Vernacular Architecture & its relevance in today’s urban built environment: an analysis of the traditional dwellings in the Amazon region (Brazil) and Zhejiang region (China): ‘Palafitas and Tulous

• In Event: Chinese and Brazilian Diasporic Cultural Convergences

Abstract

The vanishing of traditional architectural practices (vernacular architecture), and the use of manufactured and processed materials sourced outside communities, are a result of a search for convenience, practicality and modernity observed continuously across the developing world. The impact however of these vanishing traditions within Asia and Latin American countries like China and Brazil, with relevance to its effects on resources depletion, urbanization practices, increasing inequalities and well-being is the focus of this paper.
This paper compares and maps two very different local architectural contexts (earth tulous (Fujian, China)/timber palafitas (Amazon-Brazil) in terms of its climatic, environmental and social responses to context articulated via its spatial practices. The important similarities within these two typologies are not formal. Their relevance lies within the way these buildings respond to a particular location and the potential for adaptation within contemporary sustainable urban settlements.

Author

• Rosangela M Tenorio, University of Nottingham