Six Creative Strategies Humans Have Used to Stay Cool Throughout History

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As summer heatwaves reach unprecedented levels across the United States, the Smithsonian magazine delves into historical strategies that communities once employed to stay cool before the advent of modern air conditioning in the mid-20th century. Historically, people developed various creative solutions to combat the oppressive heat. Below are six notable methods from the past that illustrate human ingenuity in everything from architecture to engineering.

Sleeping Porches

During periods of extreme heat, families found relief outdoors, particularly on sleeping porches—screened terraces typically located on the second or third floors of homes. At the dawn of the 20th century, these porches offered a way for families to enjoy cooler air and catch soothing cross breezes. The trend was so popular that homes with sleeping porches became commonplace, often designed to catch prevailing winds.

This practice was seen as beneficial not only for comfort but for health. Many sanatoriums incorporated these structures into their designs, utilizing the fresh air to aid in the recovery from illnesses like tuberculosis, which was prevalent during that time. By the early 1900s, sleeping porches could be found in various cities, from Minneapolis to Brooklyn.

Prominent examples of sleeping porches include those at the Gamble House in Pasadena, California, and the elaborate porches designed by Grant Wood at Brucemore in Iowa. Even President William Howard Taft had a sleeping porch installed on the White House’s rooftop in 1910, highlighting the era’s fascination with this architectural feature.

Summerhouses

Reflecting the design aesthetic of 18th-century estates in England and France, summerhouses emerged as charming structures intended for retreat during hot months. Usually simple yet inviting, these freestanding shelters became popular in areas like New York’s Hudson Valley, largely due to the influence of landscape designers like Andrew Jackson Downing. By the late 19th century, summerhouses could be spotted throughout places like Central Park, although many have fallen into disrepair over the years. Nonetheless, a notable example remains in the park’s Ramble.

The Mohonk Mountain House in New York boasts around 125 unique summerhouses to provide shade and respite across its expansive grounds. Each building, constructed from local materials, offers varying views of nature, creating peaceful retreats amid the summer heat.

Demerara Windows

In the climate of Georgetown, Guyana, unique architectural features known as Demerara windows were developed in the 18th and 19th centuries to mitigate heat. Characterized by their louvers and perforated sides, these windows allow airflow while preventing harsh sunlight from flooding the interiors. Made predominantly from durable pitch pine, these windows open from the top and often included blocks of ice on the windowsill to cool incoming air.

This clever design not only catered to the needs of tropical climates in Guyana but also spread throughout the Caribbean to regions like Trinidad and Tobago. The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in Georgetown displays exemplary features of the Demerara window.

Evaporative Cooling

For millennia, civilizations have utilized evaporative methods to manage heat. Ancient Egyptians would soak reed mats or curtains in water and hang them, allowing air to cool as it passed through. Persians employed a sophisticated system of underground aqueducts known as qanats alongside wind-catchers called badgirs to keep interiors comfortable, enhancing their homes’ thermal efficiency.

In a historical twist, in July 1881, the U.S. Navy engineers constructed a primitive evaporative cooling apparatus when President James A. Garfield was shot. This machine, filled with shaved ice and electric fans, lowered the temperature of his room significantly but ultimately could not save him.

Escaping to Cooler Retreats

To escape intense summer heat, people have historically sought refuge near coastlines and in mountain regions. Wealthy families often ventured to the Adirondack Mountains during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where they could enjoy the serenity of nature away from urban heat. The connection between seaside retreats and urban residents can also be traced back to structures in Europe, particularly those in Great Britain, where coastal resorts became fashionable.

In the U.S., the trend flourished, with Cape May, New Jersey standing as the nation’s oldest seaside resort, emerging in the mid-18th century. Palm Beach, Florida followed suit by the late 19th century, further popularizing the idea of seasonal migration to cooler, breezy locations.

Awnings

Awnings offer another age-old solution for heat management. These protective overhangs can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Syria, where they provided shade. In Rome, the Colosseum featured a sophisticated retractable awning known as the velarium, which helped keep spectators comfortable.

Throughout the years, awnings evolved into popular decorative elements for homes and businesses. By the late 19th century, they were standard fixtures. Even the White House utilized awnings to provide shade until air conditioning became the norm following World War II. As historian Peter Liebhold noted, American society often seeks technological solutions to adapt to climatic challenges, reflecting a broader desire to control and manipulate the environment.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com