Environmentally responsive design in Eastern Mediterranean. The case of vernacular architecture in the coastal, lowland and mountainous regions of Cyprus

Philokyprou, Maria; Michael, Aimilios; Malaktou, Eleni; Savvides, Andreas

doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.10.010

Cited by 69 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The typology of the iliakos in vernacular residential architecture in all climatic zones of the island but especially in the lowland areas, is linked to climatic parameters [22]. The climate of lowland regions which is characterized by mild winters, hot and dry summers, intense solar radiation and extended periods of sunshine, led to a wide use of shaded and naturally ventilated semi-open spaces.…”

Section: Qualitative Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The research results were mainly based on remarks derived from comparative analysis between different case studies following specific criteria. The overall investigation of the island's vernacular architecture conducted in the framework of this research has shown that semi-open transitional spaces appear in all rural and urban traditional settlements, but in a different frequency [22]. Semi-open spaces, located on different geomorphological areas and climatic zones all over the island, share some common characteristics while at the same time, demonstrate a variety in terms of typological and morphological characteristics as well as in terms of materials and construction techniques (Figs 1 and 2).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Finally, there is another type of semi-open space, which is plant-covered, i.e., pergola with deciduous vine plants that is quite common in all Mediterranean climatic regions and is usually located either in the central courtyard or on top of flat roofs. According to relevant references [22], [27] and archival photographs, vine pergolas were a common element of the vernacular architecture during past decades, integrated in dwellings all over the island. Presently most of these components can be found primarily in the mountainous regions, while in other regions their presence is rather limited.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Environmental and Social Role of Semi-Open Spaces in Vernacular Architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean Area: The Case of Cyprus

Philokyprou

Michael

2018

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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Semi-open spaces largely incorporated in vernacular dwellings formed important social and environmental architectural features throughout centuries. The warm climate of the Eastern Mediterranean area and the need for outdoor protected spaces led to a widespread use of semi-open spaces in the vernacular architecture of this region. Semi-open spaces can be found in a variety of typologies in terms of their geometry and layout, their relation to other closed and open spaces, as well as their function. These spaces constitute vital parts of the every-day life of the occupants, becoming essential activity and social-gathering areas. This paper focuses on the environmental and social role of semi-open spaces in the vernacular architecture of Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean area. For the needs of this research, environmental monitoring equipment was installed in various closed and semi-open spaces. The study established the significant environmental role of semi-open spaces since these spaces serve as microclimatic regulators by mitigating high and low temperature. In order to preserve and enhance the environmental role of semi-open spaces, special design and construction measures need to be taken during the conservation process.

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Section: Qualitative Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Environmental and Social Role of Semi-Open Spaces in Vernacular Architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean Area: The Case of Cyprus

Philokyprou

Michael

2018

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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“…These buildings were planned for optimal use of local materials. Local materials, such as stone, adobes and timber, have been determinant of local architectural aspects and construction methods, which were completely adapted to the environment (Philokyprou et al 2017a;Ren 2018). Traditional houses generally refer to time and space in the past, while vernacular houses have less to do with time; instead, they are more place-specific.…”

Section: Aims and Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of vernacular architecture of Uzundere District (architectural typology and physical form of building) in relation to ecological sustainable development

Karahan

Davardoust

2020

Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering

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Since 1990, Uzundere district has attracted the attention of national and international organizations due to its rich ecological values, where different projects have been launched in various fields, such as agriculture, environment, tourism, urbanism and architectural heritage. Uzundere region has strong vernacular heritage shaped by the climate, topographic conditions, local materials, culture and social lifestyle. In this study, various types of rural houses are surveyed in villages in the region. The plan and section of the houses are prepared through the author's field survey, measurements, sketches, observation and interviews with local people. Then, the architectural response of houses to the climate is evaluated in terms of physical form and architectural typology of buildings. The outcome of optimized usage of materials, construction techniques and climatic considerations occurred in the region during centuries can be utilized in today's architectural practice, while the modern architecture needs environmentfriendly buildings.

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“…Vernacular architecture has much to offer modern sustainable architectural design [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. A key characteristic of vernacular architecture is its location-specific climate-responsive design strategies [22][23][24][25][26][27]. Where there are more than one type of vernacular architecture thriving in the same region, the questions of "what are the differences and which provides better thermal comfort" naturally arise.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermal Performances of Three Old Houses: A Comparative Study of Heterogeneous Vernacular Traditions in Taiwan

Chiou

Elizalde

2019

Sustainability

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The paper presents a comparative study of the climate responsive design strategies and indoor thermal performance of three vernacular houses in Guanshan Township of eastern Taiwan by building survey and instrument measurements. These houses are all about 80 years old. They are of Chinese style, Japanese style, and a mixture of both styles. All three houses are popular building types in the region. Key findings include: (1) Space buffer, thermal insulation, ground exposure, and natural ventilation are the key elements of climate responsive design strategies. (2) The climate responsive design strategies of the three buildings, while using similar building material, are not the same. They are strongly associated with the buildings’ cultural roots as well as the buildings’ use patterns. (3) The Chinese-style house is a heat rejecter. It is comfortable in spring and summer. The mixed-style house is a heat keeper. It is comfortable in winter and spring. The Japanese-style house is well-ventilated and has equal thermal comfort level at around 50% in all seasons. It is uncommon that vernacular buildings from different cultural traditions coexist in the same region. This study provides detail appraisals of their respective sustainable design strategies in hot and humid climate.

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Environmentally responsive design in Eastern Mediterranean. The case of vernacular architecture in the coastal, lowland and mountainous regions of Cyprus

Cited by 69 publications

References 14 publications

The Environmental and Social Role of Semi-Open Spaces in Vernacular Architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean Area: The Case of Cyprus

The Environmental and Social Role of Semi-Open Spaces in Vernacular Architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean Area: The Case of Cyprus

Evaluation of vernacular architecture of Uzundere District (architectural typology and physical form of building) in relation to ecological sustainable development

Thermal Performances of Three Old Houses: A Comparative Study of Heterogeneous Vernacular Traditions in Taiwan

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