Society Talk

Heatwave tips for flats without AC (from an architect who also has no AC)

Every summer friends ask me this, so here is what actually works in old Spanish buildings:

Close windows and blinds in the morning before it gets hot, open them at night when it's cooler outside than inside. Shade the outside of the window if you can, blinds outside are much better than curtains inside. Make a cross draught, open windows on opposite sides. Wet a sheet and hang it in the window at night. Cook early or not at all.

What tricks do you use? Do they work in your climate?