Thermal comfort optimization through bioclimatic design in Mediterranean cities.Background: Bioclimatic design is an approach based on local climate which improves thermal qualities and indoor comfort.  This study aims to investigate Mediterranean local bioclimatic strategies' impact on thermal comfort efficiency in housing, by examining architectural elements and treatments.  The approach consisted of multiple stages: a literature review interpreting the concept of bioclimatic design, as well as thermal comfort variables and common Mediterranean building features.  Furthermore, the paper presents a case- studyhouse in Alex West, Alexandria, designed in the Mediterranean Revival style.  Results: The results showed that the most influencing building features on thermal comfort were the low-pitched roofs and the top chimney, which achieved 12.6% and 5% improvement in the summer and 13% and 6.8% in winter, respectively.  Conclusions :  We examined the impact of common Mediterranean building features , and compared thermal comfort results between case-study houses.  Features focusing on passive design for cooling rather than heating, allowing wind flow for maximized natural ventilation, using ventilated pitched roof spaces, using sun shading elements in the proper facades and angles, help passive thermal regulation.  The study proposes recommendations for optimizing thermal comfort in residential buildings in Alexandria, Egypt.
THERM