Unit1 Text B整文.doc

Climate and Architecture Since the beginning of time, man has been affected by climate and its influence over the earth. The first humans built shelters and lived in caves to protect themselves from the weather elements. However, the first documentation of architectural design with climate interests in mind dates back to fourth century B.C. in Greece. The philosopher Vitruvius, first century B.C., is quoted as saying, “We must at the outset take note of the countries and climates in which buildings are built (Oktay).” In Rome, architects made note of the reduction of temperature created by the huge stonewalls and their shadows. The walls were made of stuccoed brick and were typically twelve to twenty feet wide which allowed for an extended area to be captured in the shadows of the walls keeping the city cool during the midday hours (Oktay). The stuccoed walls are an example of climate-responsive architecture, or architecture that is constructed and built with designs that make use of the surrounding climate and its natural effects. With the help of new climate technology, many developing countries, such as Algeria, are making use of climate-responsive architecture and its benefits in helping to keep humans comfortable(Bensalem). Climate responsive architecture takes advantage of free energy in the form of heat and light. Each region of the world employs its own techniques and designs in its buildings that are best suited to that particular region and that encompass the region’s cultural patterns. This is known more commonly as vernacular architecture, or “forms which grow out of the practical needs of the inhabitants of a place and the constraints of the site and climate (Oktay).” Vernacular architecture varies for regions of hot climate and regions of cold climate. Many of the same techniques are employed, but it is the way they are used in each respective climate that makes them unique. Before getting into the specifics of each climate, general guideline