Kashmiri Hamam: An exploration of technical design within traditional architecture and culture

Abstract

Hamam is a culturally important architectural feature of homes and mosques in the Kashmir Valley of India that has deep roots in Islamic religion and culture. Culturally, Hamam is a gathering place for families and visitors, and a space for individuals to participate in prayer and purification rituals. Functionally, Hamam is a room within a home in which the subfloor is hollow and is comprised of a wood-fired furnace to generate heat which is conducted through the floor, warming the space and occupants in the Hamam. Trained Kashmiri artisans construct and maintain the Hamam according to longstanding traditions. The Hamam is one of several traditional means that Kashmiris use for space and self heating during the winter season. This paper investigates the needs and preferences of Hamam users through mixed-method interviews, computational modeling and physical measurement. The results of this research include household needs and preference regarding their Hamam, and measurements and MATLAB simulation to characterize the thermal behavior of Hamam. The methods used included installing specific temperature and humidity sensors to record the temperature and then comparing the results with the help of MATLAB.