Architecture is not only about the design and aesthetics of a structure, but more importantly, it defines its functional purpose.
As the cliché goes, change is the only constant, and it’s the same field as architecture.
Like all other disciplines, architecture has fluctuated over the years to suit the needs of the times, as an integral part of cultural, social, religious and geological identity.
Each country will have specific local architectural practices.
This vernacular architecture is usually classified as traditional architecture, on the other hand, there is modern architecture.
Modern architecture began as a movement in the twentieth century, but modern architecture is the complete opposite of its traditional counterpart.
What is modern architecture?
Unlike earlier variants, modern architecture is characterized by the simplification of forms by eliminating unnecessary ornamentation.
Architects and designers who favor traditional architecture are always at odds with modern architecture experts, one claiming to be in a better position than the other in terms of sustainable architectural designs.
Traditional architecture versus modern architecture
While the truth is that both modern and traditional architecture have their own benefits and can be harnessed to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Let’s dig deeper into the advantages that both methods have to offer.
Environmentally friendly technology
Traditional architecture also known as vernacular architecture mainly revolves around the use of environmentally friendly building materials.
Today, climate change is a staring threat in our eyes, unlike in the case of modern architecture, adapting architecture to local climate codes does a great deal in reducing the carbon footprint.
This also includes building more durable homes to withstand extreme weather conditions like storms, earthquakes, landslides, etc.
Cost-effective
Traditional architecture is low cost because the materials used are mostly local and natural, unlike modern architectural designs, the materials required for finishing may be very expensive.
Moreover, the craftsmanship involved does not require high-tech equipment for processing and installation as in the case of modern architectural design.
Also, this type of architecture helps maintain a sense of cultural heritage in a particular area.
The use of traditional building materials and craftsmanship has certainly proven its durability against weather attacks over time.
Energy efficient and low maintenance
One of the basic facts that makes traditional construction preferable is that it uses more energy efficient materials than modern architecture.
It is generally considered more durable than modern architecture, for example, structures such as stone borders can last a thousand years or more with little or almost no maintenance.
Today’s modern architecture designs tend to last only a generation or even less before requiring costly maintenance.
natural building materials
Traditional architecture differs fundamentally from modern architecture in terms of building materials and methods and their durability. The materials are energy-saving materials, in the following ways:
(1) Unlike modern architecture, materials are extracted from the earth which need relatively little polishing.
(2) In terms of the relative ease with which it was obtained, intended for use in construction.
(3) In terms of the energy required to transport it from its point of origin across the construction site.
(4) In terms of the energy required to maintain it, in addition, as mentioned earlier,
traditional architecture versus modern architecture relies on an integrated
relationship between the structure and its environment.
In a simpler sense, unlike most modern architecture, the walls of a traditional building also bear the building.
Before the era of modern architecture, due to the lack of mechanization,
structures were usually composed of materials that were also part of the surrounding environment,
They are usually made of clay, bricks, blocks or stones stacked on each other in a compaction,
while modern architecture uses steel or concrete structural frameworks.
The practice in general is not as robust as traditional construction because
the component parts of the building are not integrated.
This aspect of modern architecture allows for water penetration which eventually weakens the structure over time.
But all this still does not remove modern architecture from the architectural landscape.
The primary focus of modern architectural designs is the functional purpose
of the structure and simplified forms.
Simplicity is the thing to look for in modern architectural styles,
and modern architecture consists of angular frames, low profiles,
Geometric and abstract inclusions in textiles, tapestries, etc.
But modern architecture does not mean getting rid of natural materials completely. Linen,
leather, teak wood etc. find a familiar place even in modern architecture designs.
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