traditional architecture vs mordern architecture
Traditional Architecture vs Modern Architecture
Architects should be designing structures by incorporating vernacular styles into new technologies. Let us briefly look into the meaning of Architecture- according to Vitruvius, a Roman Architect, Architecture is a multi disciplinary field, including within its fold Mathematics, Science, Art, Technology, Social Sciences, Politics, History, Philosophy and so on. Now that we know what Architecture is, what are its main purposes? It has two main purposes which are to fulfill human’s needs, sensory, delight and to capture the greatest achievement of man at a time as evidence for future generations. (Joseph and john, 1860) Moving on to Traditional Architecture alternatively known as Vernacular Architecture is a term used to categorize a method of construction which uses immediately available resources to address immediate needs. The term is derived from the latin word “vernaculus” which means native therefore, refers to all Architecture which is indigenous to a specific place i.e not imported or copied from somewhere else. This represents the majority of historical construction and much continuing practice in developing countries characterized by inexpensive materials and straight forwardly utilitarian design, may though be adopted into culturally accepted solutions and through repetition becomes traditional. These buildings were built without the intervention of any professional Architects; it is always referred to as “anonymous architecture” or “Architecture without Architects” and even “non – pedigree” architecture. Why is vernacular or traditional architecture so important? This is because it has a lot of advantages; Regional design adapts a house to perform well and endure in its particular location by designing for climate, microclimate, considering regional Vernacular Architecture, planning to withstand extreme events e.g storm, earthquakes etc. It must also conform to local building codes.
Architects should be designing structures by incorporating vernacular styles into new technologies. Let us briefly look into the meaning of Architecture- according to Vitruvius, a Roman Architect, Architecture is a multi disciplinary field, including within its fold Mathematics, Science, Art, Technology, Social Sciences, Politics, History, Philosophy and so on. Now that we know what Architecture is, what are its main purposes? It has two main purposes which are to fulfill human’s needs, sensory, delight and to capture the greatest achievement of man at a time as evidence for future generations. (Joseph and john, 1860) Moving on to Traditional Architecture alternatively known as Vernacular Architecture is a term used to categorize a method of construction which uses immediately available resources to address immediate needs. The term is derived from the latin word “vernaculus” which means native therefore, refers to all Architecture which is indigenous to a specific place i.e not imported or copied from somewhere else. This represents the majority of historical construction and much continuing practice in developing countries characterized by inexpensive materials and straight forwardly utilitarian design, may though be adopted into culturally accepted solutions and through repetition becomes traditional. These buildings were built without the intervention of any professional Architects; it is always referred to as “anonymous architecture” or “Architecture without Architects” and even “non – pedigree” architecture. Why is vernacular or traditional architecture so important? This is because it has a lot of advantages; Regional design adapts a house to perform well and endure in its particular location by designing for climate, microclimate, considering regional Vernacular Architecture, planning to withstand extreme events e.g storm, earthquakes etc. It must also conform to local building codes.
References: 1. Joseph Gwilt and John Weale. 1860. Architecture of Marcus Vitruvius Pollio in Ten Books 2. Kreiss, Keithleen. 1990. “The Sick Building Syndrome: Where is the Epidemiologic Basis?” American Journal of Public Health: 80:1172-73 3. Dr. Mervat El-Shafie. 2010. Sustainability versus Mega Urban Developments Projects. http://www.ijens.org/101904-8585%20IJCEE-IJENS.pdf (Accessed on November 2nd 2011) 4. CalRecycle. 2010. Green Building Materials. http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/ (accessed on November 2nd 2011) 5. Javier Cenicacelaya and José Baganha. 2004Traditional Architecture and Sustainability. http://www.jbaganha.com/pdf/en/0201.pdf (accessed on November 2nd 2011)