Architectural Legacy Research Articles

Alvar Aalto and his three Italian collaborators: cultural cross-pollination and architectural legacy

This article delves into the synergistic relationship between Alvar Aalto and his three Italian collaborators: Leonardo Mosso, Federico Marconi, and Vezio Nava. By examining their contributions, experiences, and professional trajectories, the paper sheds light on the significance of the Italian influence on the Finnish architect and challenges misconceptions surrounding the organisation of his architectural studio. Interviews with the three Italian architects provide insights into their early interest in Aalto's work, the trajectories that brought them to Finland, and their roles within the atelier. The article also explores the process behind Aalto's architectural projects, emphasising his approach to nurturing creativity and his collaborative and empowering nature. Additionally, it investigates the lasting impact of Aalto on the three Italian architects, their subsequent careers, and their efforts to promote and preserve Aalto's architectural legacy in Italy. Finally, the study highlights the enduring significance of the relationship between Aalto and his Italian colleagues for contemporary architects and designers.

The Restoration of New Gourna: Safeguarding the Legacy of Hassan Fathy

Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna project in Egypt (1946-52) is renowned as a pioneering example of sustainable urban settlement, integrating traditional technologies with modern architectural principles and serving as an inspiration to architects and planners worldwide. But decades of neglect have resulted in major structural deterioration and demolitions of the original buildings. In response, a project titled “Safeguarding Hassan Fathy’s Architectural Legacy in New Gourna” has been undertaken through a collaboration between UNESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, as defined by the National Organization for Urban Harmony (NOUH) for the period 2019-21. This initiative aims to conserve and repurpose the public heritage buildings while addressing the critical issue of groundwater. NOUH has now taken the project into a second phase (2023-24). This paper outlines the symptoms and causes of deterioration in New Gourna Village and reviews the restoration efforts applied to four major buildings: the khan, the mosque, the theater, and Hassan Fathy’s house. Further research will detail the restoration project in each case, including the documentation phase and the specific restoration techniques applied to each structural element and material.

The legacy of Erich Mendelsohn – expression and context in the architecture of Modern Movement.

In 2021, the international community of architectural and art historians started the so called “Erich Mendelsohn Initiative”, with the goal of inscribing the architectural legacy of Erich Mendelsohn on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite some efforts, the final list of nominated buildings, along with the Statement of their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and the title of the nomination has not yet been established. This article presents a new, authorial look at Erich Mendelsohn’s legacy in view of the UNESCO World Heritage. It analyses the global significance of Erich Mendelsohn’s legacy in the opinions of leading architectural historians of the 20th century. The article puts forward the preliminary list of Mendelsohn’s realisations which should embody his legacy, the criteria for assessment their historical value and the proposed title of the nomination. The main part of the article is defining the first two sections of the “Statement of Outstanding Universal Value”, to be presented in the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. According to the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention they are: the “Brief synthesis”, and the “Justification for Criteria”. In conclusion, the author argues, that the most significant qualities of Erich Mendelsohn’s architectural works are their strong expression and their dialog with the local context. Therefore, these features should be the main subjects of the Outstanding Universal Value Statement, the title and in the main narrative points of the nomination dossier for the inscription of Erich Mendelsohn’s legacy on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Spatial Characteristics of Mithila Architecture

Mithila, a region steeped in history and culture, nestled within the Indian subcontinent, emerges as a captivating tapestry of geographical and architectural heritage. Bounded by significant natural landmarks, Mithila's rich history dates back to 6000 BCE, enduring diverse epochs under various rulers. In the face of relentless urbanization, the study of Mithila's architecture becomes a crucial endeavor to conserve the essence of this community. This research explores the intricate layers of Mithila's architectural legacy, delving into the living history of its people and providing a roadmap for integrating tradition into contemporary developments. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study navigates cultural and historical transitions, architectural intricacies, and traditional residential structures in Mithila. The research methodology employs qualitative methods, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews, focusing on Janakpur as a research site. Analyzing spatial characteristics reveals intentional orientations, meticulous planning, and the ingenious use of bamboo, mud plaster, and vibrant paintings in building materials and technology. The elevation treatment of Mithila houses emerges as a dynamic manifestation of cultural identity seamlessly blended with architectural innovation. This research contributes to the discourse on cultural and heritage conservation, emphasizing the urgency of empowering local communities to preserve and celebrate Mithila's unique architectural legacy.

Exploring Traditional Nepalese Building Techniques and Timber’s Role Structural Integrity

This paper aims to explore traditional Nepalese building construction techniques and the significant role of timber in enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of these buildings. With a long history of utilizing materials that are readily available locally, particularly wood, clay, stone, Nepal a country renowned for its rich architectural legacy has built buildings employing these resources. The study delves into the various traditional building techniques employed in Nepal, including the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance associated with them. Additionally, it investigates the unique properties of timber that make it an ideal choice for construction in the Nepalese context. The finding talks about the construction of buildings various techniques which are employed to assemble structures. This includes information, on building materials, functional space allocation and the terminologies used in building construction. These terminologies hold value as they are derived from our tradition, in building construction technology. The findings of this research can serve as a valuable resource for architects, engineers, conservationists, and policymakers involved in the restoration and sustainable development of traditional Nepalese buildings.

Viewpoint: Buildings Are the Stories of Our Lives: Historic Preservation and the Architectural Legacies of Chinese American Exclusion in Small-Town America

Viewpoint: Buildings Are the Stories of Our Lives: Historic Preservation and the Architectural Legacies of Chinese American Exclusion in Small-Town America

Knowledge Mobility and the Emergence of Contemporary Iraqi Architecture (1936–1958)

Planned by the British in the aftermath of World War I, the new state of Iraq—ruled by the Hashemite kingdom (1921–1958) under British mandate—emerged on the land of Mesopotamia and inherited its enormous cultural and architectural legacy. Colonial discourse was adopted by the British during the Hashemite reign to impose Western culture and hegemony. This paper reviews the impact of this colonial discourse in terms of Western architectural knowledge mobility on shaping Iraqi contemporary architecture in this epoch. The paper traces the education of nine notable early Iraqi architects with Western architectural academic backgrounds and studies 13 of their public buildings executed in 1936–1958, to reveal the stance of those architects toward this discourse and how their buildings connected to the legacy of Iraqi architecture. Findings rest on a style-coverage of the main local architectural legacy and Western architectural façade’s characteristics to detect and examine the nature and intensity of the transformations that the façades of these buildings exhibit compared to local traditions. Findings show that knowledge mobility helped develop certain types of architects’ responses toward local architectural traditions and colonial discourse that evolved through time during the study target epoch.

Architecture & Life of Indore City -The Heart Of Modern India

Indore, nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, epitomizes a harmonious blend of historical architectural marvels and contemporary urban landscapes. This paper embarks on a comprehensive journey through the architectural tapestry of Indore, unraveling its historical epochs, iconic edifices, and the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity in shaping its urban fabric. Employing a multidisciplinary lens encompassing historical narratives, urban design theories, and cultural discourses, this research endeavors to offer profound insights into the distinctive architectural character of Indore and its profound implications within the broader spectrum of Indian urbanism. Moreover, it illuminates the challenges impeding the preservation of Indore's architectural legacy while navigating the imperatives of sustainable urban development. Keywords: Indore, architecture, heritage, urban dynamics, Madhya Pradesh, India.

A Study of Vernacular Architecture of Tamil Nadu

This research study examines the rich legacy of vernacular architecture in Tamil Nadu, India, with an emphasis on its historical relevance, architectural features, and sustainable practices. Tamil Nadu's vernacular architecture has a wide spectrum of forms, from major Dravidian temples to simple the village houses. These structures provide not just functional needs, but also represent the communities' cultural identity and religious values. Furthermore, vernacular architecture in Tamil Nadu is highly sensitive to the local environment, with buildings planned to maximize natural ventilation, lighting, and thermal comfort. Traditional building materials like lime, timber, and terracotta are supplied locally, reducing environmental effects, and encouraging sustainability. Focusing on historical documents and academic research this study investigates the cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental influences that have impacted Tamil Nadu's vernacular architecture throughout the centuries. It also examines the current relevance of traditional architectural techniques in the context of growing urbanization and industrialization, highlighting the importance of maintaining and incorporating indigenous knowledge into sustainable development initiatives. Through case studies and comparative research, the article emphasizes the adaptability of Tamil Nadu's vernacular architecture, as well as its potential contributions to modern architectural discourse and sustainable design practices. Keywords- Vernacular, architecture, climate responsiveness, sustainability, Tamil Nadu, South India, courtyard, Chettinad.

Cultural Character Analysis on Architectural Elements of the Chinese Temples’ Buildings before the 19th Century in Central Java

The research provided an in-depth exploration of the architectural nuances of pre-19th century Chinese temples in Central Java, Indonesia, emphasizing their cultural significance and relevance. A detailed examination of a range of temples identified unique architectural features that reflected a sophisticated synthesis of Chinese cultural elements and local Javanese traditions. Applying a qualitative method, the research integrated historical scrutiny with architectural analysis, meticulously examining stylistic attributes, construction methodologies, and decorative patterns typical of these temples. The key discoveries highlight an intricate amalgamation of traditional Chinese architectural principles with native materials and craftsmanship, culminating in a distinctive, hybrid architectural form. This fusion not only symbolizes the cultural convergence and assimilation between Chinese immigrants and the indigenous Javanese during the pre-colonial era but also underscores the role of these temples as pivotal preservers of Chinese cultural heritage in Java. Furthermore, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the diversity within architectural practices and offers insightful perspectives on the historical and socio-cultural dynamics in Central Java. The novelty of the research is anchored in its focused examination of a historically and geographically specific context, its interdisciplinary and thorough approach, the revelation of a unique hybrid architectural style, and its significant insights into the cultural and sociological dimensions of Central Java’s architectural legacy.

The Sustainable Development of Urban Planning and Architectural Identity in Barka City – Oman

This study examines the concept of architectural identity and its importance in attaining sustainable urban growth, using the seaside city of Barka in Oman as a model. Architectural identity refers to the unique features and attributes that distinguish a particular site or structure, which are influenced by cultural, historical, social, economic, and environmental aspects. As Barka rapidly urbanizes, there is an urgent need to strike a balance between modern development needs and the preservation of the city's distinctive architectural legacy and urban fabric. The study examines Barka's current urban morphology, vernacular architecture, and community needs to create a framework for guiding future growth in a balanced manner. It focuses on combining contemporary designs with traditional Omani architectural components to create a unified feeling of place and social sustainability. Maintaining architectural identity is critical not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for promoting cultural continuity, community resilience, and inhabitants' sense of belonging. By evaluating varied architectural styles throughout neighborhoods, the study identifies contextually relevant planning and design interventions that preserve Barka's roots while improving livability. Finally, it seeks to educate politicians and urban practitioners on how to create an inclusive development path that respects Barka's unique identity while meeting modern needs.

PRESERVING AND SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IDENTITY OF ISLAMIC RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE HEJAZ REGION IN KSA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a rich urban and architectural legacy that dates back to the numerous eras of Islamic civilization. This study investigates the environmental influence on Ottoman-style heritage structures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Hejaz Region. The region was chosen because of its diverse climates, which include a hot, dry environment in the middle of the Western Desert and a hot, humid climate on the Red Sea coast. Heritage buildings are examined from design, architectural, and urban perspectives to learn how environmental sustainability is achieved and to examine building materials and their sustainability. Furthermore, common architectural characteristics, systems, and designs are recognized to be integrated into modern building design for the contemporary era to maintain their design uniqueness.

From Temples to Theaters: Unveiling the Layers of Life in Classical Greece and Rome through Architectural Typologies

This research comprehensively explores the architectural legacies of Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, delving into the innovative concepts of order in Greek architecture and the classical orders of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Parthenon, an iconic Greek temple, serves as an exemplar of these orders, highlighting aesthetic and structural ideals. Beyond temples, Greek architecture embraces diverse typologies like marketplaces, theaters, palaestrae, bouleuterions, and auditoriums. Shifting focus to Roman civilization renowned for grandeur and gladiatorial spectacles, the paper examines architectural contributions and monumental structures, exemplified by the Pantheon's innovative material usage and dome construction. The exploration extends to various Roman typologies, including theaters, amphitheaters, thermae, and aqueducts, revealing the multifaceted nature of Roman urban planning. Chronologically tracing Greek architectural evolution, the paper examines the Parthenon's construction and refinements. Greek typologies such as theaters, agora, stoae, palaestra, and bouleuterion are scrutinized for cultural significance and civic importance. Transitioning to Roman architectural developments, the paper highlights contributions, innovations, and monumental structures defining Roman civilization. Roman thermae and aqueducts emerge as engineering marvels, underscoring sophistication in public spaces. Surviving structures in the Roman Forum symbolize Roman achievements. This exploration aims to unravel intricate connections between the built environment and socio-cultural, political, and economic dynamics in both ancient societies. The legacy of Greek and Roman architecture, seen in temples, public spaces, and cultural hubs, leaves an indelible mark on history, offering insights into collective identities and aspirations of classical antiquity. Key Words: Architectural Legacies, Classical Orders, Greek Typologies, Roman Urban Planning, Socio-cultural Dynamics

The Architectural Legacy of Lithuanians in the United States during the Post-World War II Era: A Monument to the Cold War

The architectural heritage directly related to the refugees from Europe who came to the USA as a result of World War II is still an under-researched topic. New post-war arrivals from the displaced persons camps resulted in a sizeable growth of the already well-established Lithuanian community, infusing it with highly educated professionals. This also included many architects who needed to adapt and continue their practice in a different environment while also finding a way to be useful for the objectives of their national group. The aim of this paper is to examine the architectural legacy of the Lithuanian community in the post-war decades in the USA, emphasizing buildings that were designed with a specific aspiration to implement national character. Research finds that buildings built for the Lithuanian community carried a strong symbolical language that was a peculiar, yet enriching case, in regard to the then-dominant mid-century modernist trends. These structures show the determination of the national group to use their built environment as a medium to reinforce their identity and use architecture as a political statement. The paper proposes to interpret this politically motivated and stylistically distinctive architecture as monuments testifying to the political atmosphere of the Cold War. In this way, the heritage value of these buildings is linked not to avant-garde architectural styles, but to the political needs of a specific community in exile.

Teaching the difficult heritage of Italian Fascism

AbstractIn recent years, the architectural legacy and so-called ‘difficult heritage’ of Fascist Italy has become a flourishing field of research. These topics have also begun to make their way into the undergraduate classroom. To date, however, there has been little research carried out into the methods we use to teach the history of Fascism in particular. In this short article, we outline how we have applied problem-based learning and scenario-based learning approaches to tackle this topic. After presenting three assignments, we explain the benefits associated with a PBL/SBL approach, summarised under the headings of interdisciplinarity, creativity and authenticity, before highlighting some aspects on which colleagues may wish to reflect if they are considering adopting a similar approach in their teaching.

Analyses of the Spatial Morphology of Traditional Yunnan Villages Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing

Traditional villages are encountering contemporary problems in terms of preservation and comprehension as a result of their complex spatial morphologies, which are distinguished by their extensive cultural and architectural legacy, including distinctive architectural styles and historical significance. This study provides evidence that reinforces the unique characteristics of these settlements, supported by particular data and findings. The primary objective of this study is to employ a quantitative approach in order to assess and conserve the spatial morphology of the aforementioned villages. This will be achieved through the utilization of a novel methodology. The utilization of oblique photography technology, which involves taking photos from an angled perspective, along with the incorporation of many quantitative indices, enables the classification and evaluation of traditional villages. The indices encompass measurements such as length/width and perimeter/area ratios, shape index measurements for assessing form complexity, and fractal dimensions for quantifying pattern complexity. This methodology is employed to examine five discrete villages located in Yunnan Province, thereby uncovering distinctive village layouts and boundary characteristics and providing valuable insights into spatial cohesion. This approach offers a full analysis of traditional village morphologies, thus providing useful insights for the preservation of history and the protection of villages.

Modern Architecture of the Second Half of the XX Century in Local Contexts: Comparative Analysis of Housing Estates in Izmir, Turkey and Tychy, Poland

The modernist architecture of the twentieth century, often referred to as the International Style, exhibited diverse forms and urban layouts shaped by local cultural, economic, and political factors. To comprehensively understand the architectural heritage of this era, it is essential to consider both universal and local principles. This paper explores the adaptation of modernism within a local context by analysing the urban layouts of housing estates in Izmir (Turkey) and Tychy (Poland), constructed during the latter half of the twentieth century. The aim is to enhance our understanding of the architectural heritage of this modernist period through a comparative analysis. The selection of these examples is based on their shared formal similarities, despite the vastly different contexts in which they were built. While the circumstances surrounding the two cases were starkly dissimilar, the scale of the buildings and the spatial arrangements exhibit similarities. This study employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative methods such as observation and case study alongside quantitative methods such as research and surveys. The comparative analysis presented in this paper illuminates the local idiosyncrasies of architecture while unveiling the complexity of the modernist architectural legacy and the intricate developmental processes that culminated in ostensibly similar spatial outcomes. This proposed comparative analysis aims to address existing gaps in the literature on modern housing and contribute to broader discussions within an international context. It intends to promote knowledge, raise awareness, and contribute to the sustainable discourse of modern architecture.

"A Prison Ship Lies Waiting in The Bay": Penal Colonialism in the South Pacific

This article is offered as a contribution to this festschrift in honour of Professor Tony Smith, my colleague at Victoria University of Wellington. The main purpose of the article is to provide a Pacific orientation to the history of English criminal law and criminal and penal administration, as part of a collection of articles written as a tribute to Professor Smith's expertise and prominence in criminal law. The article draws on the historiography of English criminal law, a historiography with which Professor Smith is very familiar (and, indeed, knows some of its contributors personally). The article links this historiography to the wider historiography of the Pacific. Although the main focus is on Great Britain and the British system of convict transportation in the 18th and 19th centuries, the article also considers its French equivalent. France, too, shipped convicts to the Pacific, and just as the architectural legacy of the transportation era is obvious in Australia and Norfolk Island, it is also obvious in New Caledonia. The main approach has been to focus on "penal colonialism" as a specific variety of colonialism in its own right, and as an important dimension of British and French colonialism in the Pacific region during the colonial era. While New Zealand was not a penal colony as such, New Zealand had some connections of its own with British penal colonialism in the southwestern Pacific: New Zealand sent some convicts to the Australian penal colonies in New South Wales in Van Diemen's Land and also possessed a small-scale internal transportation of its own.

Community Engagement And Heritage Management: A Case Study Of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti

India, boasting millennia of history, showcases a diverse and culturally rich architectural legacy. Its extensive landmass and large population contribute to a wealth of cultural and natural heritage. Surprisingly, only around 15,000 heritage structures and landmarks enjoy legal protection. Even those of national, state, and local significance that are safeguarded face threats from urbanization, neglect, vandalism, and potential demolition. This prevailing state of heritage preservation for a substantial portion of India's national legacy arises from our failure to demonstrate that conservation endeavours can lead to more sustainable development outcomes. These heritage sites are intertwined with the lives of the surrounding communities. It is imperative to incorporate heritage management into the broader, community-defined development objectives. The current planning process in India is heavily centralized, resulting in limited community engagement in the heritage sector. This has created a divide among the people, obstructing the conservation efforts. This article aims to shed light on the factors contributing to the lack of community involvement and propose potential solutions, drawing insights from a case study of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti Urban Renewal Project.

Decoding the 'Artificial' Epoch: “Embracing Speculative Architectural-Design Methodologies in the era of AI by addressing the Computational Continuum”

In the contemporary epoch marked by paradigm shifts, as articulated by Saggio in "The IT Revolution in Architecture" (Saggio, 2013), our world is enmeshed in a tapestry of evolving architectural ideologies. The current correlative relationship between those, are blurred superimpositions of influential waves which define a multi-dimensional complexity which resembles a simplified fragrance of the quantum state. The integration of AI into architecture marks a seismic shift, challenging the very narrative that has historically defined architectural discourse. As AI methodologies continue to unfold, they introduce a paradoxical dynamic, redefining conventional perspectives and prompting a reexamination of architectural legacies. The roots of speculative design, deeply embedded in avant-garde movements of yore, now intersect intriguingly with the emergence of AI. Speculation, an inherent aspect of architectural exploration, discovers resonance in the iterative and generative capacities of AI methodologies. These technologies, acting as speculative agents themselves, transcend conventional design constraints, engendering a novel dialogue between human creativity and computational ingenuity. This unfolding narrative opens up new dimensions within the ever-evolving saga of architectural expression by reading and defining this dynamic tension, simultaneously challenging and aligning with tradition, propelling the discipline into unexplored territories that also embrace individualities. Within this metamorphic landscape, this research will try to articulate the correlation of generative design thinking in approaching AI generative methodologies in addressing new architectural design processes; precipitated as an emergence in the ever-evolving Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. This study lays a foundation for understanding AI's role in architecture but also points to significant areas for further inquiry.