Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Built Environment

Strategies for Achieving sustainable Built Environment zipper constraint and global warming ar becoming the key challenges encountered by the world today. major amount of ability is being used by the make sector for achieving comfortable thermal conditions. Fifty per cent of energy consumption is imputable to mental synthesiss. (Melet, n.d., p.06). pack for Energy is increasing rapidly. The U.S. Energy In exerciseation Administration (EIA) in its (IEO, 2011) International Energy Outlook 2011 states that world energy consumption grows by 53% from 2008 to 2035. The U.S. Energy In jumpation Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. It studies and broadcasts energy information to make proper decisions regarding energy efficiency, public understanding of energy usage and proper policy do. (EIA, September 19, 2011). Sustainable and climate responsive architecture offers feasible solutions to these challenges.Since the pre-indu strial era orbiculate warming is one of components which led to environsal Degradation. Global warming which has risen by 0.7C since the last 300 years is likely to be increased by up to 8C by 2050 according to the (IPCC, 2007). IPCC i.e. intergovernmental panel on climate change is a leading organisation for the assessment of climate change. It also states that al close 90% of the warming in the decent decades is caused by energy related human activities, mainly because of CO2 emissions cod to the burning of fossil fuels. (IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, 2007).Thus there is a lack for urgent action to design buildings to protect us from the effects of climate change and global warming.We have to know from where we are coming to know where we are going- Charles Correa.There is a need to transform the past knowledge to act as a catalyst for the future. Tradition and Modernity are two sides of the similar coin and must be dealt with simultaneously. Some of the Architects who have used this into practicality are given. Hassan Fathy did not use any hi-techniques of air-conditioning, instead according to him it is very key to shoot and understand natural physical properties of heat, wind and water which are the natural surroundings controls. It is very important to know how native existents sack be improve and developed via bran-new techniques, to meet the present day needs. Francisco Bobby Maosa feels that prejudices against older materials can be overcome and exciting new possibly can be make outd. Charles Correa via his design philosophy of transfer and transformation re-integrates many older fundamental ideas, into his modern designs, which recognises the problems of today, yet show a deep respect for Indias socialization and tradition. (Pearson, 1994, p.122-124).The new architecture has its roots deep in Vernacular tradition, which is rich in messages that are becoming more and more relevant to our time- messages that help us recollect humility and a belonging to the Earth (Pearson, 1994, p.08). For 100 of years common builders have managed to build victimization small amount of available energy resources without affect the surrounding environment, thus using it in a sustainable manner. These practices should be used in the conventional architectural practice of today, which are accountable for Environmental crisis.In the midst of great technological, environmental and governmental change over the past decades, the vernacular has become highly relevant over the past decades all as a technological example, or as a politically strategic element. Given that architecture is inevitably connected to technological phylogenesiss, environmental issues and political change, vernacular architecture has thus become a central concept in Architectural theory and Practice. (Arboleda, n.d.).IntroductionThe assessment of energy and comfort conditions is the most important factor in determining the architectural process. Energy efficien cy and renewable energy are the most important aspect of sustainable design. fifty-fifty climate and environmental conditions play a major role in a building design. The main purpose of designing a building is to create suitable condition for human comfort. Traditional builders used limited and naturally available materials to achieve comfort and climate was the major contributing factor in traditional building techniques. Due to the ever growing global concern, use of energy and limitation of resources it is the responsibility of an architect to design buildings which are sustainable.For creating sustainable building it is very essential to ascertain the basics from where this science informantated. There therefore arises a need to look back in the past as how our ancestors build their own homes taking care of function, religion, social and spiritual values and above all adapting to the climate for making a comfortable living. So it is very important to postulate from the past traditional structures built by our ancestors without the use of modern technology and to make use of it in the present scenario for making sustainable built environment.The vignette of history of vernacular buildings has demonstrated throughout that the buildings have prominent sustainability, whilst fanciful architectural forms do not they are pleasant and are to come to the cultural messages they convey. (Ryan, 2011, p.51).According to (Arboleda, n.d.), over the last decade Vernacular studies have become established in the mainstream architectural discourse due to the following 3 reasonsGlobal Communication technologies Since the 1960s there has been a great awareness among architects because of the easy and extensive access to the knowledge of traditional communitiesGlobal Environmental Crisis coetaneous interest in this subject has arisen due to resource depletion, global warming and energy crisis.Global Politics Vernacular Architecture is a valuable dig in the ethno polit ics. It is a key in ethnically sensitive purports, thus maintaining the cultural identity. Due to these ethno sensitive programs traditional elements are used in the making of new structures but by modernizing or re-engineering it, thus making it modern Vernacular or neo-Vernacular.The Meaning of Vernacular ArchitectureThe term vernacular originates from the Latin word vernaculus which means local, natural or original developed from Verna, meaning native slave or home-born slave.The numbers of factors which do a vernacular building are found upon time immemorial building techniques, use of naturally available materials, also location of the buildings and its usage. It is passed on by the word of mouth, and materials which are quick available. In addition it is a system invented by the local craftsmen and occupier. Vernacular Architecture can also be called as a structure created by an amateur without any education in this type of designing method. Thus it is a traditional method of building which is passed on from generation to generation. The method of constructing is based upon traditional practices and techniques. It is usually built with the help of family, clan or builders in the tribe and reveals a high level for craftsmanship and quality. The function of the building is the most governing factor followed by aesthetic consideration and use of local materials.Geographic environment is a very important factor seen in a typical Vernacular building a sloping roof surface is made to bear the rainfall, a circular put up form to oppose cyclonic winds, a thick flat mud roof for cooler interior space and to take out the heat of the sun, an inner courtyard for open space. In hot and dry climates, for example, buildings were shaded to avoid unbearable summer sun by tall vegetation, rock overhangs, or, in flat deserts, the courtyard building form. They were placed such that they could also receive the pleasant warmth of the winter sun. (Pearson, 1994, p.95). T his shows that vernacular methods are the most traditional method of building structures which are responsive to climate.Factors leading to development of Vernacular formVernacular buildings are human constructs which are results of the interrelation between ecological, economical, material, political and social factors. (Asquith, L and Vellinga, M (Ed.),2006, p.110)Bakers remarkable work is seen from the focusing he uses environment, traditional methods, comfort, culture and technology in his works. (Bhatia, 1991 ,p.3)There is an overlapping of traditional techniques of climatic conditions and vernacular styles. Historically, practical devices were slowly embellished and generalised through repeat to become a part of an architectural vocabulary, a process Charles Correa describes one of the generating forces of architecture. Charles Correa tries to incorporate cultural values and traditional techniques in his process of designing considering the lifestyles of Indian people. (Hagan , 2011, p.116)Tadao Andos works shows compositions, which consists of mainly use of simple forms and visible use of concrete material. In most of his works the use of nature, space, character, climate, weather, and cultural background can be clearly seen. He believed that when greenery, water and light is abstracted through nature the form becomes sacred. (Nute, 2004, p.86,87,88)Vernacular architecture is influenced a lot by human conduct and environment, leading to different building forms for every different context. Thus from the above references it is clear that there are various factors which lead to the origin of Vernacular formClimateMaterials and technologySite featuresReligionEconomicsSocio-cultural considerationsThe factors which directly regulate the form areClimateSocio-cultural considerationsReligionThe factors which indirectly relate show that they keep the evolution of form but do not essentially regulate the formMaterials and technologySite featuresEconomicsMateria ls and technology It does not necessarily define the form of a house. Even if same material and technology is used in a particular society yet the forms would vary depending upon the function and culture as well.Site Consideration Site features may restrict the house form but it does not decide the form. On similar site different house forms can be seen whereas on different sites similar house can be seen.Economics The economy may affect the size of the house or type of materials and techniques used but does not affect the form. A society with same economic conditions may have different house forms due to socio-cultural values. Due to different views and thoughts people with similar economy may choose different house forms.Religion Religion cannot totally determine the form completely but plays a direct influence in its evaluation. Religion can have a strong influence on the form, plan, spatial arrangements and orientation of the house. roughly houses are built according to relig ious influence of the society.Socio-Cultural Factors Socio-cultural or traditional methods of using a place can have direct effect on deciding the form of house. Both physical and socio-cultural aspects affect the form. The physical setting may provide several possibilities but actual choice gets restricted due to cultural factors.Climate It is the most important factor in determining the form. Due to different climate in different countries the form is found to be similar. The poor thermal performance of the building in spite of using technologically advanced environment systems suggests that one needs to consider the physical environment while generating a building form.Aim To analyse Vernacular architecture in achieving Sustainable Built Environment for Contemporary structures.ObjectiveTo study the origin of traditional houses and examine its sustainability.To study traditional building material, their sustainability and the contrast with modern architecture.To study thermal perf ormance of Vernacular building materials.To study the role of construction regulation in the sustainability of traditional building construction.Research QuestionHow can traditional methods of architecture be incorporated in modern buildings?How can the resurgence of the vernacular in the present contemporary architecture help it to become more sustainable inheriting cultural roots?MethodologyAlthough Vernacular Architecture is emerging as a very developing area of study, still much needs to be done theoretically, metholdologically and through recording and documentation, before applying it to ordinal carbon. (Asquith, L and Vellinga, M (Ed.),2006, p.03)Following are the methodologies used for the research.Literature Review To read and analyse in depth about Vernacular Architecture using somewhat of sources which includes digital media, web sources, books, published journals in related disciplines, scholarly articles and published papers.Qualitative Survey Using Live grammatica l case Studies Conducting the Case study using Collecting the Evidence method is used here. (Yin, 2003, p.83) Sources of Evidences which provide be used here are as follows.Historical Documentation- This type of documentation can be done by using data collected through local libraries or other reference centres. The documents could be proposals, progress reports, internal records, newspaper clippings and other articles appearing in mass media or in newsletters.Interviews- It is the most important part of the shift study. Structured Questions will be used as a type of interview along the lines of a formal survey. Such survey can be designed as a part of case study and produce qualitative data as a part of the case study. (Yin, 2003, p.91). Here interviews with building industry professionals will take place (if the project is complete) or interview of workers or managers (if the site is an on-going project). Post tenancy questionnaire will be prepared for the present occupiers of the site to know their perception of the site. Post occupancy evaluations provide an indication of major successes and failures in a buildings performance. They can be used to improve and explain the performance of a building and are effectual not only to the occupants and owners but also to the designers, who can learn about both their mistakes and successes and can apply these findings to future projects.Direct Observation- It includes field visits to know some relevant behaviour or environmental conditions. Observational evidence is often useful in providing information about the site.Physical Artefact- Here it could comprise of material being used on the site or any other physical evidence to find out the sustainability of the structure.Analysing Case study Evidence- While analysing the interviews and the questionnaire some common topics will be listed and a checklist will be prepared and the selected case studies will be evaluated against the topics in a checklist.Reporting Ca se Studies A standard approach called Linear analytical Structure will be used here. It consists of findings from the data collected and conclusions and implications from these findings.Work PlanWeeksActivity1-2Literature revaluation Understanding the background of the topic reading various books, journal articles etc.3-6Historical Documentation Collecting data from various sources on vernacular Architecture.7-9Case study It includes both interviews and field work which could be done simultaneously.9-12Compilation of data Review all the collected data, edit and compile it and re-phrasing it in the form of a detailed dissertation report.Possible OutcomeThe main aim of the research is to manifest and prove that Vernacular architecture is a solution for todays Sustainable Design principles. The vernacular architectural studies will provide useful insights for designing contemporary structures by taking evidences form the Vernacular structures of the past.It also aims to look into stra tegies which could be cost effective in construction and specification.The final outcome will be in a form of conclusion report from the case studies which will help in designing contemporary structure using climate responsive design concepts.ReferencesArboleda, Gabriel.(n.d.). Traditional, vernacular and ethnic architectures from http//www.vernaculararchitecture.com/Asquith,L., Vellinga,M.(Ed.). (2006). Verncaular Architecture in the twenty-first century theory, education and practice. Abingdon, Oxon., USA and Canada Taylor and Francis.Bhatia, Gautam.(1991). Laurie Baker life, work, writtings. New Delhi, India.,London, UK.,USA, Victoria, Australia., Ontario,Canada.,Aukland,Newzealand Penguin books.Eia Independent statics and Analysis U.S. energy information administration. (september 19, 2011) from http//www.eia.gov/forecast/ieo/index.com/Mellet, Ed. (n.d.). Sustainable Architecture Towards a diverse built environment NAI Publishers.Nute,K.(2004). Place, time and being in Japanese architecture. New Felter lane, London., USA and Canada Routhedge.Pearson, David. (1994). Earth to spirit in search of natural architecture. London, U.K. Gaia Books limited.Parry, M.L., Canziani, O.F., Palutikof, J.P., Vander, Linden., Hanson, C.E. (Ed.). Climate Change 2007 Impacts, variation and vulnerability. Cambridge university press from http//www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_ipcc_fourth_assessment_report_wg2_report_impacts_adaptation_and_vulnerability.htmRyan, Carol. (2011). Traditional construction for Sustainable Future. Abingdon, Oxon., USA and Canada Spon Press.Susannah, Hagan. (2001). Taking shape A new contract between Architecture and Nature.Jordan, Oxford Architectural Press.Yin, R.K.(2003). Case study Research Design and methods. Thousand Oaks, California., London, UK., New Delhi, London Sage Publication Inc.