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Contribution of the Vernacular Architecture to the Sustainability: A Comparative Study between the Contemporary Areas and the Old Quarter of a Mediterranean City

Author

Listed:
  • Fajer Al Tawayha

    (CTAC Research Centre, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Luis Braganca

    (Department of Civil Engineering and CTAC Research Centre, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Ricardo Mateus

    (Department of Civil Engineering and CTAC Research Centre, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

Abstract

The strongest point of vernacular architecture is the harmony between environment and buildings. Mediterranean vernacular architecture is harmonized with its local context, including culture and traditions. In addition, it respects environmental and climatic factors, construction materials, and morphology. In the past, people in Palestine built their houses according to their possibilities, needs, available materials, topography, and culture. Without any control from the government or any legal limitations or architects, it was people’s architecture, simple architecture. This paper discusses the differences between vernacular and contemporary residential buildings of the city of Nablus at the building scale. The research methodology adopts explanatory qualitative analysis and comparative synthesis methods for both the old and the new buildings of the city of Nablus and considers many parameters of residential buildings such as building materials, interior spaces, openings and vegetation, and the effect of sociocultural values on each. The outcomes of this research allow understanding how the new city residential buildings are far away from the sustainability principles and how the old city is close to it and how the architects and stakeholders could learn from the strategies of vernacular architecture.

Suggested Citation

  • Fajer Al Tawayha & Luis Braganca & Ricardo Mateus, 2019. "Contribution of the Vernacular Architecture to the Sustainability: A Comparative Study between the Contemporary Areas and the Old Quarter of a Mediterranean City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:3:p:896-:d:204522
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Zeynep Cigdem Uysal Urey, 2023. "Creation of a New Vernacular Architecture and the Attainment of Sustainability: The Case of Akyaka Town Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-24, February.
    2. Elena Cantatore & Fabio Fatiguso, 2021. "An Energy-Resilient Retrofit Methodology to Climate Change for Historic Districts. Application in the Mediterranean Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-32, January.
    3. Yun-Shang Chiou & Joan Stephanie Elizalde, 2019. "Thermal Performances of Three Old Houses: A Comparative Study of Heterogeneous Vernacular Traditions in Taiwan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-26, October.
    4. Gül Aktürk & Hannah Fluck, 2022. "Vernacular Heritage as a Response to Climate: Lessons for Future Climate Resilience from Rize, Turkey," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Mennat-Allah El-Husseiny & Hamdy El-Setouhy, 2022. "Reviving Low-Tech Modes of Construction as a Method for Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-21, October.
    6. Oriol Pons-Valladares & Jelena Nikolic, 2020. "Sustainable Design, Construction, Refurbishment and Restoration of Architecture: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-18, November.
    7. Hermawan Hermawan & Jozef Švajlenka, 2022. "Building Envelope and the Outdoor Microclimate Variable of Vernacular Houses: Analysis on the Environmental Elements in Tropical Coastal and Mountain Areas of Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-18, February.
    8. Mojtaba Ashour & Amir Mahdiyar & Syarmila Hany Haron, 2021. "A Comprehensive Review of Deterrents to the Practice of Sustainable Interior Architecture and Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.
    9. Ebru Ergöz Karahan & Özgür Göçer & Kenan Göçer & Didem Boyacıoğlu, 2021. "An Investigation of Occupant Energy-Saving Behavior in Vernacular Houses of Behramkale (Assos)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-23, December.
    10. Juanjo Galan & Felix Bourgeau & Bas Pedroli, 2020. "A Multidimensional Model for the Vernacular: Linking Disciplines and Connecting the Vernacular Landscape to Sustainability Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-22, August.

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