Examples Of Vernacular Architecture Research Articles

Tabo Monastery (996 CE) A Vernacular Architecture of Lahaul and Spiti Region of Himachal Pradesh, India: A Preliminary Investigation of Deterioration and Conservation of Murals of gSer-Khang Gumpha

Tabo monastery of 996 CE, an example of vernacular architecture of the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most significant examples of world cultural heritage, being not only a globally significant Buddhist site but also the oldest earthen building in India. Cultural heritage acts as a mirror of human civilization, culture, history, and development. This monastery has its own identity, which tells the story of its glorious past; the structures of the monastery are the most authentic example of the use of earthen raw materials and indigenous architectural features. The major creative forces for these structures are rooted in the local needs and traditions, which have evolved slowly over time. The mural paintings of the monastery, which are deteriorating due to natural and human induced activities, depict Buddhist Indian History. The main aim of this study is to determine the causes of this deterioration, and identify conservation measures that can be undertaken to protect the mural paintings. In fact, remarkable conservation works are already being conducted by Archaeological Survey of India, which is laudable. However, the investigation of the monastery’s structural features, techniques used in mural execution, and the relevant climatic conditions of the region, with identification of causes of deterioration can be used to develop a more effective and sustainable conservation approach for preservation of these murals in the future.

VERNAKÜLER MİMARİDE DOĞAL IŞIĞIN SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİRLİK BAĞLAMINDA İNCELENMESİ

One of the primary aspects of the concept of sustainability is the reduction in the need for artificial light sources with the natural lighting method often used in vernacular architecture. Artificial light sources are often used in interior spaces as a result of the developments in the lighting technology. Lighting products using modern technology harm the environment during the production stage and following the expiry of their lifecycle and also cause problems as waste. Moreover, most use a technology that is far from being sustainable. They harm the environment as waste after their lifecycle expires. Examining examples of architecture constructed with modern construction methods and where natural lighting is used to the maximum extent, it is observed that daylight is preferred in interior spaces due to being more economic, healthy and environmentally friendly. However, the variety of methods used to receive natural light into interior spaces also sets the architectural character of the building. This study discusses selected examples of vernacular architecture to underline the natural lighting techniques that support the notion of sustainability. The study describes the effect of natural lighting on interior space and then examines the relationship between vernacular architecture and the natural lighting technique. The subject is described under topics such as vertical and horizontal window apertures as the method for receiving light into the interior space and the yard system, and the various modes of architecture observed in various climate regions are interpreted in the context of sustainability.

Network of Architecture Roads

In the literature that follows the history and theory of architecture,architecture is mainly studied from the aspect of disposition, constructionand materialization “in itself”, sporadically establishing the “originality”(first appearance) of certain dimensions of architectural solutions andtheir connection with solutions from previous historical epochs. The titleof this work (Network of Architectural Paths) suggests the simultaneousuniqueness (authenticity) of people and their culture throughout the planetEarth and comprehensiveness (universality) of human ideas and all formsof human creativity. The aim of this work is to show the authenticity ofideas (expressed by architecture) in accordance with the concrete naturaland social environment and, at the same time, their mutual connection(networking) on the global world level (Earth). Examples of vernaculararchitecture in various parts of the world and examples of author’s(contemporary) architecture in other parts of the world that are articulatedin the language of the modern era while preserving the concepts of theirvernecular “models” are thus compared. The methodological approachin this paper is based on the author’s theory of architecture, which hedescribed and published in his book: Hadrovic, A. (2007). DefiningArchitectural Space on the Model of the Oriental Style CityHouse inBosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia,Booksurge, LLC, North Charleston, SC, USA.

Network of Architecture Roads

In the literature that follows the history and theory of architecture,architecture is mainly studied from the aspect of disposition, constructionand materialization “in itself”, sporadically establishing the “originality”(first appearance) of certain dimensions of architectural solutions andtheir connection with solutions from previous historical epochs. The titleof this work (Network of Architectural Paths) suggests the simultaneousuniqueness (authenticity) of people and their culture throughout the planetEarth and comprehensiveness (universality) of human ideas and all formsof human creativity. The aim of this work is to show the authenticity ofideas (expressed by architecture) in accordance with the concrete naturaland social environment and, at the same time, their mutual connection(networking) on the global world level (Earth). Examples of vernaculararchitecture in various parts of the world and examples of author’s(contemporary) architecture in other parts of the world that are articulatedin the language of the modern era while preserving the concepts of theirvernecular “models” are thus compared. The methodological approachin this paper is based on the author’s theory of architecture, which hedescribed and published in his book: Hadrovic, A. (2007). DefiningArchitectural Space on the Model of the Oriental Style CityHouse inBosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia,Booksurge, LLC, North Charleston, SC, USA.

Sustainable Development of Vernacular Residential Architecture: A Case Study of the Karuč Settlement in the Skadar Lake Region of Montenegro

Vernacular architecture and its responses to natural factors through architectural patterns are recognized as expressions of bioclimatic principles and national architectural responses to location. The vernacular architectural heritage of architecture is one of the most important factors in preserving and developing the cultural identity of a nation. Through research on the vernacular architecture of the coastal area of Skadar Lake, our goal is to recognize and potentially valorize the local traditional characteristics of authentic houses as ecological building patterns, which also express the fundamentals of sustainability principles. Although examples of vernacular architecture are disappearing due to contemporary globalization, and a mere imitation of motifs from past periods occurs, the historical specifics of architectural expression remain the inspiration and catalyst for future achievements based on the idea of preserving the local and regional recognizability of architecture. This research resulted in a redefinition of vernacular, bioclimatic concepts in a way that preserves construction techniques, which basically have an ecological approach, and, at the same time, provides modern solutions with bioclimatic concepts. The case study conducted on the village of Karuč in the area of Skadar Lake presented in the paper contributes to revealing the potential of bioclimatic principles and the energy rehabilitation of vernacular architecture in order to revitalize it through a new contemporary architectural expression. This study’s contents propose revitalization solutions at two levels of the following: settlement and typical houses. The study also aims to create a model, that is, a modern expression of a characteristic Karuč house, with improved functionality and energy characteristics for national architecture. Identifying all the basic building patterns, including the positioning of buildings, construction, the application of available materials, and the design of buildings, this paper presents conditions for the adequate valorization and preservation of authentic vernacular architecture and creates guidelines for further upgrades and the bioclimatic revitalization of vernacular architecture in a certain location.

Sustainability of historic rural settlements based on participatory conservation approach: Kemer Village in Turkey

PurposeThis paper aims to address the issue of the conservation and management of rural cultural heritage, with the aim being to gain an understanding of current problems and needs through a participatory approach, in recognition of the uniqueness of the relationship between nature, humankind and the built environment as an area of study. To this end, a comprehensive case study – Kemer Village in Turkey – focusing on the social sustainability and participatory approaches for the sustainable development of rural settlements is given. Accordingly, possible conservation, management and sustainability strategies are put forward considering the priorities and perspectives of different stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThis paper approaches the subject of rural heritage conservation and management from a social sustainability standpoint, involving an on-site investigation to understand the physical and social context of Kemer Village in Turkey, which has links to different periods in history, and contains significant examples of vernacular architecture and that has maintained its cultural characteristics. Tools and criteria for participatory planning approach were applied ensuring the involvement of the local community and stakeholders.FindingsThe findings of the present study reveal rural settlements to be important factors in the cultural heritage conservation and indicate the importance of prescient management and the adoption of a sustainable development model. Achieving the desired level of sustainability in historical villages through conservation of the built environment with the involvement of the local community is possible, as can be seen in the case of Kemer Village in Turkey, where the villagers and the local authorities worked in cooperation to ensure the preservation of the village's integrity.Originality/valueThis study will describe possible long-term strategies and actions aimed at involving the local community in the sustainable conservation of the rural cultural heritage while also embracing change. It is important that the concept of sustainability is realized with participatory planning methods. In addition to that, rural heritage and social sustainability together incorporate a widespread but rarely considered set of issues addressing local needs in conservation.

Geometry and Proportions of Adobe Vernacular Buildings in Cuenca, Ecuador

ABSTRACT The Historic Centre of Cuenca, recognized as World Heritage Site since 1999, is characterized by the relevant presence of traditional buildings which load-bearing structural elements are made of unbaked earth. Despite representing a unique example of vernacular architecture, an in-depth analysis of the buildings’ geometric features as their vulnerability against seismic actions is still missing. First, this paper presents a brief description of the most common construction system of these constructions. Next, 45 case studies are investigated with the support of in-site surveys carried out by the authors. In light of these investigations, this research sheds light on the geometrical configuration of these constructions and offers a new interpretation of their architecture. Finally, the geometrical data gathered in the surveys are compared with the recommendations given by international codes and analysed providing a first preliminary assessment of their structural vulnerability and insights on the most vulnerable case studies.

Traditional folk economic buildings on the Tara mountain

Traditional folk architecture on Tara mountain, generally speaking, belongs to cultural areal of traditional building of dinarska brvnara type, i.e. building made of wood. In direct connection with Zlatibor mountain, where we can find some of the best examples of vernacular architecture, traditional building on Tara mountain does not show any specificity but at the same time does not lag behind comparison with other regions with the same type of building. In this paper we are presenting results of ethnographic field research in traditional folk construction of economic buildings. The field research was accomplished during years 2015 and 2016 in villages on Tara. The emphasis is on the economic buildings which are directly derived from structure of economic activities of rural population and we are taking into account both traditional and contemporary economic buildings. In this paper basic forms of organisation of space in households are presented as well. Preliminary analysis of the economic buildings on Tara shows that they clearly follow needs of traditional economy, needs which are determined with the culture of social organization as well as with the structure of economic organization. Construction and architecture of economic buildings also points out that they are on high utilitarian level and that they can represent relations between some economic activities.

From Point Cloud to HBIM to FEA, the Case of a Vernacular Architecture

The preservation of architectural heritage represents a major asset for economic development in several countries. Nevertheless, its protection remains a complex task due to its high vulnerability, especially in seismic zones. The intervention on the historical buildings requires the creation of a numerical and digital support shared by the different building specialists (architects, conservators, engineers, designers), which can contain all of the data relating to the construction. This will allow to ensure not only a better interchangeability between the different disciplines but also a correct and coherent conception and execution of the interventions. The introduction of 3D digitization tools, particularly the 3D laser scanner, plays a major role during the realization of the architectural survey. Indeed, the use of the architectural modeling software based on Building Information Modeling and Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline allows first of all to move from the point cloud to an accurate 3D numerical model exploitable for various types of analysis, such as structural analysis, building archeology analysis, and thermal analysis. We propose through this article an unprecedented application of the 3D laser scanner on an example of vernacular architecture, constituting a truly unique type of “Medina.” The object of the study is an aggregate composed of five houses, falling inside the Kasbah of Algiers, which since 1992 has been classified as “universal heritage” by UNESCO. The architectural survey is followed by a demonstration of numerical modelling based on 10 grades of generation using two categories of software founded mainly on Building Information Modeling and Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline. Two kinds of numerical models are obtained: a first architectural model will be exploited during the building archaeology principally based on the 3D scanning results and a second structural model that will be used for structural analysis through a Finite Element Analysis software.

The Continuity of Vernacular Architecture amidst Changes, Village Shyopura, India

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to understand the spatial structure with respect to permeability of vernacular/rural architecture of Rajasthan state in India. It also attempts to investigate the relationship of courtyard as an important aspect of rural housing. Design/Methodology/Approach This paper examines the typology of rural houses of a Rajasthan village built over more than a century. It justifies the continuity of typology through activities helping in understanding the vernacular environment as a concept in popular or domestic rural architecture. With the help of space syntax methods the spatial pattern and social relationship has been understood. Paper is divided in four major parts. The first part discusses the concept of vernacular along with the contextual village. The second part discusses the methodology of space syntax and method of making justified graph. The third part discusses the data analysis. Finally the conclusions are discussed. The research makes use of space syntax methodology with the help of Justified Graphs of 10 different houses of Village Shyopura in Mandawa town of district Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan state of India. These houses were built during past 125 years. Findings The results of the analysis show how the traditional typological approach to housing forms remains still relevant as an example of vernacular architecture. The study’s aim is to avail insight into the continuity of vernacular traditions with specific interest and socio-cultural relation of spatial formation of courtyard in houses the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the study have been combined together to reach at the conclusions. Research Limitations/Implications Due to time limit only 10 houses have been studied in hot dry climatic region of India. There continuity of vernacular architecture can be tested by using the similar methodology use3d here to establish stronger relevance of the argument. Social/Practical Implications The research establishes the continuity, but on a slight note also mentions of changing architectural arrangements of vernacular houses. Conservation architects have potential work to do in such areas. Originality/Value The study has been conducted and tested with a unique methodology adopted in India

MANAGEMENT OF A RESTORED ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: THE VILLA FICANA ECOMUSEUM (ITALY)

Abstract. Ficana, the area of raw earth houses built in the 19th century in the town of Macerata, is an example of vernacular architecture. About ten years ago it was restored. The restoration work – ordered by the Municipality – concerned half of the about fifty houses that make up the neighbourhood. The restored houses have been used for some years by local associations for cultural activities. Recently, after a public competition, the nine houses belonging to the municipality were granted, free of charge, to a group of cultural associations in order to create an Ecomuseum. The Villa Ficana Ecomuseum of raw earth houses was initiated in May 2016. Currently, the activity is dedicated to the implementation of initiatives aimed at rediscovering and enhancing local culture and memory. The inhabitants of Ficana and the entire citizenship are involved in the initiatives. Another field of action for the Ecomuseum is the study and enhancement of the constructive technique of raw earth building. This activity is aimed at professionals, owners and all those involved in green building and sustainable development. An important aspect of the Ecomuseum's activity is the fact that management work is carried out by young volunteers: young people engaged in the experience of the European and National Community Service. This also makes a fruitful exchange between local and European realities possible.

AN HISTORICALLY-INFORMED APPROACH TO THE CONSERVATION OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE: THE CASE OF THE PHLEGREAN FARMHOUSES

Abstract. Landscape is always the object of countless mutations: some of them disrupt its identifying features; others leave intact its original traits. Vernacular architecture is linked closely to the vocation of its landscapes, especially agricultural ones: this is the case of Pianura, a neighbourhood in the Phlegrean western suburban area of Naples, where the remains of vernacular architecture and its connections to agriculture are still traceable among the unstoppable process of building speculation which, since the 1960s, has torn up the rural fabric. In this uncontrolled development of the modern city, the architectural heritage of the farmhouse has shown its resilience: although parts of it appear to have been completely engulfed by the uncontrolled expansion of the city, in as many cases farmhouses have endured time, degradation, and indifference towards their historical value. In the heart of the neighbourhood, the masseria, with all its recurring features, remains the most widespread housing model, despite more recent interventions. Through the study of the history and architectural features of Masseria S. Lorenzo, this contribution aims to identify possible guidelines and strategies for the conservation of the material and immaterial values of these examples of vernacular architecture, putting them on a restoration and re-functionalisation path that is mindful of their past heritage and future potential.

Vernacular Havelies of Bikaner: Indigenous Method for Thermal Comfort

Vernacular architecture based on bioclimatic concepts was developed and used through the centuries by many civilizations across the world. Bikaner is a non-river basin settlement in the hot and dry climatic zone of India and cooling of indoor spaces is the single main agenda for habitation design as the temperature is very harsh throughout the year. The vernacular architecture of the Bikaner Haveli’s has provided a comfortable shelter against the harsh climatic conditions of the region and has survived for many decades. Physical analysis of the Haveli’s provide with substantial data on their thermally comfortable design. The indigenous approach of its inhabitants for achieving comfort in these harsh climatic conditions is an exciting study area. Acclimatization plays a vital role in the perception of thermal comfort, and the younger generation does not perceive the same situation as comfortable as their parents and the natives of the land due to behavioural change. Bikaner have many Havelis dating over 250 years old, and these are master examples of vernacular architecture built by the indigenous community in response to the geographical location, climatic condition, and emerging from their cultural needs. The objective of the research is to understand indigenous cooling systems employed by the people and how they work. The process of physiological adjustment that takes place when subjected to stressful situations. The results show that the natural and passive design systems provide a comfortable indoor environment irrespective of the outdoor climatic variation. Is it more useful to re-introduces the native ways of lifestyle practices rather than adapting to global ways of living. In the paper, an attempt to bring forth the climate responsiveness, appropriateness and the adaptive lifestyle of the inhabitants of the vernacular Havelis of Bikaner.

DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF BAMBOO IN CONTEMPORARY VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the development of design concepts for a row of typical bamboo houses, including the layout configuration and the function/aesthetics properties that are important from an architectural perspective. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of bamboo in investigations of structural and sustainability benefits and to highlight key research ideas that are important for industrialized production and cultural systems. The development of bamboo housing systems can advance efforts directed at securing home ownership for low-income families through lowering the construction costs to levels that are within their budgets. This paper aims to demonstrate approaches for using bamboo as a structural material for low-income and affordable housing. Bamboo housing can improve the financial stability and economic sustainability of low-income families. This paper presents a review of examples of vernacular architecture and building elements and then highlights the design of two bamboo-structure residential houses based on bio-climatic design strategies.

Design concepts for the integration of bamboo in contemporary vernacular architecture

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses the development of design concepts for a row of typical bamboo houses, including the layout configuration and the function/aesthetics properties that are important from an architectural perspective. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of bamboo in investigations of structural and sustainability benefits and to highlight key research ideas that are important for industrialized production and cultural systems. The development of bamboo housing systems can advance efforts directed at securing home ownership for low-income families through lowering the construction costs to levels that are within their budgets. This paper aims to demonstrate approaches for using bamboo as a structural material for low-income and affordable housing. Bamboo housing can improve the financial stability and economic sustainability of low-income families. This paper presents a review of examples of vernacular architecture and building elements and then highlights the design of two bamboo-structure residential houses based on bio-climatic design strategies.

LOG HOUSES IN LES LAURENTIDES. FROM ORAL TRADITION TO AN INTEGRATED DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION BASED ON THE RE-DISCOVERY OF THE TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTIVE-GEOGRAPHICAL ‘REPERTOIRES’ THROUGH DIGITAL BIM DATA ARCHIVE

Abstract. This paper presents an integrated approach between digital documentation workflows and historical research in order to document log houses, outstanding example of vernacular architecture in Quebec, focusing on their geometrical-dimensional as well as on the intangible elements associated with these historical structures. The 18 log houses selected in the Laurentians represent the material culture of how settlers adapted to the harsh Quebec environment at the end of the nineteenth century. The essay describes some results coming by professor Mariana Esponda in 2015 (Carleton University) and the digital documentation was carried out through the grant New Paradigm/New Tools for Architectural Heritage in Canada, supported by SSHRC Training Program) (May-August 2016). The workflow of the research started with the digital documentation, accomplished with laser scanning techniques, followed by onsite observations, and archival researches. This led to the creation of an 'abacus', a first step into the development of a territorialhistorical database of the log houses, potentially updatable by other researchers. Another important part of the documentation of these buildings has been the development of Historic Building Information Models fundamental to analyze the geometry of the logs and to understand how these constructions were built. The realization of HBIMs was a first step into the modeling of irregular shapes such as those of the logs – different Level of Detail were adopted in order to show how the models can be used for different purposes. In the future, they can potentially be used for the creation of a virtual tour app for the story telling of these buildings.

Tracing sustainable design strategies in the example of the traditional Ohrid house

This paper examines the sustainable design strategies of the Balkan vernacular architecture in the example of the traditional Ohrid house. The approach regarding the problem of resource conservation which is present in the selected examples of vernacular architecture offers the possibility of analysing and discussing the building strategies of the past, which are still considered to be relevant in terms of sustainability and environmental design. The subject of this research is the sustainable design strategies that refer to the reuse of building material and the measures regarding waste reduction in the form of its incorporation into new building materials. The research points to sustainable solutions regarding on-site minimisation of construction waste in the example of the traditional Ohrid house during the following three phases of the life cycle of both the material and the building: pre-building, building, and post-building phase. The applied on-site waste minimisation measures and the principle of using materials with low-embodied energy, identified in the example of the traditional Ohrid house, can be understood as the conceptual basis for finding more efficient solutions in today's material and energy conservation practices, proving that sustainable architecture could be achieved by a simple and thoughtful application of local materials and building techniques.

Integrating Green Building Approaches to Interior Architecture Education: A Cross-Cultural Study

The success of the efforts for green building depends largely on integrating such approaches with building design education. However, most of the existing studies on green building have focused on the technical issues, while its socio-cultural and educational aspects have been less examined. In order to alleviate the problem, this paper presents an international workshop that explores how green building design can be taught in a global teamwork project using a green building assessment system, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) checklist as a framework and examples of vernacular architecture as precedents. The results of an empirical survey reveals a gap between students' general learning about green building in a developing and a developed country and suggests that a collaborative project experience may facilitate bridging the gap and exchanging technical and cultural information related to sustainability.

Climate responsive building design strategies of vernacular architecture in Nepal

Vernacular architecture is the result of hundreds of years of optimization to provide a comfortable shelter in a local climate using available materials and known construction technologies. Due to the absence of mechanical means, traditional buildings use solar passive measures to achieve thermal comfort conditions. In most developing countries it can be observed that with the modernization of the building sector this traditional knowledge of smart and climate responsive design is being lost. Instead the modern building design is dominated by universal architecture that neglects local climate conditions and traditional construction techniques and materials. This paper reviews examples of vernacular architecture and its building elements in Nepal and analyses in a qualitative manner which bioclimatic design strategies were applied.

Molinos de viento en Andalucía: nuevas herramientas para su puesta en valor

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