New approach to vernacular architecture considering its structural relationship with sustainable architecture

The relationship between sustainable architecture and vernacular architecture generally it seems self-evident. But the lack of a structured theoretical framework for it, challenges the usability of vernacular architecture for creating sustainability in contemporary architecture. It is therefore architects less inclined to use the principles of vernacular architecture suggest in their work. To achieve a theoretical framework, need to study the structural relationship between sustainable architecture and vernacular architecture. So, in order to investigating the relationship between these two architectures, it seems necessary to understand the nature of each of them separately. In this paper, we first briefly explain the concept of sustainable development. Then, the determinants of sustainable architecture in four fields (constitution, pattern, nature and people) have been identified. The fields that formed structure of architecture lordship have been searched in theories of learning theory. In doing so, the role of these factors in different theoretical points of views has been studied to explain the vernacular architecture and its theoretical structure framework came out of studied definitions, formed basics of quintuple model of theoretical approaches towards vernacular architecture: 1. Approaches based on public participation; 2. Approaches based on natural construction; 3. Approaches based on natural pattern; 4. Approaches based on absolute naturalistic view; 5. Approaches based on holistic view. In these categories, the distinctions of definitions of vernacular architecture are established through relationships of the four generators of vernacular architecture and each of them, shows that vernacular architecture has certain advantages for realization of sustainable architecture: in the approaches based on public participation, vernacular architecture, is seen viable for sustainable architecture in terms of providing appropriate technology for building community and build collaborative patterns. In the approaches based on natural construction, vernacular architecture, through its natural materials and passive methods of regulating environmental conditions, offers some models to sustainable architecture. In the natural pattern approaches, vernacular architecture, by offering proportional forms with ecology and low-density development, dampen harm to ecosystem, therefore it is an ideal model for sustainable architecture. In the absolute naturalistic approaches, vernacular architecture is seen as a result of evolutional process of ecosystem and part of nature (place of human life as natural species). So it can be used as a comprehend model in the sustainable architecture. In the holism approaches, vernacular architecture is considered as a completely natural phenomenon, a result of natural environmental capabilities and factors that is based on human partnership. It is a natural immediate byproduct and compatible with all aspects of nature. For these reasons, vernacular architecture is ideal model for sustainable architecture. Finally, an improvement project of villages in Iran (Khoor) has been described, that has been holistic in its approach. Investigation of the project shows that for fulfillment of sustainable architectural goals, 'holistic approach' should be considered in all components of architecture. In this context, local patterns of construction and vernacular participatory methods provide the best examples for contemporary application. So holistic approaches can introduce more potentials for producing of sustainable architecture in contemporary era.