Study on Bayu Vernacular Architecture and Culture-Baxian-Old-Courtyard

The vernacular architectural culture of the Bayu region is an important part of traditional Chinese architectural culture,of which the old courtyard in Baxian is a typical representative.The purpose of this paper is to explore the connotation and characteristics of Bayu vernacular architectural culture,and to take the old courtyard in Baxian as a specific research object,to analyze its architectural style,cultural connotation,and its value in contemporary society.The study of the old courtyard in Baxian can not only deepen the understanding of Bayu vernacular architectural culture but also provide a useful reference for the protection and inheritance of vernacular architecture.At the same time,this paper also calls for more people to pay attention to and participate in the protection of vernacular architectural culture,and jointly guard these precious historical and cultural heritages.

Assessing the Economic Value of Vernacular Architecture of Mountain Regions Using Contingent Valuation

Human pressure on mountain resources poses certain threats to their natural and man-made environment. Although there are many parameters involved, one of the driving forces behind this situation is the emphasis given so far only to the market value of mountain goods and services, ignoring the true social and environmental costs of using mountain resources. Towards this direction, the use of non-market valuation techniques could prove to be beneficial. Bearing in mind the above remarks, the paper presents an application of the Contingent Valuation Method, which aims at estimating the monetary value of a mountain settlement’s vernacular architecture, namely Metsovo. For this purpose, the survey focuses on Metsovo visitors’ willingness to pay a single annual voluntary contribution to an institution that would be founded in order to undertake all necessary actions required to preserve the town’s traditional character. The results are very promising and indicate that vernacular architecture holds a significant economic value that could justify the implementation of appropriate policies towards the protection of vernacular settlements in mountain areas.

Studies on sustainable features of vernacular architecture in different regions across the world:A comprehensive synthesis and evaluation

Due to the increasing pressure brought by recent global environmental problems,building designers are embracing regionalism and the knowledge of traditional structures,arguing that these structures are energy efficient and highly sustainable.We observe clear evidence of the increasing interest in vernacular architecture among the research community.This study therefore aims to clarify the contents and issues raised in the studies on vernacular architecture and the knowledge and recommendations that can be derived from them.A database of the research is established by collecting many studies from primary sources.Obtained data is carefully refined and categorized into a table where synthesized information is introduced.The results of this study show an uneven geographic and climatic distribution of the studies;the trend in selecting research objectives and research objects;the choice of research methods with a clear shift towards quantitative research methods,and the generic findings from the database of the research.These results can support diverse inquiries about vernacular architecture across the world and be used as a resource or an orientation to support numerous subsequent studies.

Sinicisation and ethnicity:spatial characteristics of Shui vernacular architecture in Guizhou,Southwest China

The Shui people are an ethnic minority living in southern mountainous areas of Guizhou Province,China;they have retained many vernacular houses with a history of over a century.Using spatial analysis software depthmapX to perform visibility graph analysis and field-of-view analysis with space syntax,we examined the sequence,organisation,and hierarchy of the living space in Shui residences.We found that those residences were influenced by external cultures,resulting in two types of plan layout:front-middle-back(type A)and left-middle-right(type B).Those two types of spatial combination were evident in two different line-of-sight axes.With type A,the hearth was the core and served as the daily living space of the family.With type B,the ancestral altar was the core and served as the ritual space.The historical coexistence and changing relationship of the two axes reflect cultural exchange between the Shui and Han as well as with other foreign cultures.This study concludes that the diversity of spatial forms that developed in different historical periods is an important attribute of Shui houses and those of other ethnic minorities in Southwest China.

The technical and the social:challenges in the conservation of earthen vernacular architecture in a changing world(Jujuy,Argentina)

Vernacular earthen architecture presents a series of relevant conservation challenges that involve designing solutions for diferent kinds of alterations and degradations.Other challenges of a social nature simultaneously arise and are related,among other factors,to the participation of local communities and the actions of diferent institutional actors.Understanding these phenomena has generally been approached from perspectives that take technical considera‑tions and social dynamics as separate felds.The current global context has resulted in an acceleration of changes in these dynamics,in terms of both techniques and management models,giving rise to the need to develop compre‑hensive conceptual and methodological approaches through which these challenges should be addressed jointly by recombining the technical and the social.This paper will analyse the main problems afecting vernacular architectures in three communities in northern Argentina,where earthen techniques have been very relevant.We will refect on various potentially useful theoretical frameworks,incorporating concepts from the anthropology of technology and methodological approaches from an ethnography of conservation as a way to work with multiple ontologies.

Sinicisation and ethnicity: spatial characteristics of Shui vernacular architecture in Guizhou, Southwest China

The Shui people are an ethnic minority living in southern mountainous areas of Guizhou Province,China;they have retained many vernacular houses with a history of over a century.Using spatial analysis software depthmapX to perform visibility graph analysis and field-of-view analysis with space syntax,we examined the sequence,organisation,and hierarchy of the living space in Shui residences.We found that those residences were influenced by external cultures,resulting in two types of plan layout:front-middle-back(type A)and left-middle-right(type B).Those two types of spatial combination were evident in two different line-of-sight axes.With type A,the hearth was the core and served as the daily living space of the family.With type B,the ancestral altar was the core and served as the ritual space.The historical coexistence and changing relationship of the two axes reflect cultural exchange between the Shui and Han as well as with other foreign cultures.This study concludes that the diversity of spatial forms that developed in different historical periods is an important attribute of Shui houses and those of other ethnic minorities in Southwest China.

Vernacular Architecture: A Term Denoting and Transporting Diverse Content

A selective review of the literature demonstrates the difficulty in defining‘vernacular architecture’.Re­cent studies have presented an overly narrow,single-sided,or even unacceptable image of the topic in comparison with many earlier definitions and discussions.However,those earlier analyses also had various shortfalls.The inter­dependence of vernacular architecture,economic interests,and emerging awareness of buildings’interaction with the environment demand a rethinking of vernacular architecture,which the present study understands as signifying housing offered for most of the world’s population.

Local seismic culture in Iranian vernacular architecture: evidence from Yazd earthen architecture

Iran,located in one of the most earthquake-prone regions of the world,has experienced a very large number of destructive earthquakes that brought about considerable loss of human life and economic consequences.The coun‑try possesses a vast number of monumental and vernacular built heritages that are constantly threatened by earth‑quakes.As vernacular techniques for dwellings comply with the needs,comfort,utility,and functionality of people,it is expected that endemic earthquake-resistant techniques make an essential contribution to Iranian vernacular archi‑tecture.The city of Yazd presents a unique and rich vernacular for earthen construction within Iranian architectural heritage,which has resulted in the recognition of the historic fabric of the city as a World Heritage Site since 2017.Considering the importance of exploring diferent local seismic cultures worldwide,this paper introduces an essential part of Iranian local seismic culture by recognising and classifying the vernacular earthquake-resistant techniques used in the earthen architecture of the city of Yazd.The techniques were collected by surveying the historic fabric,using data available in the literature,and interviewing traditional builders and local conservators.Next,the seismic infuence of each technique was evaluated using examples from the performance of adobe constructions during the 2003 Bam earthquake.

A typological,environmental and socio-cultural study of semi-open spaces in the Eastern Mediterranean vernacular architecture:The case of Cyprus

Semi-open spaces-largely incorporated in vernacular dwellings in Cyprus during the 19th and 20th centuries-formed diachronically significant socio-cultural, functional and environmental features of the vernacular architecture of the area. The climate of the Eastern Mediterranean region, i.e., hot summers and mild winters, encouraged the use of open weather protected spaces, thus leading to the widespread incorporation of such spaces in the vernacular architecture of the region. This paper focuses on the interconnections between architectural forms and human comfort, convenience or pleasure in relation to the semiopen spaces found in the vernacular architecture of Cyprus-an island in the Eastern Mediterranean region. For the purpose of this research, characteristic traditional settlements found in the coastal, lowland and mountainous areas-which represent three different climatic regions and topographies of the island-were selected for an in-depth investigation. The findings confirm a high frequency of semi-open spaces, as well as the existence of a remarkable richness of typologies. Although semi-open spaces constitute a fundamental part of the structure of these vernacular dwellings in all climatic regions examined, they dominate in the lowland regions due to the particularly hot climate, as well as the specific activities of the inhabitants of these areas. The prevailing architectural forms and constructions of these spaces in each climatic region under investigation was found to be closely adapted to the local resources, terrain and climate, while also being related to the social, household and agricultural needs of the inhabitants, thus underlining their sustainable and locus-specific conception. Research findings can contribute towards critically re-thinking semi-open spaces and their inherent value in rehabilitation projects, as well as in contemporary residential architecture.

Evolution and Review of Modern Chinese Vernacular Buildings

This paper divided the evolution of modern Chinese vernacular architecture(1949–2010) into 3 stages: early exploration,confine and confusion,and modern development,by taking time line as the clue,vernacular characteristics of modern architecture in Xi'an during different phases as the support,and combining literature research and field investigation. On this basis,it reviewed historical background,relevant context and typical features of modern vernacular architecture in Xi'an during different phases,and further concluded the evolution laws and research level of modern Chinese vernacular architecture.

Vernacular Building Heritage in the Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey

The eastern Black Sea Region, in Turkey, has a significantly authentic characteristic as regards to its rural architecture. The climate, geography, and local living culture in the region have developed an invaluable rural built environment in terms of cultural heritage, Thus, the architectural heritage of the region shows the perfect balance between the nature and human life, there is a need to understand the value of the vernacular architecture heritage in the region, The architecture is a response to functional requirements as well as environmental factors. Indeed, rural architectural of this region is a reflection of the cultural values of the society, behavioural patterns of the people and environmental factors from the past. In this study, the aim is understand and appreciate this heritage through systematic surveying and documentation in eastern Black Sea Region composed from Trabzon, Rize and Artvin Cities. Further aims are the establishment of an architectural typology based on the plan, faqade and site plan, and materials use, with the goal to develop guidelines for new buildings in the region.

Change in Adaptability of Residential Architecture:Spatial Analysis on Traditional and Contemporary Houses of Bangladesh

This study focused on spatial analysis to identify the changes in adaptability over the last five decades.The features influencing adaptability were selected from the reference study.An appropriate method was used to analyse these features through spatial analysis.Six distinctive typologies of rural houses were selected from six regions.Unlike the traditional houses,the contemporary houses in the same area reflected a different character.Urban houses built since the early and mid-20th century were compared with contemporary houses.After analysing the openness,generality,flexibility,depth,typicality,construction technique,involvement of end-users,and the feedback from the inhabitants,the study identified a significant decrease in contemporary houses'adaptability.Spatial analysis was used to quantify the different features and comparison between traditional and contemporary houses.Though the adaptability had been reduced over time,the latest houses started to achieve better flexibility in some features due to government policy and implementation of statutory building regulations.Further recommendations were provided to enhance the residential architecture's adaptability in future.The study samples were selected from different regions of Bangladesh.Still,the result and policy recommendations can be helpful for other countries,especially with high population density and a developing economy.

Cultural interactions among diverse ethnic groups in a frontier region of a mainstream culture:A case study of Thai Korat,Laotian,and Tai Yuan vernacular houses in the central Lamtakong watershed,Nakhon Ratchasima

This study aims to study the conditions for the architectural form of vernacular houses of Thai Korat,Laotian,and Tai Yuan ethnic groups living in the central Lamtakong watershed.Nineteen stilt houses with the age of fifty-three to one hundred years were incorporated in the case study.Data were meticulously gathered through methods such as observation,photography,surveying,architectural drawing,three-dimensional modeling,and interviews.The analysis,conducted within the frameworks of ethnic identity and cultural diffusion,involved morphological and comparative assessments.The findings showed that the houses in the present case study could maintain their ethnic identities as can be clearly seen in the space planning and the shapes of the houses passed down from generation to generation.In addition,there was cultural acceptance among these ethnic groups through exchanging,adopting,and borrowing house construction techniques,in order to express the common traits in the larger social context in a friendly and smoother way.This phenomenon indicates that the co-existence in a multicultural society is the key that makes different ethnic groups be able to maintain their ethnic identity and live with the larger society in a friendly way.Hence,the cultural significance of stilt vernacular houses in the study area is embedded in the dynamic process of exchanging house construction techniques,fostering harmony within the broader social context.This preservation simultaneously safeguards the essential elements and key attributes of ethnic identity in architecture.

Organic stabilization in earthen plaster:Eco-compatible architecture and ancient techniques in Tata Somba homes

The study of organic stabilization is crucial for understanding its impact on the durability and effectiveness of earthen plaster.Analyzing natural admixtures’effects on plaster properties provides insights that aid in optimizing plaster composition and application for desired characteristics.The addition of biopolymers,known to enhance plaster performance,necessitates further investigation to understand their role in earthen plaster stabilization.This study focuses on Tata Somba homes in Benin and Togo,recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.These unique architectural examples embody“architecture without architects”,relying solely on local traditional knowledge.The objective is to explore and revive Tata Somba’s ancient eco-technology for earth plaster stabilization.Research shows that biopolymers’combined stabilization and application techniques can improve earthen plaster performance.Seven promising bio-stabilizers were identified,suggesting their potential as sustainable,effective options for CO_(2) mitigation in buildings.These findings not only deepen our understanding of earthen architecture but also underscore the potential of merging traditional,eco-friendly building methods with modern scientific insights to create sustainable solutions for cultural heritage preservation and contemporary built environments.

Theoretical framework of the Isfahani style: Inspiring sustainable aspects of a vernacular urban development

The Isfahani style represents a method of traditional Iranian architecture and urban development that existed in the early 20th century and is regarded as a leading model in most traditional Iranian cities. It exhibits several vigorous features contributing to its recognition as a traditional approach to sustainable architecture and urban development. This research endeavors to reveal a theoretical framework beneath these inspiring aspects using the typology of sustainable modern forms, including the hierarchy, passive design strategies, compactness, density, diversity, mixed land use, pluralism, balance, good composition, and integration over time. To this end, the study employs qualitative research methods, drawing from traditional samples, to identify innovative, energy and socially efficient, and low-impact strategies implemented in this vernacular architecture of Iran's semi-arid and hot climates. The findings revealed that the neighborhood concept as a local and plural community (Mahalla) was a vital phenomenon in Iran's urban development. Apparently, the demise of this paradigm effectively played an important role in the numerous challenges regarding the social, energy, and economic viability of modern Iranian cities. Hence, this study presented theoretical frameworks—aligned with sustainable concepts—from the Isfahani style through its analysis, classification, and interpretation, which can contribute to modern urban development.

Urban design considerations in the environmental assessment of vernacular buildings with timber projections(sachnisi):The case of Nicosia's historic center

In this study,the environmental responsiveness of buUt heritage is closely connected with the aspects of building typology and urban canyon geometry.The focus of this study is on two-story adobe buildings with lightweight timber projections,locally called sachnisi,which are located on the first floor,above the pass-through space on the ground floor,locally known as portico.The field study reveals and maps a total of 246 sachnisi projections across the walled city of Nicosia,Cyprus,a typical Mediterranean area.This research is the first systematic attempt to integrate cultural,historical,and environmental factors and the urban-and building-scale environmental characteristics of vernacular heritage.The findings highlight thermal adaptive opportunities and passive cooling strategies,i.e.,natural ventilation,enhanced by aligning the portico axis with the prime wind direction and operating various openings of the sachnisis.The research also demonstrates that the building orientation and the proportions of sachnisis and porticos are insensitive to the street geometry.Thus,functional and morphological parameters(in addition to climatic parameters)are also significant in the configuration of these architectural elements.T he originality and academic contribution of this study lie within the systematic and comprehensive methodology followed,which can be applied to other urban heritage sites.The use of innovative,multidisciplinary methods and tools in heritage studies is also recommended.

Documenting Heritage at Risk: Vernacular Farm Houses in the Eastern Tibetan Cultural Region

Tibetan architecture is largely associated with the impressive monastic buildings scattered over the Tibetan Plateau and the adjoining mountain ranges.While these buildings have long attracted the interest from travellers and researches,the rural vernacular architecture has been grossly neglected.Accounting for more than 90 percent of the cultural heritage vernacular farmhouses incorporate an immeasurable wealth of traditional knowledge and local craftsmanship that is increasingly threatened by the impacts of modernisation.The article draws on a research project on vernacular architecture in the Tibetan cultural region and presents four examples of rural houses in former Kham,that is nowadays spread across Sichuan,Qinghai,Yunnan provinces and the Xizang(Tibet)Autonomous Region.The examples show a surprising diversity in terms of style,size,layout,building materials and structural systems that are perfectly adapted to local climatic and topographic conditions as well as the resources available in a particular environment.As examples for this diversity the article presents a rammed earth building in Chatreng,a house in stone masonry from Dabpa,a house in Pome built with timber log walls,and a house from Gyalrong with a mixed stone/timber construction.The richness of vernacular farmhouse architecture in Kham deserves special recognition and support on various levels.

China’s corridor bridges:heritage buildings over water

Essentially unknown in the rest of the world and only recently appreciated in China,the globally significant 3000+‘corridor bridges’(langqiao)in China far outnumber the better-known‘covered bridges’found in North America and Europe.Rivaling or exceeding those in the West in number,age,complexity,and architectural ambition,some of China’s outstanding timber langqiao in the mountains of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces are on the cusp of being inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites.Throughout south and central China today there is moreover a resurgence of new timber langqiao being erected using traditional carpentry alongside the unprecedented construction of modern marvels of steel and concrete.Archaeological evidence in 2001 uncovered China’s earliest‘corridor bridge’—thus the oldest known covered bridge in the world—with a length of 42m dating to the Han dynasty 2000 years ago.The Rulong Bridge,which dates to 1625 and is documented as the oldest standing woven arch-beam langqiao,can be visited today in Qingyuan county,southern Zhejiang.Even older langqiao with parallel log beams as the substructure have come to light in neighboring Fujian province,most notably the Zhiqing Bridge in a rural area of Jian’ou city that dates to 1490.China’s bridges,whether with a corridor atop or without,have traditionally not been included under the umbrella of‘vernacular architecture’even as they usually were created by local craftspeople employing the same approaches and practices for dwellings and temples.Just as with these better researched structures,langqiao must be studied not only from the perspective of architecture,but also anthropology,geography,history,and sociology,among other disciplines.Rather than being abandoned as artifacts from the past,China’s langqiao today represent a living tradition that continues serving rural communities as places of passage,spaces for leisure and marketing,sites for worship,and increasingly destinations for tourists in search of nostalgic connections with China’s past.The research presented in this article draws heavily from the authors’China’s Covered Bridges:Architecture over Water,a comprehensive book published in late 2019 in Shanghai and London by Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press that will be distributed in 2020 by the University of Hawai’i Press.Despite the scope of this book,the complexity of China’s langqiao remains understudied.

Towards reconstructing the Shakespeare’s first Globe Theatre: A virtual model for research and development

Shakespeare’s first Globe Theatre(early 17th century)is considered one of the most iconic theatres in English history,despite lasting less than twenty years and having little information directly attributable to its shape and size.This building,part of a wide variety of Elizabethan theatres found in London during a fertile period in the history of entertainment,has fascinated historians and scholars for years.Interest in Globe Theatre has led to several attempts at reconstruction around the world in recent decades,very few of which are historically reliable due to a lack of accurate sources and the need to adapt a historic building,burnt down in a fire in 1613,to modern safety standards.However,with the increasing evolution of modelling systems in a virtual environment,it is now possible to analyse the theatre in a spatially and historically more consistent way with surviving data.The aim of this paper is to provide a historically and constructively valid virtual model that can reopen the debate on the shapes and dimensions of Shakespeare’s first Globe Theatre.The model has been created by collecting the main hypotheses proposed by scholars.These were used to create the basic scheme,the plans,and then the whole theatre.Finally,the model was made available to encourage its use in future research and development.