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38027/smart.v3n1-12

Keywords:

Ahmedabad Pol house, AI Simulation, Adaptive Reuse, Courtyard microclimate, Thermal comfort

Abstract

This research investigates how courtyards of traditional Ahmedabad pol houses that have been adaptively reused as institutional spaces regulate microclimates. Focusing on Unnati School, the study addresses how high occupancy (213 users) and modern materials such as steel roofing impact heritage cooling performance. The methodology bridges vernacular wisdom with computational synthesis, employing AI-driven voxel simulations via the Infrared.city platform to calculate the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). To ensure technical accuracy, digital simulations are verified against on site thermometer readings. The study contributes to heritage and climate-responsive design research by proposing a rapid, scalable framework for evaluating thermal comfort in adaptively reused heritage buildings and by demonstrating the applicability of AI-driven environmental simulations as an alternative to more resource-intensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approaches. Findings identify thermal tipping points where modern interventions diminish the cooling benefits of traditional courtyard systems. By comparing AI-based and conventional thermal assessment methods, the research provides new evidence on the reliability of emerging digital tools for heritage performance evaluation. The study further demonstrates that the courtyard stack effect functions as a measurable and effective passive cooling mechanism, offering a data-driven basis for integrating vernacular design principles into contemporary heritage conservation and climate adaptation strategies.

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