Evaluation of sustainable vernacular architecture and settlements in Yunnan

Abstract

The settlement and vernacular architecture in Yunnan can be imagined as a living organism which is the outcome of centuries of optimization of topography adaption, climate consideration, material use, construction techniques, etc. The environment and the multiple forms of Yunnan traditional dwellings reflect the balanced development of residential houses, cultural background and natural ecology, forming regional context and system. This paper aims to explore and evaluate sustainable vernacular architecture and settlement from a settlement layout, architecture form and natural architecture materials so as to put forward the sustainable perspective. It also can be taken as an example for modern building and landscaping design. © 2012 WIT Press.