Research On The Climate Responsive Characteristics Of Vernacular Architecture

Despite the lack of mechanical environmental control methods,vernacular architectures have adapted to climate in smart ways to keep the comfortability of indoor environment as well as the integrity of building structures and materials mainly by using passive technologies.The climate responsive characteristics of vernacular architecture to different climates has drawn researchers’ attention.However,most relevant studies put emphasis on physical space,while the climate responsive behaviour of users is not well understood.Based on long-term field surveys on vernacular architectures in Southeast Chongqing,as well as a comprehensive literature review,this paper first explains the basic climate responsive concepts and characteristics.Based on theories of bioclimatic architecture,house form,and thermal adaptation,this paper proposes a multidisciplinary research approach of the study on climate responsive characteristics of vernacular architecture which involves both physical space and the impact of the users.Secondly,this paper shows empirical studies on vernacular architectures in Southeast Chongqing with the help of the aforementioned research method,and makes comprehensive evaluations on the climate responsive strategies of both traditional and modern dwellings.Meanwhile it clarifies people’s misunderstandings on the climate impact of the form and architectural components of traditional settlements.Southeastern Chongqing has a characteristic mountain climate.Summer here is comparatively cooler and winter colder.Consequently,the requirements on comfort are more flexible compared to survival needs.Vernacular architecture here is aimed to provide acceptable internal conditions instead of perfect comfort.Moreover,the flexible lifestyle in rural area makes it possible for residents to adapt to seasonal changes easily.According to the lifestyle,the architectural style here offers a variety of space which supports the behavioral adjustment of local residents and optimizes the comfortability of buildings.However,the indoor thermal environment in winter and the indoor air quality need to be improved.Based on this,this paper proposes the design principles of vernacular architecture under similar climate conditions: architecture design should consider different seasonal conditions,create moderate comfort,and use intermittent-spot heating.Meanwhile,the indoor thermal environment should be evaluated and designed with the consideration of residents’ daily routines.Specific design strategies include: maintain the openness of buildings and provide flexible space to deal with the conflicts caused by seasonal changes;provide acceptable general heating indoors and raise the comfortability of specific zones;Seek for indoor heat source and create a heating mode that is adjusted to lifestyle.Finally,this study proposes the usage of intermittent heated-wall system in this region,whose credibility was proved by an experiment.The experiment shows that by using waste heat of cooking,the heated-wall system can improve indoor thermal condition effectively.