Sustainability and Vernacular Architecture: Rethinking What Identity Is (original) (raw)
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Cultural Identity in Sustainable Architecture
International Research Journal on Advanced Science Hub
A highly debateabletopicin architectural fraternity is the 'sustainable architecture' which has been addressed in many publications. Literature terminology applies to different types of such architecture: 1970s eco-design, 1980s green design, late 1980s and 1990s ecological design. This demonstrates the emergence of a construction-oriented architecture that prioritizes the natural environment until the mid-1990s. Sustainable architecture, on the other hand, as with all previous architecture approaches, can not only be considered a moral and architectural practice, but its contribution to social, cultural and economic infrastructure in the region. [1] UNESCO has coined "real life sustainability" to expand the overall concept of sustainable architecture from design to architecture incorporating local identity as part of the design process. [1] UNESCO coined the concept 'absolute sustainable life.'[2] Frampton aims to tackle local and contemporary global architectural culture at the same time as the notion of 'critical regionalism.' In his narrated essay, he stresses on value of sustainability in architecture as a cultural framework, not just a technique or process. [3] Culture defines a diverse concept that incorporates all intellectual activity of society. [4]Culture is; dynamic, exchanged, transformed into a new generation, expressed within the group and the person, interpreted in each community member. This includes laws, beliefs, principles, convictions and expectations. It transmits longevity and can improve the community's vitality. These are the assertion of "culture" in Matsumato's book "Psychology and Community."[5][6] The paper discusses about the sustainable cultural with architectural aspects. Part 1 discusses about eco-cultural architecture from various aspects of sustainable architecture. Next part 2 analyses worldclass construction practices as eco-cultural reasoning practices, and part 3 discusses a case study of Turkey's sustainable solutions to local issues.
The impact of sustainability trends on housing design identity of Arab cities
HBRC Journal, 2013
Previous researches and investigations on the area of green cities and sustainable architecture lack the study and analysis of the impact of sustainability principles applications on the city image. At this point, a critical question is raised; to what extent the architectural identity of the city could be influenced by the adoption of the different sustainability trends? This question represents the main research question that the paper will address. The adopted sustainability trends vary in their forms and contents. Some trends employed sustainability principles inspired from the vernacular architecture, which not only give a tested and reliable model, but also enhances socio-cultural and economic values of the local community. Another trends employed sustainability principles that are based on the most modern and advanced technology which expresses the culture of globalization. While a third trend integrates both of the two trends to introduce a contemporary interpretation of the vernacular thought within the framework of modern advancements trying to bridge the gap between the local and the global. From this point of view, this paper focuses on two key issues; firstly: study and analysis of the mentioned sustainability trends in housing design, secondly: assessing and analyzing the impact of these trends on shaping the identity of the Arab city.
International Journal of Applied Arts Studies, 2023
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the elements of Islamic architecture that contribute to the establishment of a strong connection between individuals and their surroundings, as well as enhancing their perception of the environment and preserving the cultural identity of Islamic architecture. It is important to acknowledge that the various elements of Islamic architecture have the capability to instill a sense of order, harmony, spirituality, identity, and vitality within the environment. This not only creates an aesthetically and emotionally pleasing experience for observers but also emphasizes the importance of understanding the identifying elements of Islamic architecture. Furthermore, this research adopts the metasynthesis approach to investigate the relationship between Islamic architecture and environmental perception. Methodology: The research methodology used in this study is defined by its purpose and is described as both descriptive and analytical with a survey-based approach. The data collection process involves conducting documentary studies, making field observations, and conducting interviews with 12 experts in the relevant field. In order to analyze the qualitative data and validate the variables extracted from the sources, metasynthesis and inductive coding methods were utilized in the Max Kyuda software during the interpretation of the interviews. Results: In accordance with the study's objective and theoretical framework, as well as the responses provided by the participants during the interviews, the research components were categorized into seven dimensions: Identity, Social, Functional, Cultural, Environmental, Aesthetic, and Physical, as established by Max Kyuda. It is worth mentioning that each of these dimensions further comprises subsets through the process of inductive coding. Conclusion: The enhancement of architectural design levels such as order, dynamism, and legibility, as well as the incorporation of key elements from Islamic architecture in contemporary cities, should be a vital consideration for architectural designers and urban planners. By assessing the spaces within Islamic architecture, the connection between humans and the environment can be explored and its impact on urban identity and the enhancement of the relationship between Islamic architecture and environmental perception can be discussed.
IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1026 012049, 2022
Architecture in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in recent decades due to rapid planning and massive expansion, especially in the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. In the strategic framework of the Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia will become one of the major destinations for international visitors, thanks to its cultural heritage. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure a design of contemporary buildings that reinforce the identity of the place by reflecting the local culture through a sustainable approach by responding to the site and the climate, strengthening the quality of the indoor environment for the health and well-being of people. This paper seeks to identify relevant criteria for architectural design in which sustainability and cultural identity are strongly related. These criteria arise from a critical reflection on various factors fundamental in public buildings design, such as the historical knowledge of the place, recognition of significant pre-existing buildings, climatic aspects, and the health and comfort of building occupants. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East, is selected as a case study. This study takes the project of a cultural centre in Riyadh city as an experimental verification of these theoretical assumptions. The aim is to strengthen the cultural identity of the place through social and cultural spaces that reflect Saudi culture while at the same time preserving the environment and natural resources. A well-managed and actual design of cultural buildings in the selected case study in Riyadh is essential to promote culture and heritage to reinforce the sense of regional and national identity towards a sustainable design approach. In this investigation, the paper attempts to define guidelines through a cultural and sustainable strategy that can be generalized to other Gulf countries.
Learning from vernacular architecture: sustainability and cultural conformity
Ecology and the Environment, 2008
The paper will illustrate the identification of principles that will provide important insights and lessons for those that are involved in the development of future sustainable built environments. Using a case study of vernacular architecture of Nuristan located in the NE region of Afghanistan with unique geographical and cultural significant, this paper will seek to demonstrate the principles of vernacular design and technologies such as the sustainable performance of dwelling and settlements common in this region. The value of compact townscape and land-use economy, self-help and participatory housing approaches, conservation, and others that help protect the natural environment as well as enrich the cultural heritage will be presented.
Shores of the Mediterranean: Architecture as Language of Peace, 2005
Salama, A. M. (2005). Architectural Identity in the Middle East: Hidden Assumptions and Philosophical Perspectives. In D. Mazzoleni et al (eds.), Shores of the Mediterranean: Architecture as Language of Peace. Intra Moenia, Napoli, Italy. PP. 77-85. ISBN# 88-7421-054X. The built environment conveys and transmits non-verbal messages that reflect inner life, activities, and social conceptions of those who live and use that environment in association with the actions and values of society. Societies however tend to re-evaluate the meaning and desirability of built environments rather rapidly. What was visually acceptable some years ago becomes now unacceptable and what was considered eyesore while ago has become valued and acquired meaning overtime. Identity goes beyond the visual appearance of the built environment and involves meanings of those built environments to the people who created them and to the people who occupied them. The search for an architectural identity seems to be a preoccupation with countries that have cultural richness and multi-layers of history. Intellectuals, architects, and designers in those countries find themselves dealing with a paradox needing to project a certain image of themselves through their built environment. In the Middle East, identity has been an issue in debate for over three decades, more so because of this region’s cultural uniqueness and plurality. However, it is this cultural uniqueness that has made it a tough quest and has – in many cases – culminated into sacred symbolism that is painful to behold or comprehend. The questions I am raising here are philosophical in nature, and have been raised by many before with no clear answer. However, such questions are rephrased in a manner derived from recent practices of architecture in the last decade. Is it necessary to refer or resort to cultural or religious symbolism in architecture to reflect a Middle Eastern or Arabian identity? Or should architecture embody the collective aspirations of Middle Easterners or Arabs? On the other hand, there are many who have questioned the need to define an architectural identity at all, claiming that it merely displays a lack of “self-confidence” as a region or as a group of nations? Reviewing the recent practices and searching the recent identity debates reveal that we still seem to be at odds with the issue after several decades of independence. In response to this confusion, I believe it is critical to examine the subject in philosophical terms and elucidate some hidden concepts. The discussion of the issue of identity in general and in the Middle East in particular would be irrelevant if concepts such as imageability, legibility, critical regionalism, and environmental meaning are not debated and somehow theorized. This paper aims at raising questions of some hidden assumptions and philosophical perspectives relating to these concepts. Critical issues that pertain to identity crises in the Middle East are debated. A classification procedure of architectural trends in Egypt is conducted to establish the link between philosophical perspectives and actual practices.
Architects for Peace Editorials, 2009
Salama, A. M. (2009). Cultural Identity Manifested in Visual Voices and the Public Face of Architecture. Architects for Peace, May, Melbourne, Australia. _______________________________ While scholars in architecture as an academic and professional discipline may criticize the interest and tendency to place emphasis on discussing building images and facades, I adopt the principle that since architecture is created for the public then examining the public face of architecture is integral to the understanding of the juxtaposition of those images and what they convey and represent. This editorial interrogates a number of discourses on ways in which cultural identity is manifested by debating selected interventions developed within the Arab world. Still, the discussion on whether building images are created as visual voices that attempt to react to the tidal wave of cultural globalization is open-ended. So, there is no claim here that there is a resolution, but an articulation of identity debate as it is manifested in the public face of architecture. Please see more by downloading the article.
This study investigates the sustainable qualities of Muslim vernacular houses in Perak and Penang, Malaysia. The study focuses on the relationship among local lifestyles, natural environment, domestic dwellings and local wisdom as well as on recording the houses' evolutions and abilities in retaining their architectural and landscape integrity over times. Archival search, direct observations and in-depth interviews were employed in this study. The study found that building forms were the result of collective local wisdom that was contextually adjusted over time and was attuned with nature and local life styles. The settlement of local villages widely recognized by the term "Kampong", possess unique qualities of shading trees and interconnected open spaces without rigid boundaries. The flow of open space reflects the strong social dependencies among inhabitants within each Kampung. Vegetation within residential boundaries were mainly functional gardens. Recent renovation of and additions to dwelling units tend to use industrial materials instead of local materials such as wood. Additions to existing units caused the building mass look more enclosed than the existing condition. Finally, the introduction of new roads into Kampung has changed the houses' orientation, turning used-to-be backside into building frontage. New gates and fences were put along the new roads to define living boundaries.
American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2021
As a concept, the term 'Vernacular Architecture' is mainly known for its utilization of nearby materials, labors, and culture. The vernacular architecture is practically and casually continuing the legacy of the region. For a quite few years, architects are embracing regionalism and the knowledge of traditional buildings as a result of the increased strain brought by ongoing worldwide ecological issues, stating that these structures are energy efficient and extremely sustainable. The interest for economical and sustainable structures, results in the increments in numerous designers to unravel the universe of vernacular design all throughout the planet, so to combine conventional viewpoints with current methods. Ladakh is one of the world's most hostile environments for human survival. Located in India's far north, the region sees sub-zero temperatures in the winter. Despite the harsh surroundings, humanity has continued to live in the area for generations. The native inhabitants have devised a highly efficient and climatically sensitive vernacular architecture thanks to their ancient indigenous understanding of building construction. This paper seeks to rethink vernacular architecture as a philosophy thusly intends to clarify the cultural values, identical architectural designs, and stereotypical patterns by exploring sustainability as a reason for identity in culture and architecture. A research database is created by compiling a large number of studies from original sources. The research analyses the supportability, capability of sustainability of vernacular architecture in the region through comparative study in order to develop basic principles as guidelines for recreating societal traits and expose the identity of contemporary architecture in the world.