Search Results (405)

In recent decades, sustainability and biophilic design have gained significant attention as revived concepts in architecture, offering innovative pathways to reconnect the built environment with nature. Can these principles be characterized and assessed in vernacular architectural contexts so as to be incorporated into contemporary sustainable practices? This research seeks to answer this question by examining the vernacular architecture of Kasbahs and Ksour in southern Morocco through the lens of biophilic design. The link between the two remains underexplored, specifically in the context of southern Morocco—a gap this article seeks to address. This research analyzes these heritage architectures by combining a theoretical exploration of sustainability, biophilic design (BD), and operational BD frameworks with a practical evaluation using a Biophilic Interior Design Matrix. This analysis is particularly pertinent as the contemporary society spends roughly 90% of its time indoors and is considered to be an “indoor generation”. After examining eleven vernacular buildings spread over key areas of Ouarzazate Province in southern Morocco against 54 biophilic design attributes, the findings reveal that Kasbahs and Ksour showcase sustainability and biophilic qualities. This demonstrates that Moroccan traditional architectural values can enable heritage preservation through biophilic principles to deliver culturally contextual and sustainable architectural solutions for contemporary practice. Full article

This article examines four block-printed Mahāpratisarā dhāraṇī amulets from late Tang to early Song China, highlighting how Sanskrit-script texts circulated in everyday religious life. Through a philological and visual analysis, it reveals a decentralised dhāraṇī culture shaped by variant bījākṣara (seed syllable) arrangements, divergent textual recensions, and diverse ritual uses—from burial and temple consecration to daily wear and cave enshrinement. Rather than static texts, these amulets reflect dynamic interactions among sacred sound, material form, and vernacular Buddhist practice, offering rare insight into non-canonical transmission and popular engagement with Indic scripture. Full article

Rural landscape character assessment (LCA) is significant for identifying and understanding rural landscapes and maintaining the cultural connotations of the rural vernacular. Taking the rural area of Songzi City as an example, this study identifies the landscape character (LC) and analyzes the coupling between the current state of its LC and a construction project based on the depth of rural landscape planning in the county and combining the ecology, arable land, and water body protection boundary as constraints. Thus, we obtain the “point, line, and surface” site selection suggestions for the construction activities of leisure agriculture, power grid, and energy facilities, and the zoning classification and layout control strategies for LC are subsequently proposed. The results show the following: (1) The county LC factor is a combination of natural and human factors used to obtain 165 LC areas in Songzi City. (2) The current state of rural LC is used to determine LCs from shallow to deep and to provide the basis for index selection and judgment for evaluation. (3) The coupling relationship between rural LC and construction projects varies and must be judged using subjective and objective methods, desktop research combined with field analyses, and multi-stakeholder participation. Based on the perspective of coupling and coordinating human and landscape, this study applies local-scale LCA to practice, strengthens the interface with rural construction planning, and provides research ideas and methodological references for the sustainable control of rural LC. Full article

This paper examines the emergence of vernacular liturgies in Latin America, particularly through the incorporation of folk music in Nicaraguan Masses following the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). In response to the Romanization of the Catholic liturgy in the nineteenth century, folk songs in local languages became a form of theological and cultural resistance, offering an alternative to the Latin-dominated liturgical tradition. Despite Vatican disapproval of certain Mass settings due to their non-traditional texts, these vernacular liturgies transcended their missionary origins, enriching both devotional practice and theological discourse. The study explores key Vatican II documents on liturgical participation, examines the role of liberation theology in framing vernacular and multilingual Masses as tools for social and religious transformation, as well as historical precedent as a lens for understanding the progression of change in the setting of the Mass, particularly in Latin America. Using the Misa Campesina, by Carlos Mejía Godoy, as a case study, the paper demonstrates how Nicaraguan folk Masses embody the intersections of ecclesial reform, cultural identity, and social justice within the broader context of Latin American liturgical innovation. Full article

In recent years, rapid urbanization has transformed the man–land relationship in rural areas, highlighting issues such as the homogenization of vernacular landscapes. This study uses the Liuxi River in Guangzhou as a case and applies a hierarchical interpretation system for vernacular landscapes, utilizing methods from landscape character assessment (LCA) and Historic Landscape Characterization (HLC). Focusing on two scales, “basin” and “vernacular unit”, this study proposes a framework for identifying vernacular landscape patterns. This framework includes scale definition, pattern identification, feature description, and factor analysis. At the basin scale, the investigation concentrates on spatial configurations of vernacular landscapes in 1985, whereas the unit-scale analysis delineates temporal evolutionary trajectories spanning 1974–2020. The results indicate significant differences in landscape fragmentation, dominance, and diversity between upstream and downstream at the basin scale. At the unit scale, the landscape connectivity in the Shaxi River unit remains relatively stable, while landscape heterogeneity increases, resulting in greater diversity. This study provides valuable insights into the continuity and development of diversity in analogous vernacular landscape regions globally, particularly those comparable to the Liuxi River basin. Full article

Traditional villages, as repositories of cultural heritage and natural landscapes, have gained increasing prominence in the tourism industry. However, balancing authenticity preservation with visitor satisfaction remains a critical challenge. This study employs a combined Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)–Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) approach under the theoretical framework of 4E theory (Entertainment, Education, Aesthetics, and Escapism) to comprehensively evaluate visitor satisfaction in traditional village tourism landscapes. Eight nationally designated tourism-oriented traditional villages in Anhua County, China were selected as case studies. Findings from the AHP analysis reveal that aesthetic and escapism experiences are the most influential dimensions in shaping visitor satisfaction, while entertainment and educational experiences, though secondary, remain integral to a well-rounded tourism framework. The SBE evaluation corroborates these results, highlighting that seasonal characteristics, stress relief, and cultural landscape diversity significantly enhance visitor experiences. Conversely, deficiencies were observed in social interactivity, satisfaction with educational experiences, and fulfillment of aesthetic needs, indicating areas for improvement. A strong positive correlation between AHP and SBE scores (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.867, p < 0.01) underscores the alignment between expert-driven evaluations and visitor perceptions. These insights suggest that integrating expert-based hierarchical analysis with empirical visitor assessments provides a more robust and multidimensional framework for sustainable tourism management. Recommendations include enhancing social interactivity, optimizing educational components, enriching aesthetic experiences, and ensuring the preservation of vernacular landscapes to foster sustainable, experience-driven rural tourism development. Full article

The Tusi manors in the Yunnan–Tibet region exemplify historical timber-framed architecture that seamlessly blends official and vernacular styles. It integrates the characteristics of ‘distinct regionality’ and ‘convergent ethnic identity’, embodies rich construction wisdom and regional ethnic culture, and serves as ‘living’ material evidence for studying regional architectural craftsmanship. Through field surveys and on-site surveying, primary data were collected to obtain architectural samples and foundational documentation of Tusi manors in the Yunnan–Tibet region. By authenticating their prototypes and integrating regional construction practices, this study analyzed the architectural characteristics of these manors, including settlement mechanisms, site selection principles, courtyard layouts, architectural typologies, spatial configurations, and functional systems from an architectural perspective. Building on this foundation, the study incorporates natural environment and socio-cultural contexts to conduct a multidimensional analysis of these characteristics. It aims to improve awareness of the cultural heritage of regional timber-framed buildings and provide a reference basis for the conservation and inheritance of these historical buildings. Full article

As climate challenges intensify, architectural design must reconcile energy efficiency with environmental adaptation. This study investigates how two skywell geometries in Kunming’s traditional One-Seal dwellings (Yikeyin) optimize seasonal thermal and ventilation performance. Combining field analysis and simulations, a comparative analysis of skywell depth-to-width ratios reveals that larger proportions enhance summer airflow but exacerbate winter heat loss, while smaller ratios stabilize winter conditions. Vertical thermal stratification highlights distinct microclimates across floors, with skywells exhibiting pronounced seasonal fluctuations. The findings affirm the climate-responsive intelligence embedded in vernacular architecture, demonstrating its relevance for contemporary sustainable design. By bridging traditional wisdom and modern green building practices, this work advances strategies for climate-resilient architecture and rural habitat enhancement, prioritizing both ecological balance and human comfort. Full article

This study presents a thorough revision of the Malvaceae s.l. (sensu lato) family within the Flora of the Toor Al-Baha District, Lahij Governorate, South Yemen. The documented taxa were subjected to morphological revision alongside an analysis of life forms and chorological affinities. Thirty taxa are categorized into 12 genera within four subfamilies. Each species is presented with its current classification, accepted names, synonyms (when applicable), vernacular names (when applicable), photographs, and distribution to aid in identifying and recognizing these species. The documented mallow species comprises 80% perennials and 20% annuals. Chamaephytes constituted the predominant life forms, comprising 50% of the total taxa surveyed. A phytogeographical analysis revealed that chorotypes with Sudano-Zambezian affinities are predominant, comprising 83.34% of the recorded mallows. The two subfamilies, Grewioideae and Sterculioideae, are distinguished by the lack of an epicalyx and the presence of an androgynophore, unlike the subfamilies Dombeyoideae and Malvoideae. The highest richness genera included Grewia, with seven taxa, and Hibiscus, Abutilon, and Corchorus, each comprising four species. The research presented nine artificial keys for wild mallows in the Lahij Governorate, comprising three for subfamilies and six for genera. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive digital documentation and preservation effort for the Sellman Tenant House, a historic structure once part of the 18th-century Sellman Plantation in Maryland, USA. This research employs an array of digital technologies, including Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), digital photogrammetry, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), 3D virtual tours, and Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), to document and analyze the construction techniques and historical evolution of the house. Given the absence of written records detailing its original construction, this study utilizes data from these digital documentation methods to explore the building’s structure and determine its construction timeline and methods. Additionally, this research investigates the potential of HBIM as an educational platform to enhance public understanding of heritage buildings by creating interactive and accessible digital models. The findings highlight the effectiveness of combining digital tools to decode vernacular construction and showcase the potential of HBIM in preserving and interpreting historic buildings for diverse audiences, especially for educational purposes. This research contributes to the growing field of digital heritage preservation by showcasing a case study of integrating multiple digital technologies to study, preserve, and promote understanding of a culturally significant yet understudied structure. Full article

In Algeria, the rapid increase in population and urbanization, evolving comfort needs, subsidized electricity prices, and climate change has significantly contributed to higher energy consumption for heating and cooling as well as greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in southern regions characterized by hot and arid climates. Most recent constructions in Algeria are highly energy-intensive, unlike traditional Saharan architecture, which is far more environmentally friendly. This paper presents eco-friendly and cost-effective design methods and solutions inspired by Saharan architecture to guide architects and project owners during the design phase of buildings in hot climate regions. A numerical simulation was performed using EnergyPlus 9.2 to compare the energy consumption of a semi-collective residential building in Béni Abbès with four design alternatives inspired by vernacular architecture, “O”, “L”, “U”, and rectangular configurations. The findings showed that the O-shape configuration achieved the highest cooling energy savings (38.55% on the ground floor, 27.68% on the first floor), followed by the L-shape (31% and 32%), U-shape (28% and 29%), and rectangular shape (26% and 25%), highlighting the effectiveness of form optimization in enhancing energy efficiency. The results obtained demonstrate the energy efficiency of the four variants compared with the initial cases, with a reduction in cooling needs while using the same materials. This reduction could reach up to 39% during the hot season. The pay-back period for the investment was estimated at approximately six years for the city of Béni Abbès and around five years for the city of Adrar. By incorporating full insulation into all four variants, a maximum reduction in air conditioning consumption of approximately 53% was observed for the “O” variant in Béni Abbès compared with the initial case without insulation. In Adrar, this reduction reached around 48% for the same variant. Passive design elements, such as shape optimization, compact urban fabric, patio integration, and window shading, offer moderate energy savings with a shorter payback period, whereas complete insulation achieves higher energy savings but requires a longer time to offset the investment costs. Full article

For a considerable amount of time, vernacular practices in the Kara Region have resisted external influences. However, they are now confronted with profound changes that are forcing local populations to alter their lifestyle. This study evaluates the sustainability of vernacular buildings and analyzes the causes and consequences of changes in such architecture in the Kara Region. In this context, it focuses on the Kabiyè and Nawdeba peoples, who are the major ethnic groups in the Region. Through a qualitative approach essentially based on the exploration of the existing literature, focus groups with populations, interviews with professionals and a series of surveys on 125 households in the settlements visited, this study highlights the difficulties of people in preserving their architectural identity in favor of imported architectural models. It also reveals that the evolution of vernacular construction practices, although it is a response to certain needs of the population, generates environmental and sociocultural problems. Thus, sustainable architecture in this region requires an update of vernacular practices to better adapt to the needs of local populations. Full article

Romania’s wooden churches, numbering over 1400, represent a unique and valuable cultural heritage. However, their preservation faces challenges due to degradation and insufficient documentation regarding their condition and significance. This paper presents innovative approaches to documenting these monuments using two representative online platforms. The “Biserici Înlemnite” platform focuses on inventorying wooden churches through a systematic methodology, while the 3D-VIMM platform provides a multimodal imaging and 3D data visualization solution aimed at creating digital twins for heritage assets. Advanced technologies, such as 3D digitization and Historical Building Information Modeling (H-BIM), enhance accessibility and precision in conservation planning. While H-BIM traditionally requires complex workflows, the 3D-VIMM platform simplifies the process by integrating diverse imaging techniques—visible, thermal, multispectral—and metadata within an intuitive interface. This enables interdisciplinary collaboration among historians, architects, conservators, and engineers. A case study from Arad County illustrates a possible path to the integration of these platforms, highlighting their potential to optimize data collection, prioritize interventions, and support long-term preservation strategies. The article underscores the importance of transdisciplinary methodologies in addressing the critical state of Romania’s wooden churches and provides insights into scalable solutions for heritage documentation and conservation. Full article

Improving microclimate conditions is a pivotal aspect of urban design, particularly in hot, arid climates, where it directly influences outdoor comfort, mitigates the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and reduces the indoor cooling energy demand. The objective of this study is to quantitatively assess the impacts of neighborhoods’ urban size when combined with compact streets’ geometry regarding the outdoor thermal comfort generated in a typical vernacular settlement of the Saharan region of Algeria. The Ksar of Al-Atteuf in the city of Ghardaïa is taken as a case study. The related interior thermal conditions of buildings assumed to be potentially affected by the urban morphology are also examined. To study the effectiveness of the two urban morphology parameters (i.e., urban size and compactness) on outdoor and indoor thermal conditions, a mixed methods approach was adopted, integrating in situ climatic measurements and dynamic simulations. Indoor temperatures were examined in a traditional house located in the core of the Ksar. Year-round operative temperature (OT) simulations were achieved using the Ladybug tool within Grasshopper, and they were complemented by the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) values calculated during peak hot and cold weeks. Furthermore, a parametric analysis was conducted, focusing on the thermal performance of the compact urban fabric by varying progressively the neighborhood sizes from 20 m, 40 m, and 60 m. The results indicate stable indoor thermal conditions across the monitored residential building, which suggests that the architectural envelope is closely affected by its immediate surroundings. On the other hand, the UTCI analysis revealed significant differences in outdoor thermal comfort since the larger urban area provides better mitigation of heat stress in summer and cold stress in winter, the improved outdoor thermal conditions generated at the neighborhood level, being proportional to the size of the urban area. The findings underscore the value of compact urban fabrics in creating climate-responsive built environments and provide further insights into sustainable urban planning and energy-efficient design practices in hot, arid regions. Full article

Among the Dharmic religious traditions, Jainism is unique for its continuous tradition of female monastics. Jain monastic women have made up a large part of Jain communities up to this day. Naturally, their prominent position in Jain society is reflected in the countless depictions of Jain nuns (āryikā/sādhvī) in Jain narrative literature. However, despite Jain narratives sometimes extolling renunciation as an alternative, often even superior, ideal to wifehood, there remains a fundamental tension between the ideologies of normative Jain wifehood and renunciation as well as the question of widowhood. In this article, I explore how two Digambara Sanskrit texts deal with the question of premature widowhood and renunciation in their adaptation of the Mahābhārata narrative. Whereas Jinasena’s Harivaṃśapurāṇa (783 CE) stress the value of pativratā-ideology as an appropriate response for prematurely widowed young Jain women, Śubhacandra’s Pāṇḍavapurāṇa (1552 CE) adapts the exact same episodes, but introduces an explicit ambivalence towards the idea of young Jain women renouncing to become Jain nuns. By comparing these two Digambara adaptations, I wish to show how Digambara Jain narratives in Sanskrit dealt with the same tension between Jain wifehood and renunciation hitherto mostly discussed with reference to Jain narratives in the vernacular. Full article