The ancient architectural feature known as windcatchers, or Bâdgir, made living in the Middle East bearable. These towers are built with openings facing the wind above and direct the air down into the building. When the wind isn’t blowing, they can act as a chimney and funnel heat upward. It’s not air conditioning, but the moving air makes it possible to stay inside when the sun is baking the earth. The Persian design spread to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other parts of the Middle East where they are still in use today. Even new buildings take advantage of this ancient idea to beat the heat. Read more about windcatchers and see pictures of them from many places at Kuriositas. -via the Presurfer
(Image credit: Flickr user ninara)