A review of 5 Research Papers on Vernacular Architecture Style

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING ,
ANNA UNIVERSITY
AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
STUDIO
REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
AGAINST THE NOTION OF THE TERM
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
PRESENTED BY
AKSHAY R MENON
1ST YEAR, M. Arch (General)
10/18/2022

2. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
The Effect of Geometric Shape
and Building Orientation on
Minimizing Solar Insolation on
High-Rise Buildings in Hot
Humid Climate.
Impact of building forms on
thermal performance and
thermal comfort conditions in
religious buildings in hot
climates: a case study in Sharjah
city.
S.NO RESEARCH TOPIC AUTHOR YEAR JOURNAL (ELSEVIER) KEYWORDS
1
Studies on sustainable features of
Vernacular architecture in
different regions across the world:
A comprehensive synthesis and
evaluation – (37)
Anh Tuan Nguyen,
Nguyen Song Ha
Truong,
David Rockwood,
Anh Dung Tran Le
2019
Frontiers of
Architectural
Research - 2019
Vernacular architecture;
Traditional architecture;
Sustainable feature;
Research method;
Building design
2
Toward sustainable development:
Lessons from Vernacular
Settlements of Sri Lanka – (29)
Ranjith Dayaratne
2018
Frontiers of
Architectural Research
- 2018
Vernacular settlement,
Sustainable lesson,
Buddhism and culture,
Traditional practice,
Sri-Lanka
3
Environmental reply to
vernacular habitat conformation
from a vast areas of Scandinavia –
(11)
Asaad Almssad,
Amjad Almusaed 2015
Renewable and
Sustainable Energy
Reviews-2015
Vernacular habitats,
Habitat units,
Building materials,
Energy efficiency
4
Regenerative sustainability for
the built environment from vision
to reality: an introductory
chapter(18)
Xiaoling Zhang,
Martin Skitmore ,
Martin De Jong ,
Donald Huisingh ,
Matthew Gray
2015
Journal of Cleaner
Production - 2015
Regenerative sustainability
Theory, Framework,
Built-environment, Pathways
Obstacles and enablers
5
Towards Regenerative and
Positive impact Architecture: A
comparison of two net-zero
energy buildings (05)
Shady Attia
2016
Sustainable Cities and
Society - 2016
Sustainable buildings,
Climate change,
Net-zero energy,
Embodied carbon,
Life cycle assessment (LCA)

3. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
AIM: To clarify the contents and issues raised in the studies on vernacular architecture and the knowledge and
recommendations that can be derived from them.
HYPOTHESIS: Can public and religious buildings, and the urban form and space of vernacular heritages obtain stronger
attention in understanding Vernacular Architecture?
METHODOLOGY: Research is established by collecting many studies from primary sources and the obtained data is carefully
refined and categorized into a table where synthesized information is introduced.
DATA USED: Studies on sustainable features of vernacular architecture from two primary databases: Scopus and Springer Link.
Secondary data are collected from previous study papers.
RESULTS/FINDINGS: The results of this study show an uneven geographic and climatic distribution of the studies; the trend in
selecting research objectives and research objects; the choice of research methods with a clear shift towards quantitative
research methods, and the generic findings from the database of the research. These results can support diverse inquiries about
vernacular architecture across the world and be used as a resource or an orientation to support numerous subsequent studies.
Does article answer hypothesis? : Yes, Public and religious buildings, and the urban form and space of vernacular heritages
obtain stronger attention in understanding Vernacular Architecture by which the low-tech methods used in Vernacular
Architecture can be used to create buildings and environments well-suited to local climate and culture.
CONCLUSIONS: Vernacular architecture is a highly flexible and reasonable way to address human needs - seems to be largely
forgotten in contemporary architecture. The rapidly increasing number of vernacular architecture studies has demonstrated a
great interest by the building research community on this issue, and this is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years.
Motivations of this movement may include the advances in computational modeling, and the need to respond to more stringent
design requirements of sustainable buildings, including green building rating systems.
SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Observing the existing building form in various climate zones and try to analyze by
incorporating vernacular architecture input within contemporary building design and construction
S.NO RESEARCH TOPIC AUTHOR YEAR JOURNAL KEYWORDS
1 Studies on sustainable features of
Vernacular architecture in
different regions across the world:
A comprehensive synthesis and
evaluation
Anh Tuan Nguyen,
Nguyen Song Ha
Truong,
David Rockwood,
Anh Dung Tran Le
2019
Frontiers of Architectural
Research - 2019
Vernacular architecture;
Traditional architecture;
Sustainable feature;
Research method;
Building design

4. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
S.NO RESEARCH TOPIC AUTHOR YEAR JOURNAL KEYWORDS
2
Toward sustainable development:
Lessons from Vernacular
Settlements of Sri Lanka – (29)
Ranjith Dayaratne 2018
Frontiers of
Architectural
Research - 2018
Vernacular settlement,
Sustainable lesson, Buddhism
and culture, Traditional
practice, Sri-Lanka
AIM: This study potential adoption of holistic, culturally relevant, and traditionally tested design approaches in Sri Lanka to
modern day planning and housing that have sustained communities for centuries.
HYPOTHESIS: Should approaches to sustainability be generated holistically from within rather than from the outside?
OBJECTIVE: To find the ancient design practices and demonstrates their validity and appropriateness for contemporary
planning practices today.
METHODOLOGY: - Examine the principles, attitudes, and values that under pin the settlement patterns and practices of Sri
Lankan vernacular settlements. Understand and identify propositions that are relevant and useful in the contemporary
practices of housing, building, and settlements.
DATA USED: First-hand experience and under- standing of the researcher. Secondary data from previous study papers, the
literature on vernacular settlements;
RESULTS/FINDINGS: 1.Significant lessons learned from existing the vernacular settlements of SriLanka, which may not exist
in their original form but still survives, in the rural areas. 2. The main principles that underlie the creation of indigenous
settlements as a sustainable system are identified and listed. 3. Propositions are presented in terms of settlement planning.
Does article answer hypothesis? : Yes, It argues that the approaches to sustainability be generated holistically from within
rather than from the outside.
CONCLUSIONS: Sustainability can be attained by reducing our ecological footprint, and vernacular settlements, such as the
villages presented here, demonstrate how sustainability can be achieved without much pain and make settlements culturally
meaningful and abundantly habitable.
SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Further researches on historical vernacular architectural methods and techniques and its
relevance and integration to modern day architecture.

5. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
AIM: The analyse the replication of human settlements to the negative act of climate, and to analytically interpret building
materials used during the building process and understand its energy efficiency and environmental impacts based on
Scandinavian areas.
HYPOTHESIS: What is the effect of shape, zones, orientation on the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of naturally
ventilated residential buildings in Scandinavian region and its implications and what is the effect of building materials on the
thermal comfort of naturally ventilated residential buildings.
METHODOLOGY: Identification of vernacular elements in building – Analysis through simulation software – Comparing
data –Conclusion.
DATA USED: Secondary data from previous study papers.
TOOLS USED: Tables, graphs, Temperature Data, Images of 3d models for representing. Simulation software for analysis.
RESULTS/FINDINGS: Habitat builders from Scandinavia were talented and took into consideration all the negative effects of
climate to make their homes comfortable, using rational ideas and choosing optimal local building materials which proves that
the vernacular climate responsive architecture is actually a norm rather than a need.
Does article answer hypothesis? : From the study, it proves a huge role of the effect of shape, zones, orientation as well as
building material on the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of naturally ventilated residential buildings.
CONCLUSIONS: According to the study results, with an example of Scandinavian habitats prove the necessity of vernacular
climate responsive architecture and how energy efficient and sustainable it can be with a focus on the positive effects on the
environment
SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: A further analysis can be done regarding the applicability and impact which vernacular
climate responsive architecture can provide for commercial and high rise buildings
S.NO RESEARCH TOPIC AUTHOR YEAR JOURNAL KEYWORDS
3
Environmental reply to
vernacular habitat conformation
from a vast areas of Scandinavia –
(11)
Asaad Almssad,
Amjad Almusaed 2015
Renewable and
Sustainable Energy
Reviews
Vernacular habitats,
Habitat units,
Building materials,
Energy efficiency

6. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
S.NO RESEARCH TOPIC AUTHOR YEAR JOURNAL KEYWORDS
4
Regenerative sustainability for
the built environment from vision
to reality: an introductory
chapter(18)
Xiaoling Zhang,
Martin Skitmore ,
Martin De Jong ,
Donald Huisingh ,
Matthew Gray
2015
Journal of Cleaner
Production - 2015
Regenerative sustainability
Theory, Framework,
Built-environment, Pathways
Obstacles and enablers
AIM: this study is to understand Regenerative Sustainability for built environment
HYPOTHESIS: Is Regenerative Sustainability the way forward and is it essential in the current state of our built environment.
OBJECTIVE: Through exploration of ‘net positive’ or ‘regenerative’ development lenses and the traditional sustainability
literature to achieve sustainable development and to explore the concept of , ‘regenerative sustainability’
METHODOLOGY: History – Comparative analysis- Elements and Approaches – Conclusion.
DATA USED: Secondary data from previous study papers.
Does article answer hypothesis? : Yes, it explains in detail about Regenerative Sustainability and its need in the modern world.
CONCLUSIONS: To overcome the problematic separation of humans and nature, humans have substantially transformed their
environments to enter a mode of being in which humans and nature are more connected towards an approach that views the
interactions between human-made and natural environments through a more holistic lens than the traditional sustainable
development perspective. This perspective echoes the craving for human-nature connectedness seen today and is often
represented as the integration of ‘nature’ into buildings. There is a consensus among key contributors towards Regenerative
Sustainability as a way forward .
SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Future research should analyze cases from architectural perspectives by considering
tectonics, form, technology, and representation. For instance, how Regenerative Sustainability enriches architectural forms? How
should Regenerative Sustainability be explained typologically? How does it enhance spatial organization and order?

7. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
S.NO RESEARCH TOPIC AUTHOR YEAR JOURNAL KEYWORDS
5
Towards Regenerative and
Positive impact Architecture: A
comparison of two net-zero
energy buildings (05)
Shady Attia
2016
Sustainable Cities and
Society - 2016
Sustainable buildings,
Climate change,
Net-zero energy,
Embodied carbon,
Life cycle assessment
(LCA)
AIM: To find the Regenerative and Positive Impacts of Net Zero Buildings with the help of a comparative case study between 2
Net Zero Energy Buildings - Research Support Facility (RSF), Colarado, USA & Green Office Building, Givisiez, Switzerland
(European Union).
HYPOTHESIS: Can the resource efficiency and impact neutrality paradigms help us to solve the ecological crisis we are living
in and can Net Zero Energy Buildings contribute towards a Regenerative ecosystem?
OBJECTIVE: Two Building are LEED Platinum rated and MINERGIE-P-ECO buildings so they need to be evaluated on the basis
of whether they have achieved Net Zero Energy and whether the efficiency and regenerative paradigms which were promised
are achieved or not.
METHODOLOGY: Comparison of the Two Building on the Basis of the Efficiency Paradigm & the Regenerative Paradigm
DATA USED: Observations in site, Photographs, Reference of previous study.
Does hypothesis helped the article? : Yes, the case studies helped in proving how the net zero energy buildings can have a
positive impact and helps in contributing towards the regenerative paradigm rather than being just a sustainable building.
CONCLUSIONS: The regenerative paradigm was found closer to reverse the ecological foot print and provide a positive impact
building. The regenerative paradigm increased knowledge about the materials and embodied energy, generated a more
conscious attitude to materials and energy resources selection and almost eliminated the reductionist paradigm in design in both
the buildings further proving the clarity that Architectural interventions can have critical role in the regenerative paradigm.
SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: More case studies not only limiting to the US and UK which are following LEED and
MINERGIE but in developing countries like India and the formulation of localized standards for respective regions.

8. AA5111 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO – REVIEW ON RESEARCH PAPERS
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM THE REVIEW OF 5 JOURNALS FOR FUTURE DESIGN EXERCISE
 Vernacular Architecture as a concept that needs to be organically fused while designing with
considerations to the climate and topology of the site and it needs to be a natural step while designing.
 Historical architecture of the site area needs to be observed and the design can be a modern adaptation
of the same cultural and architectural heritage.
 Importance must be given to the Local Materials and it can be integrated with our design to make the
building more efficient.
 Regenerative Architecture or the concept where the ecology or the ecosystem is given more priority
needs to be adopted in the design and the design should not only be just about being sustainable but also
needs to answer the question of how the building or the design environment is contributing towards the
nature.
 There should be a human-nature connectedness in the design which can be represented through the
integration of ‘nature’ into buildings.
 Avoid needs for energy by integrating passive heating and cooling and ventilation techniques.
 Technologies needs to be used in order to make the design more energy efficient and need to use
renewable sources such as Solar Systems and Wind Systems to make the whole building Net-Zero or
even Net-Positive Energy.