Living past, green future

vernacular influence on the environmental quality of built spaces

Abstract

This article presents a historical perspective on the debate about Sustainability in contemporary architectural production. It evidences that the integration between construction and nature constitutes a perennial characteristic of buildings. The research adopts a theoretical-comparative approach that articulates the foundations of traditional building practices, conditioned by climatic, cultural, and material factors of the local context. The objective is to analyze how principles of vernacular and historical architecture are reinterpreted by contemporary Sustainability theories, identifying conceptual convergences and empirical evidence of environmental performance and promotion of user well-being. The results indicate that, in seeking reduced environmental impact and grater connection with the natural environment, contemporary sustainable architecture realings itself with vernacular strategies, optimized by material technologies and resource management systems. It is concluded that the combination of ancestral wisdom and technological innovation is crucial to the design of more sustainable and healthier solutions for the future. This  integration provides a sense od belonging, greater harmony with the local context, low energy consumption, and reduced environmental impact. It is recommended to conduct quantitative performance studies and investigations into bioinspired materials, as well as post-occupancy research to assess the socio-environmental benefits of buildings that associate tradition and innovation.