Name : Muhammad Yusuf Litiloly

Nim : 61190414

Journal Article Summary

Fajer, A, T., Luis B., and Ricardo M. (2019)

The Contribution of Vernacular Architecture to Sustainability: A Comparative Study between

the Contemporary and Old Quarters of a Mediterranean city.

1 CTAC Research Center, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

2 Department of Civil Engineering and CTAC Research Center, University of Minho, 4800-058
Guimarães, Portugal; braganca@civil.uminho.pt (L.B.); ricardomateus@civil.uminho.pt
(R.M.)

Received: January 24, 2019; Received: February 5, 2019; Published: February 9, 2019.

file:///C:/Users/Asus%20VivoBook/Downloads/Article_for_TAS_BIT_ARSI.pdf

Abstract :

This paper examines the differences between the vernacular and contemporary buildings of
the city of Nablus on a building scale. The research method takes a qualitative explanation
of analysis and comparative synthesis methods for old buildings and new buildings in the
city of Nablus and considers building materials, interior spaces, openings and vegetation, as
well as the influence of socio-cultural values. The result of this research is to gain an
understanding of how residential buildings in the new city are far from the principle of
sustainability and how the old city is close to it and also how architects can learn from
vernacular architectural strategies.

Keywords: sustainability; building scale; vernacular buildings; Palestine.

Introduction :

Today, architects and designers do not rely on sustainable design principles. Especially with
regard to materials and construction techniques where this is important to achieve the
principle of sustainability. Except for the traditional architecture of Palestinian cities, which
are more environmentally friendly. In addition to being environmentally friendly, traditional
buildings also meet the social, environmental and functional needs of the residents.
Traditional buildings in Palestine usually use traditional architectural elements called
"Almalgaf" or chimneys for air circulation to create balance inside and outside the building.

The most powerful and effective condition in Palestinian society is the cultural condition,
which exists because of religious beliefs. Religion is very influential in the daily life of the
Palestinian people starting from the habits of dress, food, ways of thinking and learning,
even architecture [4]. However, there are still some obstacles in this case and if these
constraints are not addressed, it will have a negative impact on construction products.

To prevent this failure, this research focuses on the importance of social and cultural values
in advancing the principles of a sustainable city by analyzing how social and cultural values
will influence the design strategies that shape the old city. So the vernacular city of Palestine
was chosen as the discussion of this case and as an example of a sustainable city.

Procedures :

Palestine is a country in the Mediterranean basin, so if it has to be related to its territory,

research related to Mediterranean vernacular architecture will be presented here.

There was a recent study on Mediterranean vernacular and traditional buildings conducted
in 2018 in Cordoba, southern Spain, by Galán-Marín et al [5]. This research only spurred on
one element and they attempted to improve it by analyzing thermal performance, then
making comparisons with non-shaded pages. This research shows that with a quantitative
approach, the thermal benefits of the courtyard can make a positive contribution and
should be enhanced and incorporated into contemporary architecture.

Fernandes et al in 2014 [1] demonstrated the importance of vernacular architecture as a

type of construction that should be studied and explored from a sustainability point of view.
This research proves that Mediterranean vernacular architecture has developed in many
ways and is influenced by many factors, such as climate, environment and culture.

Weber and Yannas, in 2013 [6] also reviewed the good thermal performance of
Mediterranean vernacular buildings and emphasized the advantages and benefits of using
local materials. This study proves that climate is an important issue to consider in building
design and that there are various passive plans found in Mediterranean vernacular
architecture and are a balanced principle to consider in energy efficient building design.

Almost all research focuses on the conservation of vernacular architectural elements or

explores the possibility of reusing vernacular buildings. For example; Ijla and Broström in
2015 [7] who have shown many examples of traditional buildings being reused in succession
to prove that reuse is an important adaptive thing.

Abdel Hadi in 2013 [8] made a comparison between old buildings and contemporary
buildings in Palestine. And get to the conclusion that older buildings have much better
thermal performance and cost than contemporary buildings.

Another study from Haddad in 2010 [2] put more emphasis on traditional and vernacular
building methods, and concluded that these buildings and methods should be studied,
evaluated, and further developed.

Husein et al in 2010 [9] demonstrated the socio-environmental characteristics of private

outdoor spaces in contemporary Palestinian housing, then compared them with traditional
outdoor spaces, in order to improve the design quality of future Palestinian housing. In
conclusion, this study proves that outdoor space is an important part of achieving housing
sustainability.

Al Tawayha et al in 2016 [11] studied the differences between vernacular and contemporary
in Palestine in urban areas and have obtained a comparison between vernacular and
contemporary Nablus area, so that architects and designers can identify principles of
vernacular architecture that can be applied in advancing urban areas.
Findings and results :

The results of this paper are presented in an innovative way because so far there has been
no previous comparison of studies focused on the comparison between the performance of
old and new buildings from Palestinian cities.

Studying and assessing this condition is important because there are problems from the
application of international design models that are not in accordance with the climatic,
social and cultural context in Palestine. Starting from the application of imported design
models that make outdoor areas unused to increasing building operating and maintenance
costs.

Thus, the results of this study conclude that it is possible to examine some of the missing
strategies in contemporary building design and urban planning. These strategies are:

• Building material

The materials used in the buildings in the old town depend on natural, local and sustainable
materials. There are no ingredients from outside the region, and no ingredients are
processed. The building materials that are often used are mud and soil. This is permissible
because it improves thermal performance and improves sustainability aspects.

• Interior Room

There is a significant difference between the interior space of the old town house and the
new town house. Privacy in the old city is very important and the design of the house
depends on this. The problem is more affecting the interior space in the old city of Nablus.
Contemporary homes prioritize the cost aspect and ignore other important aspects. As a
result, homes are designed without care and without regard to socio-cultural values, interior
surroundings, or concerns about the environment.

• Opening

Opening is very important in the design process for either the privacy aspect or passive
cooling strategy. The number of openings is limited in addition to achieving the appropriate
level of acoustic and visual privacy, as well as to control heat temperatures and to obtain
the required cool breeze in summer, and sunshine in winter.
Conclusion :

In this paper, several plans are discussed and reviewed within the scope of building design,
both in the old and new contexts, comparing the old and contemporary urban areas in
Nablus. This study seeks to examine strategies to assess their potential so that they can be
used to improve the design of new urban areas. This research spurred on a building-scale
strategy.

With a comparative approach, this paper proves that several Palestinian vernacular
architectural strategies have good advantages for use in the design of new buildings and
urban areas in Palestine. This strategy should be applied with other contemporary design
approaches and know-how to meet the needs and expectations of the population, thereby
creating a better built environment.

The results of this study, it can be pointed out that vernacular strategies should be used as a
guide in contemporary urban planning and building design processes. And the future of
cities must focus on the quantitative performance of the different vernacular design
principles to better understand how each principle can contribute to the common good of
the population.

Comment :

This study seeks to examine strategies to assess the potential to be used to improve the
design of new urban areas. This research spurred on a building-scale strategy. With a
comparative approach, this paper proves that several Palestinian vernacular architectural
strategies have good advantages for use in the design of new buildings and urban areas in
Palestine. This strategy should be applied with other contemporary design approaches and
know-how to meet the needs and expectations of the population, thereby creating a better
built environment.

If I apply this to my projects then I will keep an eye on innovation and design; awareness
and education; indoor environmental quality; materials and resources; energy and
atmosphere; water efficiency; sustainable sites and; location and relationship. Because all
architectures work through various processes to get a good final result, starting from
designing, establishing a project program, and ending with producing a design solution.

Noted : I summarized by paraphrasing the article and following the 3 methods give.