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VERNACULAR UNDERGROUND HOMES AS SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR CONTEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL GREEN DESIGN

Ioana Moldovan

Abstract

Architectural styles had a cyclic pattern throughout the history of humanity, however their recurrence was intentional, educated, having more to do with the taste of a society or a group of individuals than with their basic needs. Vernacular architecture emerged as a response to the needs of people and was a collective product, not the masterpiece of an architect. It emerged from the local building techniques and construction material availability, as well as climatic, economic and socio-politic conditions. Underground vernacular dwellings, depending on the location, appeared as an answer to one or several of the conditions and needs mentioned earlier. Their course through history offered them possibilities of reinvention, especially in times of economic crises. After several studies and simulations, we observed that this typology offers more benefits than just the thermal ones for which they are best known. This paper aims to present other advantages found in houses inspired from vernacular underground homes since eco-friendly and green design are important directions in contemporary architecture. It will also try to address the misconception that shadows them as they are frequently perceived as dark, damp, poor and dangerous habitats.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2018v/6.4/s10.106

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