Building from Tradition

Description

Building from Tradition. Local Materials and Methods in Contemporary Architecture

Building from Tradition examines the recent resurgence of interest in the handmade building and the use of local and renewable materials in contemporary construction. In the past, raw materials were shaped to provide shelter and to accommodate the cultural, social, and economic needs of individuals and communities. This is still true today as architects, engineers, and builders turn once again to local resources and methods, not simply for constructing buildings, but also as a strategy for supporting social engagement, sustainable development, and cultural continuity.
Building from Tradition features global case studies that allow readers to understand how building practices—developed and refined by previous generations—continue to be adapted to suit a broad range of cultural and environmental contexts. The book provides:
• a survey of historical and technical information about geologic and plant-based materials such as: stone, earth, reed and grass, wood, and bamboo
• 24 detailed case studies examining the disadvantages and benefits to using traditional materials and methods and how they are currently being integrated with contemporary construction practices.

CONTENTS

Introduction: Building From Tradition,

Part I: Material Fundamentals, 1. Geologic Materials, 1.1 Earth, 1.2 Stone, 2. Plant Materials, 2.1 Reed and Grass, 2.2 Wood, 2.3 Bamboo,

Part II: Material Strategies 3. Bespoke to Standardized, 3.1 Onjuku Beach House, 3.2 Hostal Ritoque, 3.3 Niamey 2000, 3.4 Affordable Urban Housing, 3.5 ModCell Straw Technology, 3.6 Ricola Kräuterzentrum, 4. Local Engagement , 4.1 Opera Village and the Center for Health Care and Social Promotion, 4.2 Dungga Daycare, 4.3 Common Ground Neighborhood, 4.4 Women’s Opportunity Center, 4.5 Esperanza Series, 4.6 Ma’anqiao Village Reconstruction.5. Materials and Place , 5.1 Tåkern Visitor Center, 5.2 Al Jahili Fort , 5.3 Jianamani Visitor Center, 5.4 Bry-sur-Marne Social Housing, 5.5 Wind and Water Bar, 5.6 Haus am Moor, 6. Primitive to Performative, 6.1 Kargyak Learning Center, 6.2 Pani Community Center, 6.3 House Rauch, 6.4 Aknaibich Preschool, 6.5 Blooming Bamboo Home. 6.6 Thread Artist Residency and Cultural Center, 7. Reflections and Looking Ahead

230 pages, 220 Color Illus, 34 Line drawings / 19 x 24,5 cm / English