Abstract
The many declinations of the idea of sustainability in architecture concern different disciplinary areas as well as all phases of the construction process. Alongside the more established categories of the sustainability of materials used and the technical construction processes and economic investments mobilized, there are now new facets of the idea of sustainability. They affect the impact that architecture can have on communities in terms of social relations and quality of context of life. This work explores the idea of landscape sustainability of architecture, understood as the ability of man-made interventions to belong to the context and the inhabitants, while promoting forms of alliance with the ecosystems at multiple spatial and temporal scale. Starting from the analysis of some trends in contemporary architecture that deals with these problems, the research identifies the volcanic environment as a terrain for exploration, with particular interest in its natural characteristics and dynamic interactions with anthropic contexts. After choosing the region of Macaronesia as a case study, the research focuses on the work of Fernando Menis. As an architect from the Canary Islands, he has developed his own modus operandi which, while rooted in its original context, is inspired by principles of social, cultural, and landscape sustainability of architecture that are valid today everywhere. The objective of this work is therefore to draw a reflection from his architectural poetics, with the intention of outlining the features of a possible contemporary design posture based on principles of landscape sustainability.
Highlights
IntroductionIf the early 20th century was about technological advances, breaking from the architectural past, and the promises of the International Style, the 21st century might be shaping up to take us back to the humanity of architecture, not its technical prowess.” [1]
Exemplary projects carried out in the different archipelagos are examined, highlighting the common attention to volcanic ground. This is understood both as an identity element of the landscape with which the architectural project has fruitful relations, and as a bulwark of resistance against the threats of homogenization and trivialization of the landscape coming from the trends of cultural globalization. These materials are useful to facilitate a situational interpretation of the work of the Canarian architect Fernando Menis, who is considered exemplary from the point of view of landscape sustainability because of the characteristics highlighted below
The aim of this section is to deepen the analysis of the work of Fernando Menis
Summary
If the early 20th century was about technological advances, breaking from the architectural past, and the promises of the International Style, the 21st century might be shaping up to take us back to the humanity of architecture, not its technical prowess.” [1]. This passage from a more general reflection by architect Mariam Kamara, Nigerian in origin, overturns the dominant logic of the idea of progress in architecture, reducing the importance of technology in favor of humanity and highlighting the potential of marginal places of the world as “modelholders” for the sustainable design of today
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
