Influence of context on the aesthetics of sustainable architecture
Evolving the Vernacular
Sustainability in the concept of regionalism and its aesthetical value
Versatile appeal
by Stijn Faarts
by Leonique Winnen
by Anna Igumnova
by Steven Huyps
ABSTRACT Sustainability imposes a new set of principles on the production of architectural form and aesthetics in response to the consideration of environmental variables. A research study has been conducted to gain insights into context related architecture. With the use of reference projects that strongly relate to their context on a conceptual and design level. This essay will discuss the conceptual thinking in relation to context and the manner in which this influences the aesthetic appearance of the most characteristic part of sustainable architecture, the building envelope. The two reference projects that will be discussed are the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa (New Caledonia) by Renzo Piano, and the Dutch embassy in Amman (Jordan) by Rudy Uytenhaak. The goal is to review both context related design approaches and the aesthetics that consequently follow this approach. The unique part of the Dutch embassy in Amman is that it not only relates to the context, but also to the Dutch identity. The way in which Rudy Uytenhaak dealt with this dualistic design approach in relation to the work by Renzo Piano will be reviewed.
ABSTRACT Vernacular architecture naturally contains different sustainable principles according to some, like energy efficiency and the use of local resources and materials. From the 1960s on the amount of studies about vernacular knowledge with regard to sustainability increased. These studies mainly focused on the quantitative performance of vernacular elements, in this essay also qualitative aspects are taken into account. Vernacular architecture is about the range of available resources within a specific context based on evolving experiments and knowledge, as a response to specific needs, reflecting local traditions. In this essay the value of this knowledge is determined and also in which ways this knowledge should be applied in contemporary designs. Reflecting on an example from the book New Vernacular architecture, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre by Renzo Piano in New Caledonia.
ABSTRACT Globalization of modern architecture leads the world to the loss of regional identity and feeling of genius loci – aspects that make this planet culturally diverse. The concept of Regionalism opposes the globalization trend and tends to connect the architecture with its environment and regional culture. One of the key aspects of Regionalism is preserving Genius Loci. In order to understand the main ideas behind the concept this essay first will identify the meaning of genius loci and further reveal the aspects of Regionalism. In the intention to stay close to the “roots” it is important to stay modern and keep the connection with new technologies. Modern technological attributes of sustainability such as solar panels, windmills, green walls and water reuse systems often appear as a flashy element and a visual detection of sustainable building, which creates a prejudice view on sustainable design. In many minds sustainability is defined as a certain style of architecture with specific aesthetics 2. In this essay some aspects of sustainability and aesthetics will be described to make a full basis for understanding the subject before analysing case studies.
ABSTRACT The built environment is subject to high structural vacancy rates due to inflexibility of existing building stock. Solutions to this dispute could be found in versatile housing which can be characterized as a dichotomy in adaptability on the one hand and flexibility on the other hand. Adaptability applies to versatility of the outer envelope of the building whereas flexibility relates to the space enclosed by this envelope. Adaptability hereby serves as a framework for flexibility to take place. Adaptability can be achieved by an oversized structure with transient infill customized to the identity of the dweller. Flexibility subsequently can either be obtained by multifunctionality through sliding walls and furniture or by polyvalence. Polyvalence architecture allows for various interpretations without intervention of architectural adaptions. It allows form to be put to different uses as a result of its spatial configuration. Polyvalence architecture is different from function neutral architecture in the sense that it provides a stimulus for individual interpretation and an incentive for identity.
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