This study investigated the impact of design parameters on indoor thermal comfort in hotel buildings, using both PMV-PPD and adaptive models. The aim is to provide guidance for improvement in the energy performance and thermal comfort of the accommodation structures, providing analysis extended to the eight Algerian climate zones. The adopted methodology was applied to a reference building hotel in Ghardaïa, Algeria. The energy model was validated through in-situ measurements and then the analysis was extended through EnergyPlus dynamic simulations to assess the influence of 13 design parameters using sensitivity analysis. Results reveal that design temperatures on the hottest days ranged from 34.4°C to 39.3°C, despite external temperatures reaching 45°C. The PMV-PPD model was most affected by space density, ventilation rate, infiltration, ventilation schedules, roof design and azimuth. Conversely, the adaptive model was influenced primarily by ventilation rate, window-to-wall ratio, lighting, space density, ventilation schedules, glazing and azimuth. This study underscores the potential for optimising hotels’ design to enhance thermal comfort and has broader relevance for regions with similar climates to Algeria. The findings offer insights for creating more comfortable indoor environments and fostering sustainable building practices in challenging climates.

The existing monuments and heritage could inspire the principles of Islamic aesthetics in architecture. We cannot simply copy the same ancient buildings; rather, we should apply the same principles. Western architects always find ways to design Islamic architecture and present its aesthetics. This study offers an overview of Islamic aesthetics in architecture as interpreted by Fernand Pouillon (FP). This study explores the architect through his thoughts, concepts, philosophy, social studies, construction materials, morphology, and selected case studies in the south of Algeria. The methods used for data collection include analyzing the architect’s writings and architectural designs using standardized thematic axes. This proposal aims to provide a comprehensive qualitative and analytical study of a pioneering Western architect influenced by Islamic architecture who worked in Algeria during the 20th decade, specifically focusing on his work in the south of Algeria.

In an age marked by globalisation, contemporary design, and diminishing regional distinctiveness, particularly concerning its impact on climate, the integration of passive strategies and climate-responsive design emerges as a critical element in forward-thinking architecture that embraces the unique climatic conditions of various locales. Consequently, this paper offers an in-depth examination of the climate-responsive design implemented by two pioneering architects who specialised primarily in housing projects in Southern Algeria. This investigation is further enriched by on-site measurements conducted on selected case studies. The findings reveal that, on typical scorching days, the actual indoor operational temperatures in 400 housing units situated in El-Oued range from 20.1 °C to 38.9 °C, whereas in 600 housing units in Ouled Djellal, temperatures fluctuate between 31.2 °C and 35.4 °C. It is noteworthy that outdoor air temperatures can soar to as high as 40 °C in El-Oued and 43 °C in Ouled Djellal during peak hours. The architectural achievements of the El-Miniawy brothers in Algeria's southern region stand as tangible examples of architecture that adeptly adapts to the harsh, arid climate. This study underscores the importance of climate-responsive design and passive strategies and offers valuable insights into the indoor thermal environment. Ultimately, this research is poised to inspire architects and decision-makers in their future housing projects.

Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has significantly developed its tourism infrastructure, including notable projects by Fernand Pouillon. The thermal performance of hotel buildings, measured by discomfort hours and considering the design parameters for both PMV-PPD and adaptive comfort models, is a crucial study area across Algeria’s eight climate zones. This research focuses on the M’Zab Hotel in Ghardaïa, designed by Pouillon, utilising in situ measurements and dynamic simulations with EnergyPlus. After validating the simulation model, the performance of the optimised model, derived from sensitivity analysis parameters, is explored. A comparative study is conducted, analysing results obtained through simulation and psychrometric charts for both comfort models across Algeria’s climate zones. The findings indicate that the optimised design significantly reduces discomfort hours by 27.9% to 54.8% for the PMV-PPD model and 38.8% to 90.3% for the adaptive model, compared to the actual design performance. Strong correlations are observed between the simulation and psychrometric chart results for the PMV-PPD model, while the correlation for the adaptive model requires further investigation.

Improving daylight performance in heritage hotels is essential for enhancing comfort, quality, and energy efficiency, especially in hot-desert climates where solar availability must be balanced with glare and overheating risks. However, façade preservation requirements limit conventional daylighting interventions, creating a need for climate-responsive and conservation-compatible solutions. This study investigates daylight optimization strategies for the Transatlantique Hotel in Biskra, Algeria, using Climate-Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM). The methodology combines three-dimensional modelling, in situ material characterization, and Radiance-based simulations with ClimateStudio version 2.3. Daylight performance was assessed using Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), and Daylight Factor (DF). Tested scenarios included improved glazing transmittance, increased surface reflectance, and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs). Results show that the existing configuration provides insufficient daylight in guest rooms, with average illuminance in poorly performing rooms ranging from 140 to 310 lux. Material-based optimization increased Room 210’s sDA from 3.9% to 62.3%, representing an approximately +1497% relative improvement, while UDI reached 58.6%. TDDs produced the strongest improvement: Room 110 sDA increased from 11.8% to 82.4% (+598%), while ASE decreased from 10.6% to 0.0%; Room 310 sDA increased from 31.2% to 100% (+221%), while ASE decreased from 16.9% to 0.0%. The novelty lies in integrating material-based and TDD strategies under strict façade-preservation constraints in a hot-desert heritage hotel.