37º IAHS World Congress on Housing: - Universidad de Cantabria

XXXVII <strong>IAHS</strong><strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> on HousingOctober 26 – 29, 2010, Santander, SpainCODE: 166ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF TRADITIONALBUILDING TECHNIQUES, AN APPROACH TOWARDSIMPLEMENTATION TODAYC. Galán-Marín, A. García-López, J. López-MartínezDepartamento de Construcciones Arquitectónicas I.Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura. University of Seville.e-mail: cgalan@us.esKey words: vernacular architecture, housing, traditional, construction techniques, domestic.AbstractThe study and interpretation of vernacular construction systems are essential in order tounderstand the built environment and current architectural design. Throughout history we areable to understand the reason for building shapes and dwelling typologies, extracting fromthem elements, systems, techniques and materials that have an adequate performance inAndalusia. Far from the characteristic of monumental and singular buildings, populartraditional systems are a successful part of our heritage. Besides, this knowledge allows us todevelop well adapted and environmental-related sustainable architecture. The world oftraditional construction is a world of resources, where the builders adapts the constructionsystem to those materials he can easily find, to deal with the structure, ensure water proofingof the building and optimise the coatings. These ancient techniques passed on from generationto generation, without any vocation for innovation. They are improved gradually andinteractively with the conditions imposed by the environment and the users. Systems arecharacterized by being easy to implement and always concerned for economy and efficiency,with variantions for its adaptation to local needs.The methodology followed for this research implies making a list of the most importantelements to consider: a section of the building main parts; the vertical-load-bearing walls,arches and openings, horizontal elements -slabs and domes-, roof types, coating: plaster,limed and tiles, shutters and pavements. The analysis of each type includes history, evolution,material, techniques and types, and of course their location in the different areas of Andalusia.Therefore, this provides a complete view of each designed element. By isolating a set ofinvariants defining each of the systems studied, allows us to incorporate them in the processof architecture, so they can be reinterpreted from a contemporary perspective to be freely usedin contemporary architecture without losing its essence.37º <strong>IAHS</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> On Housing Science 105