Evaluating the sophistication of vernacular architecture to adjust to the climate

Abstract

Globalisation in architecture and the highly developed artificial technology of the 1950s allowed architects to design buildings without responding to the needs of the people in their climates. After the oil crisis of the 1970s, architects started referring back to local and traditional methods for inspiration to re-establish the relationship between form and climate. This paper aims to evaluate whether the vernacular architecture was sophisticated enough to offer wise and sustainable solutions to the housing needs. Taking Greek vernacular architecture as a test case, the study is based on the comparison of two architectural types, which were developed at the same time in different climates; the Cycladic type and the North-Hellenic Tower type. The white cubical houses are generally considered more picturesque and photogenic compared with the less well-known North-Hellenic loggia houses. This study shows that both types have many qualities and were developed in response to local and regional characteristics with the Tower type presenting more sophisticated answers. In addition, the paper tries to support the study of not only stylish buildings, but also less elegant and cosmopolitan houses. It is possible that many sophisticated architectural answers are hidden behind the appearance.