Z E M C H 2 0 1 2 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e
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Figure
3
: Zisa, aerial image of the actual complex feature with its front garden
By an analysis of historical-iconographic sources you can assume that the building was
an integral part of the "
Garden of Genoard
" (which means "
giardino del paradiso
",
"paradise garden") which is located at an altitude of 40 meters above the sea level.
The garden was a rational way to reduce the temperature, by creating shaded areas and
contributing to cooling sea breezes thanks to the evapotranspiration (Fig.4). Before
reaching the palace, the sea breeze was further cooled by evaporative cooling produced
by the front tank of water called "
peschiera
" (Fig.4).
Figure 4
: Schematic image of the cooling sea breeze
The complex was a place dedicated to the sovereign’s rest and solace. Even today, it
looks like a massive parallelepiped with two protruding volumes on the short sides. With
its 36.40m of length, 19.60m of width and 25.70m of height, it spread itself over three
levels with a longitudinal orientation north-south. This arrangement is not accidental
because, being a summer residence, the most important rooms were oriented to the
east, to expose them to the low and warm sun in the morning. The rooms arranged on
the west side, receiving more solar radiations, are protected by insulating elements, such
as the solid thick stone walls and the inner tube, consisting of corridors that make up a
thermal mass of protection from excess summer heat. On this front elevation there are
also only small windows, to prevent the heat to spread during the hottest days.
The building is built around a square room that is the heart of the complex: at the ground
level it is located the room of representation, called "
Sala della Fontana
" for its stone
Salsabil
. This room, with its double height, the rich wall decorations and the presence of
water, is a distinctive feature of Islamic buildings. Among the various design features, the
most important role is played by the natural ventilation system inside, which, before the
several changes which the building has been subjected to over the centuries, could
ensure a constant flow of fresh air and the expulsion of the warm.
