Bioclimatism in architecture: An evolutionary perspective

Abstract

The well-known Darwinian evolutionary theory (1859) introduced natural selection as the most important mechanism of evolutionary processes at every level from biological systems, including species, individual organisms… to molecules, such as DNA or proteins. In architecture we observe similar evolution processes, which lead to the development of various architectural movements and concepts from common primitive living structures. Fundamentals of vernacular architecture have been used in bioclimatic architecture, which has gradually become the inspiration of various movements in contemporary architecture. The study points out that the development of bioclimatism in architecture has followed the pattern of a natural evolutionary process in which 'natural selection' is likely motivated by several factors, including resources and environment problems, and driven by different mechanisms including novel building design concepts and methods, new standards and codes, discoveries in building science and construction costs. This study is an effort aimed to clarify the evolution process of the bioclimatic approach in architecture over time and its influences on contemporary movements in architecture. The paper shows also that the evolutionary theory generated new scientific tools able to improve building design thanks to simulation-based optimization methods applied to building performances. Finally, this study investigates new motivations in the era of climate change whose effects are expected to introduce more challenges as well as more trends towards a sustainable built environment through the new concept of Eco-adaptive architecture.

Thermal comfort and comparison of some parameters coming from hospitals and shopping centers under natural ventilation: The case of Madagascar Island

“…Poor building design implies high energy demand for cooling and heating [15], while the bioclimatic design of buildings can improve their thermal performance. Bioclimatic design of buildings under hot and humid conditions has been studied in various papers, which provide interesting recommendations [16][17][18][19][20].…”

A Review of Climate Change Adaptive Measures in Architecture Within Temperate Climate Zones

“…The overall picture of the results is of a developing field with few concrete examples. The literature on climate adapted architecture includes assessments of bioclimatic designs and their potential resilience to future climate change (Nguyen & Reiter, 2017; Rubio-Bellido, Pulido-Arcas, & Cabeza-Lainez, 2015; Schilderman & Lyons, 2011). Otherwise, the literature is on potential design strategies, with a handful of articles that describe new design elements or technologies that can be used in larger adaptive strategies (Lomas & Ji, 2009).…”

Natural and Architectural Convergence: A Model of Nature-Based Strategies in the Architectural Design Domain

“…Building designs that adhere to bioclimatic architecture enable higher levels of comfort by using appropriate architectural components and avoiding a total reliance on mechanical systems. The bioclimatic approach to architecture originated from the design principles seen in the large majority of regional and traditional structures around the world [36]. The first use of bioclimatic architecture in the form of a blueprint was used by Olgyay in 1950 to 1953 as nature-inspired strategies in architectural design [37].…”

“…Approach Key Philosophy 1 Sustainability Balancing environment, social, and economic factors [74] 2 Eco-efficient design Economic and environmental maintenance [50] 3 Passive design Climate and comfort (less heat loss and heat gain) [45] 4 Bioclimatic architecture Adaption to the local climate [36] 5…”