c25 Paper Final Eng 03

8/2/2019 c25 Paper Final Eng 03

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1 INTRODUCTIONThe way of life taken by modern society has no future sustainability. The mineralization of the

world led to global warming and its long-term effects are a fact. The increasing media coverageof this issue and his use for own benefit both politically and commercial (although important aseffective contributions) are insufficient to meet specific and urgent need to change habits and

practices.All areas of human activity needs this basic notion: act now so as not to jeopardize future

generations. We must act as soon as possible.While leading technicians, architects must have this notion of the great responsibility of their

profession and apply this concept in their professional action.This paper seeks clues to a new approach to traditional architecture with an deep vision, as it wasmade by the masters of modernism. The reality is completely different, the tools are others, butthey are here. Far from pretending a new architectural current it is rather indicate possible pathsfor future practice of architecture: the Bioregionalism. This term defines a contemporary andtechnically advanced approach to architecture, while based on the sustainability challenge isespecially sensitive to the site specification. Bioregionalism search physical and emotionalqualities of architecture where the user recognizes and familiarizes with, being a good way toavoid the decontextualized and massification of the current building panorama. For that areselected cases where, beyond the challenge of sustainability more or less present, remain foremostexamples of good architecture, which reveal his own identity, and possessing strong physical,aesthetic and emotional qualities. The author's personal preferences are inevitable.

Architecture and sustainbility : a bioregional approach

Miguel Pinto Rodrigues Guedes de Carvalho

Miguel Guedes arquitecto Lda, Porto, Portugal

[email protected]

In the todays architecture in Portugal (and also internationally) there is an abandonment of

much of ancient practices and techniques which were perfectly reasonable and whoserationalization would have been effective.The architecture became massive and globalized. The local issue is becoming less present. Theresult is an anonymous architecture, without references, accusing tiredness.This leads to the need for sustainable architecture that takes into account contemporarytechnological advances while remaining based on local specifications - the bioregionalism.In this paper, the most important sources of inspiration and knowledge of this architectural

practic, were studied and analyzed.The first source is the vernacular portuguese architecture.The second source is the regional modern movement.The third source are the precursors of sustainable architecture (Murcutt, T. Herzog and Piano)and all the todays international panorama.Finally it is applied to some portuguese case studys from the authors current practice.


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2 FIRST SOURCE: VERNACULAR PORTUGUESE ARCHITECTURE2.1 Adapting to a particular ecosystem.The act of building in areas of a river basin or the atlantic ocean coast, led the habitants of edge-of-water to build on light wood, mounted on piles. Same adaptation is visible in the Mira and

Tochapalheiros, forming clusters that elevate from the terrain so the sand could flow freely underthem with the action of the winds.

Figure 1. Mira and Tochapalheiros (AAP, 1980, p282 and p431)

2.2 Water useThe village of Monsaraz, deep inside the dry Alentejo region, has adopted a remarkable system

of collective collecting rainwater through a complex network of gutters and downspouts thatdrives water to a large common cistern.

Also in the Algarve, where the water is less abundant, population colects rainwater on thepateos in underground cisterns. Today it still exists this system at the Culatra island. Ingenioususe of both the rainwater as well as the use of brackish water from the lagoon to flushing, throughindividual holes, taking advantage of the low depth to which this is.

2.3 Energy - sun controlCreative sun protections were created when necessary. Population used natural elements such

as deciduous vegetation (still an effective measure) as well as man built components. Formerexample are the shutters that open outside in Silves and the outer solar protections of the openingsin the convents of Azores, these are a clear solar control device from outside, which isundoubtedly the most effective system, particularly when mobile and adjustable

Figure 2. vine in Silves (AAP, 1980, p682), exterior shutters in Silves (AAP.1980.p691), Convent St. Andrew in Ponta

Delgada (ministry of tourism)


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3 SECOND SOURCE: THE INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL MODERNISM3.1 Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), the new American modernThe issues of specific local conditions have Wright as its leader. The extreme sensitivity withwhich their works merges with its surroundings, respect for the landscape topography and the

buildings that resemble natural geological eruptions and the materiality that always looks for localreferences, make it one of the major influencers of new generation American architects withenvironmental awareness. Also the adaptation of building techniques to the site is clearly visiblein this example at Ocotilla. The desert temperature range dictated this choice of building systemswith very low mass, fully ventilated, so that the high temperatures reached quickly as they can bedispelled and not accumulated.

Figure 3. complex and studio in the Ocotilla desert, Arizona (Futagawa, Yukio, Pfeiffer, Bruce.1985.p52-53)

3.2 Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) - the human content expressed in stone, wood and metalAnother master of modernism, which based its work on a deep respect for nature (Finland is itselfa natural experiment), according him the nature and work of man should be united to become thesame thing.The factory complex with housing of Sunila is also a supreme example of a surprisingly carefuldesign before nature, especially the impact inherent in the industrial program.

Figure 4. Sunila factory complex (Fleig, Carl.1963.p93-94)


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4 SECOND SOURCE: PORTUGUESE REGIONAL MODERNISMAfter the inquiry to the vernacular portuguese architecture 1955-1960, made by the Na-tionalUnion of Architects there was a unique period in the history of national architecture. Idealized

primarily as a search for national identity, the "portuguese house" proved to have gone muchfurther. In fact, it served to lay the ground for this last idea. From Minho to Algarve regiondifferences proved to be huge. "What we remember from this investigation are the lessons ofconsistency, reliability, economy, talent, beauty and practicality (...) Other topics that are studiedin particular include containment of the landscape , characterizing environmental naturedefinition of interior space (organization, usage, services, furniture), associatives processes,

psychological factors in the use and handling of materials, textures, chromatic arrangements andunderstanding of expression systems. "(Incertum, Opus.1990.p57).

Figure 5. works of Fernando Tavora: house at Ofir, the tennis pavilion; primary school in Cedros (Porto 1901-2001:Modern architecture guide.2001; tennis pav. photo: bache www.flickr.com)

Some characteristics of this period:Understanding of the landscape, using it as an element that justifies and gives meaning to theconstruction, extension spaces, it gives them continuity, dictates the rules of its internal

organization, use of contrasting local materials - wood, granite, concrete, mosaic, tile; applicationof practices of vernacular building in the new architecture with new material - concrete, materialsand construction systems were shown with the whole truth. The masters of international moderninfluences where notorious, while also maintaining that loyalty. Siza's vision (in the teahouse)gets close to the work of Alvar Aalto in the Municipal building of Jyvaskyla. Both are built forand by their site. It couldnt be placed anywhere.

Figure 6 . works of Alvaro Siza: teahouse in Boanova (Photo: katriarchi www.flickr.com); Carlos Ramos pavilion(photo: Mar10e www.flickr.com) and pool at Quinta da Conceio (unknown www.cm-matosinsos.pt)

It was not about nostalgic reminiscences of a picturesque folk architecture. They were assuminglymodern buildings with the particularity of establishing to sites just like the trees. Works that haveaged very well. Adapt to the passage of time the quality and strength of materials used andcleared by the notions of implicit construction. No architectural period came to be as expressiveand own identity as this since the Ch architecture. The architecture has won textures, gain mass.Concerns about the landscape strengthened. Constructed also with the sun. It was a decisive

period for the consolidation of Portuguese architecture.


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5 THIRD SOURCE: THE PRECURSORS OF BIOCLIMATIC ARCHITECTURE5.1 Glenn Murcutt - the rational observer of natural forcesRecognized by the search for authenticity Australian architecture, achieving reconcile theregional qualities and also participate in the international modernist discourse. "The search for a

national identity is a big mistake. What matters is to design a building that respond to hisparticular location" second Murcutt himself. A rational observation of natural forces andphenomenal that provide analogies for the project, explicit principles to solve problems. The massof material is reduced to a minimum due to the hot Australian climate with extreme temperatureranges, becoming an important issue to avoid raising the roof instead of their support. The roofsdo not just provide protection from sun and rain. They are designed as active agents in theventilation and evaporative cooling techniques. The shadow is calculated exactly for a better

balance between the needs for Summer and Winter. Murcutt is a craftsman resigned, creating thebuilding as a machine and / or body (air-conditioning is unthinkable). "The building of a contractas the embodiment of existential freedom and human responsibility, confronting the inevitabledestruction that accompanies human occupation." (Beck, Haig, Cooper, Jackie, 2002, p11). Theelements and complements of architecture wins with Murcutt a special sculptural meaning.

Figure 7, at left the Museum of local history and tourism office; in the center Simpson-Lee house, at right Marie Shorthouse. Three works in New South Wales, Australia (Beck, Haig, Cooper, Jackie, 2002, p50-126)

5.2 Thomas Herzog - The technique employed by an environmental experimentation .Since always closely linked to technological research always oriented to practical application forthe construction, Herzog research on light, temperature, circulation and air quality using anestablished technical expertise. The interest in deep study of solar energy since the beginning ofthe 70s (thermal and photovoltaic) led him to be a reference in this area, which currently juststarting to be taken as an integral aspect of an architectural project.

Figure 8. Regensburg house 1977 (www.arch.mcgill.ca)


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6 THE PRECURSORS OF BIOCLIMATIC ARCHITECTURAL IN PORTUGAL6.1 Fernanda Seixas architectArchitect pioneer in the application of bioclimatic concepts in Portugal. A practice that has asstarting points to build with the sun and the surrounding natural factors, which are crucial toengage the building on the site, its orientation and shape. His work has extreme respect fortraditional architecture and exploits specially passive solar systems. The use of Trombe walls,openings shading, greenhouse, chimney effect, and use of thermal inertia contributes to workswith proven environmental comfort. Natural ventilation and natural lighting are also present in allworks.

6.2 Building Solar XXI at INETI, Lisbon. Pedro Cabrito and Elizabeth Diniz, 2006.The design of this building is at the level of integration of architectural design and engineering,surely an example to follow in the design of new buildings. The placement is done in a volume

with east-west orientation. Use of passive and active solar systems. The thermal energy producedby photovoltaic panels is recovered for heating the building, promoting the natural convectionbetween the panes and the interior of the building. The underground cooling system is one of thegreatest innovations. There is a cold potential in the land (cold source) very interesting to cool theair that is injected inside the building.

Figure 9. passive cooling system: the well, piping and regulators (INETI.2005.p6-7)

6.3 Nadir Bonaccorso architectsWe take as example the kindergarten in Cacm, where the parameters of the practice of thisworkshop are: solar placement focus on the classrooms area, use of passive cooling systems,heating system based on a combination of solar panels and gas boiler with underfloor heating,

building ventilation made by pressure from the mechanical extraction of air in the sanitaryfacilities, entering the building through a grid system in the thermal frames; rainwater use with adeposit that collects and distributes the discharge of toilets and for watering the garden

Figure 10. south facade and the north facade at night (Bonaccorsi, Nadir.2008.p46-47)


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7 CASE STUDIES DEVELOPED BY THE AUTHOR7.1 Sea Front of Faros beach in Algarve, competition 2008Morpho-dynamic urban planning - conscious occupation of land that is in motion based onstructures that can also move according to the needs of its physical support. The wholeconstruction is based on prefabricated components, easily removable and dependent on a singletechnical core that supports all the function. The urban occupation ceases to be sedentary,

becoming nomadic depending on the morpho-dynamic geology of the peninsula. The man stopsbeing a mere visitor to a Natural Reserve, becoming part of it, as the anciente fisherman werealong the portugueses coast in their construtions calledpalheiros.

Figure 11. Vernacular Portuguese architecture - at left palheiros de Mira (AAP.1980); at right Faro competition, virtualimage of the entire side of the estuary - Miguel P. Guedes, Carlos Melo Dias and Atelier ABBV

7.2 S. Jacinto Natural Reserve buildings and walkway in Aveiro. competition 1st prize, 2009Respect for the powerful ecosystem, modular construction with above ground structure,

promoting the free movement of the land, control of sunlight, lightweight constrution with lowenvironmental impact and durable materials (wood, OSB, zinc)

Figure 12. Buildings to support the Nature Reserve of Dunas de S. Jacinto - Miguel P. Guedes, Carlos Melo and DiasAtelier ABBV


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7.3 Water theme building Agua Vida in Poetas Park, Oeiras, Lisbon. competion 2010Design principles based on energy systems (absorption chiller supported by solar panels forheating / cooling, adjustable wooden shaders for sunlight control in all openings, thermal mass,natural ventilation), on water efficiency (reuse of rainwater, groundwater, effluents ) in low-impact materials (wooden planks, wooden openings, cork insulation, pre-fab concrete), the urban

image has an emotional intention that evokes a traditional wooden granary espigueiro on theparks horizon.

Figure 13. Agua Vida building in Oeiras . competion- - Miguel P. Guedes, Carlos Melo Dias and Atelier ABBV

8 CONCLUSIONGlobal warming and its long term effects are unquestionable.There is an abandonment of much of ancient practices and techniques which were perfectlyreasonable and whose rationalization would have been effective.There are new sustainable practices and techniques that use science in favor of anenvironmentally conscious approach, requiring however, diffusion and implementation in theconstruction and architecture field. The local issue is becoming less present.This leads to the need for sustainable architecture that takes into account contemporarytechnological advances while remaining based on local specifications - the bioregionalism.In this paper are studied the most important sources of this boregionalism ( the vernacular

portuguese architecture, the regional modern movement of the 20th century, andthe precursors ofsustainable architecture as well as all the todays international panorama).Examples of international bioregional architecture projects show along with the modest firstnational examples that such a path is possible.There are already numerous innovations: Trombe wall; passive cooling system, thermal mass,reuse of thermal energy produced by photovoltaic panels for heating the building, watermanagement focused on closing the cycles and energy saving, synthesis between traditionalmaterials and technology.In Portugal today, the abrupt construction after 1974 revolution, caused several social andlandscaped trauma. The architecture became massive, and has gone global. The local issue is lessfrequent. Architecture, like the society, needs to get in touch with the natural environment. Itneeds to understand what fascinates us in the local attitudes. This search has to be deep, and with

knowledge of the overall system. We are living times of recession, but also crucial turning times,propitious to question past attitudes.Bioregionalism search physical and emotional qualities of architecture where the user recognizesand familiarizes with, as described in the authors works. The buildings in Aveiro and Faro adoptthe solution of old barns palheiros, the construction techniques use local materials adapted for

better performances (wood, cork). The building in Oeiras is based on a strong technical designwith daring forms materialized but falled back on local and low impact materials (pre-fabconcrete, wood, cork).


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Figure 14. at left portuguese vernacular brick construction (AAP.1980.p395) at right Banco de Lodi, Milan from RenzoPiano (Buchanan,Peter.1993.p149)

Figure 15. Precursors og bioclimatic architecture - Renzo Piano, Paris (Buchanan,Peter.1993.p149); Faro competion,entry plaza


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BONACCORSO, Nadir. 2008. Cidades Sustentveis. Porto : Jornadas Querqus de ArquitecturaSustentvel

FIGUEIRA, Jorge, PROVIDNCIA, Paulo, GRANDE, Nuno. 2001. Porto 1901-2001 : Guia dearquitectura moderna. Porto : Ordem dos arquitectos SRN, Civilizao Editora

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