Passive strategies for an ecotourism-design in a tropicalclimate: zanzibar case (tanzania)

Abstract

Architecture is to serve others through the design of buildings built with respect for the environment. It's a way to build people's quality of life. Our research topic is about eco-tourism in tropical climates. Passive strategies and appropriate means based on environmental, economic and cultural aspects are now also required for eco tourism in tropical climate regions. In tropical climate, our case study is found in Zanzibar, Tanzania using the principles of eco tourism-design. Zanzibar, these islands located in the Indian Ocean in eastern Africa with natural, landscape, cultural and architectural assets. The use of the existing type of architecture (Arabic, Persian, European and Indian) is characterized by local and natural materials while respecting the culture and the climate that is hot and humid. Facing the climate change, after deforestation and the destruction of the coasts, the practice of eco tourism in the requirements of sustainable development in the Zanzibar Islands, is of great economic, ecological and socio-cultural contribution important for the future of the tourism sector. Passive strategies are based on a theoretical study dealing with key concepts (eco-tourism and ecolodge), then a comparative and critical analysis of the models, and a contextual approach covering the climatic and bioclimatic studies of the region. Finally, as results, the main strategies chosen to be implemented are; the use of local and natural materials, the use of solar shading devices and external (natural) ventilation.