Paper Title
Sustainable Architecture in the United Arab
Emirates: Past and Present
Theme
Planning for Sustainable Development
Paper presented to
CAA-IIA International Conference on
Urbanisation and Housing
Date
2-5 October 1997
GOA - India
Author
Dr.
Yasser Mahgoub
Department
of Architectural Engineering
Faculty
of Engineering - United Arab Emirates University
Sustainable Architecture
in the UAE: Past and Present
Dr.
Yasser Mahgoub
Department of Architectural Engineering
Faculty of Engineering - United Arab Emirates University
**********
Abstract
This paper compares aspects of sustainability in vernacular and modern
architecture in the United Arab Emirates. In vernacular architecture,
sustainability is manifested in the design of buildings, use of materials,
environmental and social consciousness. There are indeed many lessons to be
learned from vernacular architecture in the area. On the other hand, aspects of
sustainability are absent from almost all modern buildings in the region for
many reasons: rapid development, use of foreign materials, design methods, and
construction systems all contribute to the absence of sustainability in modern
buildings. Yet, an important aspect contributing to this situation is absence
of building codes and regulations enforcing sustainability in the design and
construction of buildings.
The aim of this paper is to illustrate aspects of sustainability
in vernacular architecture compared to absence of sustainability in
modern buildings in the region and discuss prospects of boosting awareness on
several levels. To achieve sustainability in future buildings and environments
sustainability should be introduced on the following levels:
1.Building codes and regulations
2.Building
construction systems and materials
3.Undergraduate
and graduate education
4.Design
methods and community participation
The paper concludes with
recommendations and proposals to amplify awareness and implementation of
sustainability measures in the design, construction, and education of
architecture in the region.
Sustainable Architecture
in the UAE: Past and Present
Dr.
Yasser Mahgoub
Department of Architectural Engineering
Faculty of Engineering - United Arab Emirates University
**********
Introduction
A sustainable society is one that can persist over generations, one that
is far-sighted enough, flexible enough and wise enough not to undermine either
its physical or its social systems of support.
Sustainable architecture is related to a world wide movement towards
sustainability in all aspects of life. It is the act of building that supports
the existence of humanity without destroying its environmental and cultural
context. Some authors consider sustainability movement as “another step in the
process wherein society has moved from a nomadic hunting order, to an
agricultural order, to an industrial order and is currently moving to an
information based order.” In general, it is an attitude
and way of thinking and acting responsibly towards the context of our
existence. It is a term that represents the social and cultural shift in the
world order, patterns and styles of living, a new attitude and way of looking
at the world.
This paper compares aspects of sustainability in vernacular and modern
architecture in the United Arab Emirates. It starts by introducing the concept
of sustainable architecture and its relationship to the natural, built, and
human environments. In vernacular architecture, sustainability is manifested in
the design of buildings, use of materials, environmental and social
consciousness. There are indeed many lessons to be learned from vernacular
architecture in the area. On the other hand, aspects of sustainability are
absent from almost all modern buildings in the region. Some of the many reasons
are: rapid development, use of foreign materials, design methods, and
construction systems all contribute to the absence of sustainability in modern
buildings.
A comparative analysis of different
aspects of vernacular and modern architecture in the region as related to
aspects of sustainability, namely: environmental, socio-cultural, and economic
sustainability was conducted in order to illustrate aspects of
sustainability in vernacular architecture compared to absence of
sustainability in modern buildings in the region. The aim of this paper is to
discuss prospects of boosting awareness on several levels of sustainable
architecture strategies and concepts.
Theoretical Background
The history of thinking about sustainable development is closely linked
to the history of environmental concern and peoples’ attitudes to nature. Both
represent responses to changing scientific understanding, changing knowledge
about the world and ideas about society.
Definitions of Sustainable Architecture
The basic definition of the term sustainability is derived from the
dictionary word Sustain meaning: 1. Bear weight of, hold up, keep from
falling or sinking (c.f. Support), 2. Enable to last out, keep from falling,
give strength to, encourage, 3. Endure without giving way, stand, bear up
against, 4. Undergo, experience, suffer, 5. Allow validity of, give decision in
favour of, uphold, 6. Bear out, tend to substantiate or corroborate, confirm,
7. Keep up or represent adequately, 8. Keep going continuously. Sustainable is an adjective describing an object to
which is given support, relief, nourishment, or supplied with sustenance and
thus continuously kept alive or prolonged
The popular interpretation of the words “sustainable architecture”
describes an approach to architectural design that minimizes sustenance or
resource consumption so as to prolong the availability of natural resources. However,
the definition of “sustainable” does not imply a minimization of sustenance. “Sustainable”
simply expresses the fact that resources do maintain our environment.
Sustainable architecture describes the fact that we receive what we need from
the universe. This realization compels us to respond with care or stewardship
in the use of those resources. Sustainable architecture, then, is a response to
an awareness and not a prescriptive formula for survival.
Sustainable architecture is part of a larger concern of creating
sustainable environment, which is an environment for human occupation,
performance and the support of life to which sustenance or nourishment is
continuously given.
The term “sustainable” does not express the minimization
of the expenditure of those resources necessary for the prolongation of the
life. The term does define the fact that no humanly created environment can
survive without the contributions of the larger natural environment or
ecological systems. Sustainable architecture, then, is a response to an
awareness and not a prescriptive formula for survival.
Sustainable architecture is
sometimes misunderstood as a romantic nostalgia to the past with its simple and
unpolluted vernacular ways of living. On the contrary, sustainability is a call
for an adoption of a new way of thinking and acting responsibly towards the
surrounding environment and the creation of new environments. It is an
invitation to honour the process instead of praising the product. It is important to note here that one should not expect to
reach typical ways of doing things. Each context requires in depth
understanding and acting according to its needs and potentials.
Sustainability
is sometimes misunderstood as refraining from taking action and living
passively in order to avoid using up the available limited resources. The Rocky Mountain
Institute defines sustainability as ‘meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. This definition stresses the right of living for present
and future generations. It also hints to the impact of irresponsible rapid
development, exhaustive use of resources and environmental pollution exercised
by previous generations after the industrial revolution which affected the
living environment of our present generation. The cry for sustainability in all
our aspects of living is a legitimate one. Sustainability is meeting the needs
of present generations without limiting the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
Historical Development
of Sustainable Architecture
The concept of sustainability (the "S" word) has been around for
a long time, although only recently has it entered popular culture. The modern
roots of sustainability begin in the early 20th century theory of renewable
resource management, most notably insustainable agriculture and forestry, and
in theories of "sustained yield." The real power of the concept of
sustainability lies in its integration of economic, social, and ecological
systems, previously studied and dealt with separately.
Until recently the concept of sustainability was addressed separately by
many discipline in an effort to save the environment and natural resources. It
was realised that individual efforts were not sufficient to restore the already
damaged environment without a collaborative effort between all involved disciplines.
The concept was expanded to include all aspects of human existence. In
architectures, the modern movement, which started with the turn o 20th
century, addressed mainly aspects of technology and industrialisation.
Architecture of the 20th Century began as a celebration of the age of
industry and technology; but this is rapidly changing in response to a new age
of information and ecology. From an ecological perspective, mainstream
architecture for the past two decades has sent out all the wrong messages.
These machine age influences share one thing in common. They embody the
profligate consumption of fossil fuel and a technocentric and anthropocentric
view of human habitat. Particularly from the 1970s to the present, the
celebration of such industrialized features as exposed structural systems, vast
expanses of plate glass, and cantilevered or tilted steel trusses have somehow
become synonymous with "progressive" architectural imagery.
The concept of sustainable architecture
started as an effort to save energy during the seventies. A return to
traditional passive solutions of cooling and heating using windtowers, earth
sheltering techniques and design concepts (ex. courtyard and compact design).
It was also appreciated in all studies of vernacular architecture without
directly addressing the theme of sustainability in vernacular
architecture.
The following are major
developments of the concept sustainable architecture:
1950’s Interest in
Vernacular Architecture
Interest in vernacular architecture started as a reaction to non-human
outcome of modern architecture practices which lasted for 50 years. The
celebrated book of Amos Rapoport “House form and culture”
was very influential in focusing attention on vernacular architecture and its
multidimensional meanings including climatic, resources, and socio-cultural
factors.. The significant work of Paul Oliver addresses
aspects of vernacular architecture in many parts of the world as social and
cultural phenomenon. The work of Hassan Fathy addressed
many aspects of the concept sustainable architecture while developing new
villages for Egyptian peasants using available resources, employing self-help
methods, applying vernacular construction techniques, while recognising social
and cultural aspects of architecture.
1970’s Solar
Architecture
Previous to the use of the term “sustainable architecture,” the term
“solar architecture” expressed the architectural concept of the reduction of
the consumption of natural resources and fuels. The intent was that we could
conserve our fuel resources through the immediate capture of the available
solar energy through appropriate building design.
Following the energy crisis in 1973, an energy conservation movement
encouraged innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and dependency on
international oil supply and increase use of renewable energy sources. The main
sources of renewable energy were solar energy using installations of
photovoltaics and wind farms. The energy conservation movement suggested
conscious utilisation of energy sources, acceptance of less comfort levels,
responsible attitude towards the environment.
1980’s Ecological and
Environmental Architecture
Ecological and environmental concerns have expanded well beyond the
issue of the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. The massive
consumption of all natural resources during the economic boom of the 1980’s,
both renewable and non-renewable, has placed a severe strain on global supplies
and caused irreparable damage to our atmosphere.
The energy conservation movement of the 70’s was merged with the
economic development movement of the 80’s in an effort to avoid the disasters
of irresponsible industry based developments of the early 20th
century. An embracing Ecological and Environmental concern was addressed by
many disciplines. In architecture, Environmental Study areas and courses were
established in many university.
1990’s Sustainable
Architecture
The modern sustainability movement began when The World Commission on
Environment and Development, through the Brundtland Commission, released
their report Our Common Future in 1987. The
Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as "development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs”. The Brundtland Commission tried to reconcile the
interests of economic development with those of environmental conservation.
Whereas the sustained yield perspective of the early 20th century focused on
biological systems, the new theory of sustainability considers human needs and
wants as well as ecological functions and processes.
The definition of sustainability as "development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs” is accepted world wide. It illustrate a new human
consciousness of the historical moment and conditional existence of our
generation. Yet, it requires some elaboration and clarification.
The Bruntland Report defined the notion of sustainable development that
meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. As this is a very general statement
it will be necessary to elaborate and define further. One may, for instance,
define sustainable development as the economic, social and environmental
aspirations of groups, which may or may not have economic growth as a priority.
The achievement of these aspirations is subject to a set of conditions. These
include inter-generational equity, which requires that the stock of
environmental resources passed on to the next generation should not inhibit
their aspirations, and intar-generational equity, which seeks to increase the
likelihood that the current aspirations of different groups will be met.
A wholistic view of sustainability,
as opposed to partial views by different disciplines, pauses a new challenge to
all participants in the field. The interdisciplinary approach is inescapable if
all aspects of sustainability are to be addressed in our future solutions.
Since its inception in 1987 through The World
Commission on Environment and Development, sustainability has been embraced
by environmental groups, scientists, government organizations, and various
interest groups, as well as the architectural community.
The concept of sustainability is
addressed by many organisations and individuals in the field of architecture.
The Union of International Architects and the American Institute of Architects,
the most influential organisations in the field, are promoting the application
of sustainable architecture through awards, competitions, and Internet
sites. Architect James Wines of SITE architectural firm, has published a book
entitled "New Wave Organic Architecture- Building Art in the Age of
Ecology", for Benedikt Taschen Publishers. Several milestone events
influenced the development of the concept sustainable architecture. The most
influential event was The "World Architecture Congress"
in Chicago. A gathering sponsored by the American Institute of
Architects and the International Union of Architects to focus on
sustainability. A call for sustainable communities solutions was issued in
hopes of cultivating images which reflect a design-based integration of the issues.
700 entries from 50 countries were received.
Levels of sustainability
The building of shelter consumes one-sixth of the world's fresh water
supply, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its fossil fuels and
manufactured materials. As a result, architecture has become one of the primary
targets of ecological reform.
Sustainability is a concept that addresses many levels of our
environment. The global concern of continuous destruction of the Ozon layer,
the green house effect, and global worming reflect the need to address
sustainability as related to the planet Earth as a whole. The impact of
environmental pollution, such as oil spills, hazardous waste management, water
pollution, nuclear radiation and acid rain, are addressed on regional levels
including several countries. Consumption of resources, recycling and waste
management are addressed on the country level. The problems of the built
environment are addressed on the city level. On the neighbourhood level, issues
of safety, belonging, and services are the main concern. The building design
and behaviour is another important level of the sustainability concept.
Finally, the interior space, where human existence and interaction takes
place is first level of sustainability concept. All these levels are
interrelated and inseparable. Any decision taken on any level affects the other
levels considerably.
Aspects of
Sustainability
1. Environmental,
Planning and Design
Sustainability is generally understood to begin with a concern by humans
for the future of humanity. This anthropocentric view is expanded to include a
concern for all life, with the realization that humans depend on complete and
healthy ecosystems as muchas they depend on other humans. This perspective
places a high value on human life, but accepts that human culture ultimately
owes its existence to nature in its entirety.
The first aspect of sustainability is related to the environment. It
deals with the natural and the built environment. A sustainable approach
towards the environment considers both natural and built environment important
parts of the context which we live in. The natural environment suffered greatly
from 20th industrial and waste management practices. The natural
environment requires attention and careful manipulation especially after our
realisation of its fragility and destructive natures if tampered with. The
built environment is what we build among the natural environment and should,
first of all, relate to it. A large part of the built environment was created
according to abstract concepts derived from the industrial revolution slogans,
i.e. “the House is a Machine to Live in” adopted by Le Corbusier and “Less is
More” by Mies van der Rohe. The built environment includes all levels of urban
planning, city planning, urban design, architectural design and interior
design. Both environments should be sustained by our human actions.
2. Psychological, Social
and Cultural
Sustainability is part of a trend to once again consider the whole
instead of specifics. Sustainability emphasizes relationships rather than
pieces in isolation. The ecological movement has focused attention during the
last century on the degradation of natural systems. Sustainability brings to
light the connections between natural and human communities, between nature and
culture. Sustainability is not at all about regressing to primitive living
conditions. It is about understanding our situation, and developing as
communities in ways that are equitable, and that make sense ecologically and
economically.
Sustainability was previously looked at as a concern for the natural
environment and the need to develop better ways to sustain its vitality and
conditions. The concept of sustainability has expanded to include the human
environment. This aspect of sustainability considers psychological, social and
cultural aspects of the human existence as important and intrinsic part in
order to create a sustainable environment.
3. Economy and
Resources
The management of resources in many parts of the world is an alarming
situation. In many parts of the world, economic resources are spent on present
needs and desires without much consideration to future generations. We will run
out of resources at some point in time if we continue these irresponsible
practices. Sustainability is responsible and conscious management of available
resources in order to sustain the existence of our future generations.
Figure (1.) Aspects of Sustainability
Comparative Analysis Between Vernacular and
Modern Architecture in The United Arab Emirates
The climate sensitive nature of sustainable design, as well as its
awareness of regional environmental and material concerns, demands a fresh look
at the issue of the vernacular as it pertains to the practice of sustainable
building. The climate and location-centered issues which form the focus of the
traditional vernacular type can generate a new sustainable vernacular typology
which recognizes environmentally based regional concerns.
The following study compares aspects of sustainability in vernacular and
modern architecture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The hypothesis of this
study is that there is much to learn from vernacular architecture if studied in
the light of sustainability concept. Also, our current practices, which are
based on premises of modern architecture, are becoming obsolete and require
major revisions in order to meet the needs for a sustainable future.
Vernacular and Modern
Architecture in The UAE
Architecture in the UAE was influenced by rapid and drastic economic,
social and cultural changes that took place in the Gulf region during the
second half of this century. The discovery of oil with commercial quantities
caused an instant growth of national income. Large size projects and
developments were launched in an effort to upgrade the standard of living of
the citizens.
Figure (2.) Map
of the Gulf Region
Figure (3.)
Map of the United Arab Emirates
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular settlements found before the discovery of oil were small and
primitive. They were usually located close to intersections of trading routes
or strategic coastal areas. Abu Dhabi was a small village where coastal tribes
settled. Al Ain was an oasis village rich with water and palm trees. Its dry
weather attracted coastal settlers during the hot humid summer season. Because
of its location on the entrance of the curving creek (Khoor), Dubai
acquired an important position and was able to develop an outstanding trading
centre with India for pearl and goods. Other small villages were located in the
routes of trading or near significant coastal areas. Citadels and forts were
built for defence purposes. They were large in size and built using thick walls
made of stone with rounded or square defence towers at each corner. They
signified territories and provided refugees during tribal wars. Mosques were
moderate in size, much smaller than the forts, and located near houses and
farms. They were usually rectangular in shape using thick stone walls.
Residential areas containing houses were spread apart allowing different tribal
clans to cluster together and expand their territory as needed. Public areas
were available amidst each cluster allowing social activities to take place.
There were several types of vernacular houses in the region. The traditional
tent was home and shelter for the Bedouins during the winter season. It was
carried over camels during travelling. Made of animals’ skin and hair, it was
easy to fold, unfold and move around. The tent was divided into two parts; one
for men and the other for women. Another tent was used for cooking and storage.
The tents were arranged around the herding area or the oasis forming a circle
or square with the Sheikh’s (the head of the tribe) tent in the middle
so that guests could recognise it. During winter season, the tribe spread over
the area wherever food and water were available sometimes half an hour apart.
During the summer season, the Bedouins used to live in shelters called Al
Arish which were made of palm tree leaves. Al Arish was made of two
parts: 1) the main area 2x4 meters used for sitting and sleeping, 2) a small
area, 2x2 meters used for cooking, storage and raising of animals. The Bedouins
considered Al Arish their second home after the tent. Permanent houses
were made of coral stones or Guss (mud mixture made as blocks) and
covered with palm trees trunks. Winter houses were built near coastal areas,
while summer houses were mainly around palm tree farms.
During the summer season many settlers were forced to leave their
coastal settlements because of heat and humidity. They used to travel to the
oasis in the desert where they collected dates, which was their main crop
stored for the winter season. During the winter season they used to go back to
the settlements by the Gulf and resume their normal activities of travelling,
fishing, trading and pearl catching. Privacy was an important factor in the
arrangement of the vernacular houses. The male reception area was separated
from other family private areas. It had direct access from outside without
going through the house The courtyard was an important feature of the house, it
occupied half the area of the traditional house. The courtyard was restricted
to family activities and women socialisation. It was used by women to move
between house parts and performed cooking activities. It provided privacy for
women to conduct their social activities, eating, and sleeping during the hot
summer season.
Figure (4.) Types
of vernacular dwellings
Modern Architecture
After the discovery of oil and the economic prosperity enjoyed by the
country there was an urgent need to build new buildings to meet the new demands
of the people. Planning departments were established to work on planning cities
and villages. Municipalities and Departments of public works were focusing on
building public buildings and housing developments.
Dependency on cars and other means of transportation caused the cities
to expand rapidly. This uncontrolled expansion transformed major cities into
metropolitan areas and changed the traditional life style into a modern one.
The government constructed several public housing projects in different parts
of the country. Houses were built and handed to citizens after completion of
construction. The design of these houses was not suitable for the cultural
values and needs of the inhabitants, especially Bedouins who were forced to
settle in these projects. The owners had to make informal additions and changes
to the houses to satisfy their needs.
The Seventies and Eighties witnessed the use of imported architectural
styles, construction systems and building materials. Architects from other Arab
countries were invited to design buildings. They applied their education,
knowledge and training in other parts of the world on the design of these
buildings. Following that period, architects from western countries played a
larger role in design and construction of new buildings. The use of reinforced
concrete, new building materials, air-conditioning and construction technology
dominated the practice of architecture. A new trend emerged in the Nineties
with a goal to revitalize the architectural heritage of the past and use its
features to stress identity and architectural style. Many of the buildings
which were built during the seventies were replaced by new buildings using
architectural features assumed to be more related to the region.
Figure (5.)
Modern buildings
Aspects of Sustainability in Vernacular
and Modern Architecture
1. Natural and Built Environmental
Sustainability
1.1. Climate
The climate of the region is of the hot, humid, desert type. The winters
are pleasantly cool and it is at this time that the occasional, erratic rains
are most likely to occur. In summer it is hot, the effect of the high
temperature being aggravated by the very high humidity.
The climate was a major conditioning factor in the formation of
vernacular architecture. There were several responses to climatic conditions:
1.The courtyard served many purposes in the
traditional house. It provided an interior private open space for family
interaction. It also provided enough shading inside the house.
2.The use
of coral blocks dug out from the gulf as building materials in the form
of sixty centimetre thick walls. The walls possessed very low thermal
conductivity, because of the cellular nature of the coral and low density of
the bonding sarooj (a red clay mixed with manure and made into paste
with water), which provided good insulation for interior spaces.
3.The windtower
(Barjeel) was used to bring cool breeze into the rooms. Wall openings
provide adequate cross ventilation. The windtowers increased ventilation and
comfort inside the house. They were multi-directional, able to catch the breeze
from whichever direction it might come. Windtowers were placed about fifteen
meters above the ground. At this height wind velocity is about one and half
times greater than at one meter above ground level. At least half the length of
the windtower was an enclosed funnel and air passing down it increases
considerably in velocity. The windtower descends vertically into a room
beneath, terminating at just over two meters above the floor. Much of the flow
of air from the windtower was confined to the area immediately below the tower,
for the draught down one side of the tower is matched by a strong up-flow of
air in the side opposite, but the windtower also creates some air movement in
the room as a whole. Traditionally, cushions were placed beneath the windtower
and people sat there for eating and entertaining.
4.Small openings
protected the interior spaces from the harsh sun and glare. They also provided
privacy for the occupants.
5.The Arish
- houses made of palm tree reeds- were used in humid areas to allow adequate
ventilation.
Modern buildings are designed as
blocks covered with glazed curtain walls. They are the symbol of modern
lifestyle. These buildings are completely dependent on air-conditioning and
artificial ventilation because they were not designed to accommodate the local
climatic conditions. Buildings of this type are consuming large amounts of the
limited non-renewable resources of the country.
Vernacular architecture responses
to climatic conditions of the region are excellent lessons for modern
architecture. Micro climate conditions should be examined carefully. While the
country is small in size, it has coastal areas which are hot-humid, desert
areas which are hot-arid, and oasis and mountain areas which are hot only. The
weather is hot six months per year and is pleasant the rest of the year.
Consideration of climatic conditions should be stressed in buildings codes and
regulations.
Figure (6.) Model
of a vernacular courtyard house
Figure (7.)
Windtowers (Barjeel)
Figure (8.)
Modern and vernacular climatic responses
1.2. Building Materials
Use of locally available building materials, such as coral blocks (ex.
wall of Sheikh Saeed), mountain stones (ex. Al Ain forts) palm trees (ex. Arish),
animal skin (ex. Bedouin tents) was a common practice in all vernacular
examples. The use of building material available in the region provided
flexible and easy to maintain vernacular buildings.
Use of imported materials, such as concrete, steel, aluminium and glass
(ex. modern buildings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai), is the common practice in modern
architecture. This dependency on non-renewable imported material, which are not
suitable for the climate of the region, require continuous costly maintenance.
While the use of indigenous building materials is climatically sound, the use
of imported materials requires need for air conditioning and more energy
consumption to control the interior environment.
It is not feasible to argue for return to use indigenous building
materials in modern buildings for several reasons. First, indigenous building
materials cannot satisfy the new needs of building forms and functions. Second,
it is not possible to provide enough materials to cover all needed quantities.
The lesson learned from using indigenous building materials is the climatic
sustainability of these materials.
1.3. Construction
Methods
The houses were individually designed around evolving family
requirements on a plot allocated to the family by the ruling sheikh. The
building would be planned and built by about three masons, with nine or ten
labourers, and two carpenters as and when they were required.
Simple methods of construction were used to build vernacular buildings.
The use of the traditional foldable tent facilitated the movement of Bedouins
from one place to another. Construction methods used to construct the houses
and forts were simple, easy to implement and manipulate. Thick bearing walls
were used to support roofs made of trees’ trunks. Indigenous construction
methods adhered to the needs of the society and climate. The use of the folded
tent facilitated movement from one place to another. The use of coral blocks
provided good insulation for interior spaces.
In the case of modern architecture, sophisticated methods are imported
for the construction of buildings especially high rise buildings which require
advanced technology and skilled labours. Modern construction methods do not
allow traditional lifestyle to continue. For example, the traditional Bedouin
lifestyle disappeared after settling them in planned villages and communities.
Again, like the case of traditional
building materials, reuse of traditional construction methods is no longer
feasible. Yet, there should awareness of consequences of selection of methods.
The development of building codes that support different forms of lifestyles is
a challenge.
1.4. Building Design
The design of vernacular houses was introvert with rooms
overlooking an interior courtyard. This courtyard provided an adequate
climatic and social solution. The courtyard provided adequate shading and
privacy in an open space. Exterior openings were very small preventing
the interior spaces from the harsh climatic conditions. Terraces and balconies
were overlooking the interior courtyard.
Modern buildings follow international architectural trends found in
other parts of the world, especially western countries. Houses are extrovert;
built as villas overlooking the outside garden with balconies and large
glass windows. They do not provide an adequate level of privacy for the
occupants. Balconies are rarely used and the windows are usually covered
with heavy curtains.
Aspects of sustainability in vernacular architecture design are
applicable to modern architecture design. A careful re-examination of the value
of the courtyard as a climatic and social solution is urgently needed. Also, a
revision of building codes and regulations currently applied in the area which
produce the built environment is required. Most of currently used building
codes are imported from other countries without examination of their relevance
to regional conditions and needs.
Figure (9.) Modern and Vernacular house design
1.5. Planning
Neighbourhood planning and design was the product of social relationships and cultural evolution. The organic
pattern of neighbourhood planning provided different spaces and atmospheres for
living. Public and private spaces were clearly defined and respected. This type
of planning provided environments according to human needs and evolution of
human relationships. Vernacular communities were nuclear communities
expanding as the communities grew and new families formed. The streets were
narrow, 3 to 4 meters in width, providing a convenient space for people to walk
and interact. Public spaces were provided away from the houses for tribal
gathering and activities. Each clan of a tribe used to cluster together in
neighborhoods providing alliance and territoriality for its members. These were
important aspects of group relationships with status and power implications.
Automobile dependant planning results, as in other parts of the world, monotonous and repetitive
pattern of community design. Sense of community is lost due to repetition of
surrounding environment. Planning for automobile dependant society produces large
scale environments which do not encourage human interaction. Modern
developments are linear requiring consumption of more resources for
infrastructure and transportation. They are ready made as end products allowing
very little user participation in planning and design phases. Planning for
automobiles only creates environments hostile to human beings.
Neighbourhood design should consider the people, not the automobiles, as its
focal point. Adequately shaded pedestrian walkways, playing areas for children,
public spaces suitable for social interaction and separation between vehicular
and pedestrian walkways should be stressed.
Figure (10.) Modern and vernacular Planning
Figure (11.) Modern and vernacular neighbourhood design
2. Psychological, Social
and Cultural Sustainability
2.1. Privacy
Several levels of privacy were present in vernacular communities.
The first level was the privacy of the community itself which provided
protection and prescribed acceptable social behaviours for members of the
tribes, kinship, or families. The second level of privacy was provided by the
house design which, through the courtyard, provided privacy to the family and
its members. Thick walls and small openings provided an intimate level of
privacy in interior spaces for the individual. There was a clear
differentiation between private and public space as related to visual,
acoustic, and climatic conditions.
The houses were designed both to accommodate extended families and to
provide proper privacy for the women according to Moslem tradition. The women’s
freedom of movement and behaviour within the courtyard was a measure of the
exclusion of the outside world from the home.
Modern architecture does not adhere to the vernacular levels of privacy.
They regard the individual as a generic -standard - occupant and user. The
levels of privacy provided in modern architecture are reflections of the
designer’s cultural background, point of view and personal experience. To
achieve the desired levels of privacy, the individual employ’s measures such as
fencing and avoidance of use. This mismatch between the designer’s intentions and
the users’ needs result superfluous utilisation of spaces and resources.
Privacy is an important
psychological need for individuals and society. To achieve good
understanding of individuals and community privacy needs and means of achieving
it, research studies should be conducted to explore these issues. Also, absence
of native architects and researchers in the Seventies -during the construction
boom in the area following the international oil crisis- contributed to the
production of architecture that does not adhere to the needs of the society.
Again, building codes and regulations implemented during this period of time
was borrowed from other countries carrying with them needs and customs of other
societies.
2.2. Desires
Vernacular architecture satisfied the unpretentious desires of the
individuals and society. As in other vernacular examples, there was a shared
image of what the house should be and how it should be built.
Modern architecture does not satisfy the continuously changing desires
of individual and society. Those desires are shaped by social pressures, media,
and other means of commercial advertisement. There is always more to pursue,
which adds pressure to the already hectic life of the individual. Buildings
that were built in the Seventies are being demolished because of their poor
images. They are replaced by fancy looking buildings covered by glass and
coloured aluminium sheets.
2.3. Identity
There was no need to implement any measures to ensure relevance of
identity in the community. Identity was a natural by product of actions taken
by the community during the evolution of vernacular settlements. There was no
need to impose an architectural style, character, or use certain architectural
features or elements to produce a desired identity. Eclecticism was a common
practice in many vernacular examples. Due to strong ties with Southeast Asian
countries, many architectural features were borrowed and used in
vernacular settlements.
To achieve the image of modernity in modern buildings, many modern
buildings are built using brick and concrete and covered with glass panels.
They lack identity and belonging to the surrounding environment. Many measures
are enforced to ensure presence of desired identity in the modern built
environment. These measures include committees enforcing building codes and
character to ensure achieving a desired identity in new buildings. The result
is a collection of unrelated buildings and a mix of styles and characters
depending on the designers and committees’ approvals. Many features that are
enforced by these committees are not related to the vernacular architecture of
the region and are borrowed from other places.
Figure (12.) Images of Architectural features character
2.4. Religion
Placed within a walking distance from all the houses, the mosque was the
centre of the vernacular community. It provided spiritual as well as educational
services to the community in the form of Alkuttab, the traditional
one-room school.
Modern planning replaces the traditional mosque with the school in the
heart of the community. The school seizes the role and place of the religious
building. City design does not satisfy individuals’ needs of living close to
the mosques. Therefore individuals build mosques close to their home. Numerous
mosques sometime across the street from each other are being built by
individuals. While the mosque might be within a walking distance according to planning
standards, the harsh weather encourages people to go by automobiles and
discourages walking.
In an Islamic society, the mosque should be viewed as the centre of the
community not as a service to be provided later. The so-called planning
standards that are applied and taught in architectural schools should be
revised and adapt to the local needs of the community. Planning standards and
building codes should sustain local environmental, social and cultural needs.
Figure (13.) Modern and vernacular Planning
2.5. Family
Vernacular houses provided adequate setting for family living and child
rearing. The large size and design of the house allowed formation of new
families within the same space. Extended families lived for years together and
the elderly were taken care by the young. Women had adequate space and privacy
inside the courtyard. The house was evolving with the growing family needs and
development.
The government provides the citizens with modern houses. Modern houses
are provided with all sophisticated facilities. The houses are designed as end
products not allowing its residents to modify or change them.
2.6. Community Lifestyle
Many of the inhabitants were Bedouins raising herds of animals in the
desert. The tent was their house during long exhausting trips to arable lands.
All Bedouins became settlers under new schemes to settle the Bedouins in new
communities. These schemes resulted in the disappearance of this life style.
The worst impact of planned development is disappearance of human
life styles without allowing them the opportunity to evolve naturally. The
Bedouins, the traditional inhabitants of this region, are no longer living
there because of enforced social and planning schemes. The argument is not for
preservation of inadequate living conditions, rather the argument is that
people should be given the chance to evolve and adapt to new conditions. They
should also be allowed freedom of choice between different lifestyles.
3. Economic
Sustainability
3.1. Resources
The resources of the vernacular were renewable. Building materials were
available everywhere, construction method and house design were shared by
everyone. Modern architecture requires the use of numerous resources, many of
which are not available in the region. Building materials, construction
methods, workforce, and building design are all imported from foreign
countries. While the revenues of local resources are high at this moment, they
are limited and non-renewable.
3.2. Consumption
Consumption of resources was very limited. The number of inhabitants was
small and the resources were very limited. The inhabitants used the available
resources efficiently in order to survive the difficult conditions.
Consumption of local resources is very rapid. Little attention is given
to issues of recycling and reuse of waste materials.
Conclusions
The best buildings of the future will interact dynamically with the
climate in order better to meet the users’ needs and make optimum use of
energy.
Absence of awareness in a period of booming development contributed to
the creation of an environment that resembles other environments without much
concern to the context of the region. New awareness towards the significance of
environment, conservation and sustainability concepts should be encouraged in
order to replace improper practices towards the environment.
We must address the issues of sustainability in our architecture, urban
design and planning projects. We need a long term view of how to implement
sustainable strategies, not the fulfilment of immediate physical satisfaction.
Sustainability is by nature "an
architecture". If we are to achieve it, we must concretely engage the
design issues associated with material selection, water runoff and collection,
solar thermal access/collection/storage, wind sheltering and ventilation flow
management, daylight access and distribution, land form, soil structure, and
vegetative resource; we must address, more fully, the underlying influence(s)
of political, economic and social issues comprising the cultural and spiritual
landscape -- in which the desire to achieve sustainability in itself reflects
such a significant value shift.
Barriers of achieving sustainable
architecture
1. Attitudes towards
vernacular architecture
Attitude towards the past represented by vernacular architecture is
hindering appreciation of the significance of it s environmental solutions.
Many vernacular buildings are being transformed into museums but they are not
regarded as viable solutions to our current situation.
The folk tradition is the direct and unselfconscious translation into
physical from of a culture, its needs and values- as well as the needs, dreams
and passions of a people. The Folk tradition is more closely related to the
culture of the majority and life as it is really lived than is the grand design
tradition which represents the culture of the elite.
2. Lifestyle based on
convenience and total comfort.
In many Gulf countries, there is a total reliance on non-renewable
energy intensive HVAC systems replaced climate sensitive vernacular design with
buildings which ignored the implications and potential of climate due to the
availability of mechanical and electrical systems and inexpensive energy. Such
building design practices persist despite increased energy costs and
environmental awareness. This type of design approach built an expectation of
guaranteed all-season comfort, with minimal intervention by the occupant. The
invention of computerized thermostats increased the passive role of the
occupant. This “lifestyle,” based on convenience and total comfort, has perhaps
become one of the greatest barriers to the widespread adoption of both passive
and sustainable design principles. Sustainable design requires
a fundamental change in mind-set and a change in values toward less consumption
and less comfort. We have to accept reduction in expected comfort levels, in
comparison with accepted comfort criteria in mechanically heated and cooled
buildings.
A more romantic notion of sustainability leads to fairly significant
lifestyle implications and the acceptance that indoor comfort levels will vary
with the external conditions in summer and winter and that they will be
affected significantly by the users’ active participation in drawing the
shades, opening and closing windows and doors, firing the heater, conserving
hot water, etc. Passive buildings require active users.
3. Building codes.
In many Third World countries, implementation of inadequate building
codes and regulations which were imported from Western countries during
colonialisation, created a built environment alien and hostile to the
localities. A major revision of those building codes and regulations is long
overdue. As suggested earlier, sustainability is achieved through a process
that ensures it implementation in all stages of development. Sustainability
refers to a process and an attitude or viewpoint towards the future.
Rather than signalling a return to subsistence living, sustainability
means an increase in quality and standard of living. The key to sustainable
architecture is recognizing our position as temporary towards our environment.
The better we as architects understand and implement our stewardship of the
built environment, the greater the quality life we, and future generations,
will enjoy.
4. Economic stability
There is a myth that implementation of sustainable strategies would
reduce consumption of oil and hence reduce income and dependency on oil. This
viewpoint ignores the importance of reducing oil consumption for the benefit of
future generations. Instead of striving to achieve high income today, we should
work on maintaining modest income for a longer period of time.
Recommendations and Proposed Action
In order to achieve a sustainable architecture, the following measures
should be implemented:
1. Revision of Planning
Standards
The so-called planning standards that are applied and taught in
architectural schools should be revised and adapt to the local needs of the
community. Most of these standards were borrowed from western countries during
colonialisation period and are still active until today. Planning standards and
building codes should sustain local environmental, social and cultural needs.
2. Revision of Building
Codes
Along with planning standards, building codes and regulations should be
updated and improved in order to meet the changing needs of the society and
environment. Many of these building codes were designed to meet the needs of
cold weather regions and specific social needs of western countries.
3. Improving
Architectural Design and Practice
We need to absorb the concept of sustainable architecture into the
design process of professional practice. A regional approach to architectural
design should incorporate all aspects of sustainability.
4. Architectural
Education
We should introduce the concept and issues of sustainability in our
architectural education. Our architectural curricula should address all aspects
of sustainability as an overriding concept that influences all our design
decisions. There are several strategies to incorporate the concept of
sustainability in our curricula.
The need to introduce issues of sustainable design into architectural curricula
is becoming vitally important. The use of solar and climate sensitive design
strategies in buildings has become the essential starting point for sustainable
architecture since the introduction of these topics into architectural curricula
in the 1970’s. Such climate sensitive strategies can be characterized to
support either passive solar design or active solar and wind design. Passive
and active design do not in and of themselves constitute sustainability, but
they can be seen as vital supporters of sustainable design. It is important
that educators understand the full potential of sustainable design through
experiencing the active participation of the sustainable lifestyle. The
relevance of this type of sustainable living experience is becoming more widely
recognized. Such involvement will not only ask of educators that they practice
what they preach, but will allow professors to understand the implications and
potential engendered by complete sustainable living—Passive + Active +
Participation- and take an active role in the creation of a new sustainable
vernacular.
We should allow changes to take place in our architectural curricula on
the following levels:
1.Study
and selection of construction materials
2.Development
of sound design concepts
3.Development
of appropriate building construction details
4.Quantity
surveying and assurance of quality performance
5.Study
aspects of maintenance and durability of buildings
6.Study energy
consumption, conservation and effectiveness in buildings
7.Finally,
stress quality more than quantity.
While educating architectural
students seems difficult, educating practitioners is more challenging and
rewarding. We should not neglect the large number of graduates and
practitioners who have direct influence on what is being produced today. Post
graduate studies, workshops and seminars should address the immediate needs of
practising architects in order to be able to transform their current practices
in sustainable ones.
The industrial revolution and the resulting
international/modernist movement in architecture was highly integrated with the
technical questions raised, and the opportunities presented, by new means of
construction. Our current situation is no different. Sustainability provides
the window of opportunity for demonstrating how the integration of technical
issues can reveal new design/artistic/stylistic inspirations. Unless as a
profession we can shift the popular image of our work from the
"beautification of buildings" to the "management by design"
of energy, economic and environmental resources in service to the individual
and societal aspirations, we miss our opportunity of assuring the profession's
future.
5. New avenues for
architectural research
We should encourage research on sustainable architecture and use of
environmental measurements to study vernacular and modern architecture.
Research findings that are supported by advance environmental measurements have
significant impact. For example, the audience at the American Solar Energy
Society’s Annual Conference in July 1995, ‘Solar 95’, was captivated by John
Reynolds’ (University of Oregon) study of temperature patterns in vernacular
Spanish courtyards in Cordoba. The Reynolds study, with
temperature data collected using “hobos,” (a hobo is a portable data logger
which is able to collect air temperature, relative humidity or daylight, at
specific selected time intervals. The information can then be downloaded into a
computer for analysis) documented courtyard temperatures in the mid 80’s, as
compared with adjacent street temperatures in the mid to high 90’s. The passive
cooling was achieved through high mass and evaporative cooling (fountains and
watering of plants). The courtyard felt adequately comfortable in comparison to
the adjacent urban environment, in spite of recording temperatures at least 10
degrees F higher than would be expected in a mechanically cooled building, and
measured conditions at the high end of the accepted comfort zone. The images of the lush foliage and cool comfort of the
courtyard contrasted the harsh heat of the urban surroundings. No energy
dependent systems were employed to achieve comfort—rather, natural cooling
principles, foliage and water.
6. Use and Reuse of
Economic Resources
Consumption of limited resources should be addressed on all levels. We
should use alternative energy sources to preserve our limited resources for
future generations. The “RE” words are numerous; REcycle, REuse, REstore,
REnew, REscue, REgenerate, and REcover.
7. Implementing
Sustainability Strategies
What is needed are methodologies which inform decision-making in support
of achieving sustainability.
Sustainability is usually attacked as “romantic slogan” with no specific
agenda for action. There are two main strategies for implementing
sustainability concept: active and passive strategies. While active strategies
focus on implementing the adoption of alternate energy “systems”, passive
systems focus on the adoption of “principles” of design to reduce energy
requirements.
Full sustainability will not be possible without a comprehensive and
strategic adoption of both active and passive systems. These strategies need to
be seen as complementary and interdependent, a positive product of their
apparent diametric opposition. The implementation of active systems, if coupled
with an education towards the adoption of vernacular based passive strategies,
will be able to better reduce the overall consumption of energy. A
comprehensive approach to sustainable design, with active user participation,
will enable renewable energy sources to more easily meet demand levels. In this
way, passive and active design strategies can act to support the creation of a
new sustainable vernacular, based on an inclusive bioclimatic approach to
architectural design.
Passive strategies can be viewed
as: a holistic approach to design to reduce the use of electricity and general
energy consumption, the use of natural systems versus high tech dependency, an
emulation of the purity and successes of vernacular construction for heating
and cooling, an architecture which in its response to climate involves the
total design of a building and its site, passive solar design strategy, as an
aspect of sustainable building design, requiring active user participation to
ensure effectiveness and consistency, a return to the rustic, simplified
lifestyle, back to earth, and essentially a romantic view.
Active strategies are
technology dependent solutions. The use of active systems can effectively
alleviate the pressure on non-renewable energy sources—independent of
architectural form and without radically altering occupant lifestyle or level
of comfort. Active systems have been presented as technological solutions which
can effectively alleviate the pressure on non-renewable energy sources—without
a major change in building design strategies or occupant lifestyle. Active
strategies can be viewed as: systems oriented, incrementally adaptable to the
community requirements, the generation of electricity via photovoltaics and
wind to reduce dependence on grid based electricity, climate dependent
installations based on the availability of solar radiation and wind,
applications currently limited as a product of initial capital costs, long term
benefits as a result of low operating and maintenance costs, active solar and
wind strategies as an aspect of sustainable building design, and a pragmatic
solution that can operate effectively independent of active user participation.
Toward A New
Vernacular
Sustainable architecture and developments are in the process of creating
new forms of climate-sensitive vernacular for the 21st century.
The future of architecture will not depend on styles and fashion
promoted by consumerism and media. It will depend on sincere application of
sustainable strategies and the achievement of successful regional environmental
solutions. We will be able to appreciate and enjoy diversity instead of being
contained in monotony and uniformity.
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