THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSITIONAL SPACES IN CONTEMPORARY VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Most often, the words contemporary and traditional appear to be in direct disparitywithoneanother.Butthisispreciselywhyarchitecturecanbesoinvaluable as it can take out a solution in resolving the differences. Vernacular Architecture has played a vital role in defining architecture and in shaping the conception of modernity. Elements that have evolved using technology and local materials emerging from natural and cultural environments creating optimal parallels between users and their place of sustainable design, are fundamental to vernacular architecture. Herzog and De Meuron, known for their reappraisal of traditional architectural elements, quoted, "Architectural discourse values the vernacular for its beauty, environmental performance, seamless connection to the landscape, use of local materials, and the craft of its making." (Herzog and De Meuron, 2) The significance of vernacular buildings is that it has essential lessons that we can learn from today.

The term vernacular architecture has previously been associated with backwardness in comparison to advancement and development. It is standardized as referring to simple forms hence, leading to the demolition of such buildings. However, these structures are now being replaced with buildings that consume high-energy and have severe negative impacts on the environment of a region. However, due to modernization, several vernacular structures have been demolished. The new developments of South East Asia are constructed using industrially produced materials like glass and steel, which emit high levels of carbon dioxide that is harmful to the environment.

The essence of vernacular architecture is depreciating and is being replaced by contemporary building technologies that have poor construction techniques and demand excessive maintenance and construction costs. This results in a shortage of affordable living in many South Asian cities. A subject like this should be at the top of the Asian governments.

Interior spaces in vertical buildings are designed in a way that results in a lack of communication between the users and fails to create a relationship between users and their environment, which eventually leads to isolation. Such isolation may be a significant cause of depression in human beings. It is essential to consider techniques that were implemented in vernacular architecture. Methods of visual and verbal communication achieved through the creation of transitional spaces inspired by urban vernacular dwellings would be a beneficial way to tackle the issue of isolation. Thus, the study of merging the contemporary with vernacular principles would lead to the innovation of structures that are sustainable and helps in blurring the indoors with the outdoorsthrough the creation of transitional spaces. Transitional spaces link two distinct spaces with one another which heightens the awareness between the transformation of space and makes the occupant involved with its surroundings. The implementation of transitional spaces into architecture helps in solving multiplepurposes. They provide passive control techniques and creates an opening for natural ventilation and illumination thus increasing the regional relevancyof the space.

The principles are derived from the synthesis of the knowledge accumulated from the benefits of vernacular building's layout and construction. The use of transitional spaces in these dwellings help in deriving the principles. The shophouse and the Kampong is a typical example of an urban vernacular form from the Asian perspective in which transitional spaces played a key role to achieve sustainability. There is much to be learned from this traditional architectural type.

The approach of contemporary vernacular architecture can be implemented to designing transitional spaces that are based on traditional architectural principles. These principles include passive control techniques, natural ventilation and light, and materiality. Transitional spaces help solve the issue of isolation and increase interaction between the users, and the user with their surrounding environment.

The architect needs to decide which past principles are still appropriate to implement in the design. The idea of designing in the present is not to copy the urban vernacular form but to draw inspiration and implement it in a unique way in modern design. With a vision of progression and growth of vernacular buildings, it is essential to apply variousstrategies in accordance with the surrounding environment. The strategies employed in contemporary vernacular architecture should be climate-responsive with regards to a specificregion. It is appurtenant to understand vernacular architecture to integrate their design strategies in the construction context, which eventually contributes to sustainability. A revival of vernacular principles following the sustainability philosophy is based on creating a romantic value on this typology of architecture. (Sayigh, 9) This essay supports

the argument based on the idea of contemporary vernacular, which relates to the innovation of sustainable and transitional spaces.

The essay is based on the research for an understanding of the concept of contemporary vernacular, the need to look into the traditional principles of architecture and how can these principles be implemented to modern design strategies to build sustainable and transitional spaces to solve the issue of isolation and to provide environment friendly solutions. The principles that are identified with the help of traditional structures like the Malay and Chinese dwellings are passive control techniques to provide thermal comfort, natural ventilation and light that is achieved with the creation of transitional spaces to build a relationship between the users and their environment. Consequently, the knowledge and execution of these principles constitute the fundamental process by which the architectural practice and theories for modern design construction should be developed and executed. The principles are supported by case studies that reflect the methods to achieve contemporary vernacular architecture and buildings that build a strong connection between the users and the environment. The developmental outcome of this form of architecture that relates to the adaptation of vernacular principles should be of utmost significance to the architects.

The principles applied to vernacular structures included a sustainable design approach that helped in the creation of transitional spaces. They create an environment that could suit the climatic conditions of a specific region. In the

process of achieving this new direction of contemporary design, perhaps, the future of our past will be recognized and assured.

Contemporary vernacular helps one to examine the history with an additional dimension of the present. Architects and artisans of the Renaissance period not only educated themselves to be individualistic but through this independent approach, they acquired the freedom to amalgamate two opposing mindsets of totally different cultures which were on a lead to colliding with one another, the Roman church and its beliefs and practices and the mythological image of Greek and Rome. Michelangelo and Borromini accomplished the merging of these two words brilliantly. They found a way to bring together the practice of Christianity into the temples of Antiquity. (Lim, 4) This kind of synthesis simultaneously includes both the notions, i.e., contemporary and ethnic. For example, handloom cotton fabrics in India have been exemplary for me of something that depicts traditional but conveys an evident modern sensibility.

In hot dry climatic conditions, the buildings were shaded by tall and thick vegetations or rock overhangs to prevent the unbearable heat. Therefore, without the benefit of abundant energy, vernacular buildings worked with the climate to achieve sustainable spaces. The progression in the profession towards ecologically sustainable design and the introduction of digital trends since the last few decades signify the renewed concern with the vernacular. It is of crucial importance to educate young architects about the traditional building techniques that have been lost in recent years.

To most contemporary architects, the term "vernacular" presumably seems to be a picturesque one. However, change is an integral part of vernacular architecture, as it is not a stagnant notion of architecture. On the contrary, the pluralistic language of vernacular already exists; all we must do is to get architects to adjust it into their design so that this language becomes visible again. For years there has hardly been any need for improvement in the various vernacular structures of housing constructed primordially around the world. In Iran, several Iranians still prefer to reside in vernacular dwellings as they find it affordable and there is hardly any expenditure on its maintenance.

The study of vernacular architecture is spreading to all parts of the world as the significance of primordial traditions in structures is growing and being recognized. The protection, interpretation and advancement of the cultural heritage with regards to the era of rapidly increasing globalization of each region is a significant challenge. Dr. Chiesa, a member of the Department of Architecture and Design in Italy, emphasized how the Italian cooling construction techniques lacked the influence of traditional architecture. The air-conditioning supply is growing at a rapid rate with an increased number of installed units, in industrialized as well as developing countries. For example, the number of air- conditioning units in China is multiplying epidemically and has crossed120 million units in certain warm zones alone in 2017, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) study. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in the industrialization context show an evident growth in the air-conditioning units with sustained growth levels of consumption in both developing and developed

countries. (Chiesa, 5)It is essential due to this reason, to refer to alternative building techniques that minimize energy consumption in hot and humid climatic conditions without abandoning good comfort quality. The study of traditional paradigms, in relation to specific climatic considerations of a location, depicts that reasonable outcomes are closely related to passive cooling techniques in structures. The architects of Singapore have declared a 'Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.' Construction Declares is a petition that has been signed by Singaporean architects that unites all strands of construction and the built environment to meet the need of the societies and limit it to the earth's ecological boundaries. (Singapore Structural Engineers Declare, 2020) It is a commitment to take a positive step in response to the changing climatic conditions.

It is of utmost importance to conceive early design strategies to maximize potential and translate traditional vernacular principles into new modern structures to maximize indoor comfort. The passive control techniques should be applied to modern design. These techniques should be inspired from traditional architectural techniques, which includes elements like the air wells and rear courts in a shophouse, the kampong, a structure built on stilts and has a raised platform allows natural ventilation and the roofs of which are sloping that prevent rainwater from collecting. The working of a kampong is shown in figure 1 and 2.

Figure 1: Structure of a Kampong

Figure 1 depicts the structure of the kampong built on stilts that allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through. As shown in Figure 2, the large roof eaves were used for sun shading. Since Southeast Asia faces high levels of humidity and excessive solar radiation, such an element is essential to prevent heat from entering the interior space. Another important feature in the Kampong was the open interior spaces with minimum partition walls to allow good ventilation and interaction between the users.

Figure 2: Techniques that allow natural ventilation

Figure 3: The key elements of a shophouse

Figure 3 shows the key elements of a shophouse. The vernacular shophouse architecture of Southeast Asia is a series of formal continuities that are submerged in informal and diverse language. The geometry of the houses shows a relatively narrow front façade that is stretched into a series of pavilions and courts which provide natural light and ventilation while maintaining the privacy and security of the users. This typology and urban morphology establish a comprehensive outline to convey the expression of form. Critical components of a shophouse layout plan include the work and living spaces, the air wells, circulation, ventilation, a five-foot way, and service elements.

A unique feature of the shophouse is the air-well, which is enclosed within the building. The air wells are located within the divisions of the tiled roofs that are open to the sky and enable natural light and ventilation to the indoor spaces, lending interest to the spatial experience of shophouses by providing varying naturally illuminated areas. Air wells can be found either in the corner of the space or in the center, depending upon the depth and type of plot. An essential and important feature of vernacular architecture is the creation of transitional interior spaces that allow the users to connect with each other and the environment. The spaces that have definite functions are known as static spaces, whereas the spaces that connect them are known as dynamic or transitional spaces as they solve multiple functions and are constantly evolving. The patios, verandahs, and courtyards of vernacular structures play a potent role in creating transitional spaces.

Figure 4: Types of transitional spaces in architecture

Figure 4 shows the various types of transitional spaces in architecture. In traditional architecture, the interaction between the public and private, the open and closed, and people and the surrounding environment was evident. It is considered to be the imminent transitional instrument between traditional and contemporary settings. The attention towards the importance of transitional spaces helps in the development of the living conditions towards achieving a better quality of life. Traditional dwellings are areas that relate and respect each other within a spatial organization.

Transitional spaces help in creating a relationship rather than a conflict with nature. It is essential for modern buildings to have transitional spaces as they help in creating green spaces that can be considered to be a restorative element for the users. Vertical buildings can achieve this space in terms of plant life and nature, through voids in building structures and creating sensory perceptions from the introduction of the exterior. Such green spaces can be achieved through vertical and horizontal green systems. Through the overlap of nature and building, transitional spaces take people from the outside to a destination defined by architecture as inside. There are countless methods of creating transitional spaces. Such spaces attempt to evoke human response to nature. The vernacular dwellings were successful architectural attempts as they not only implemented the principle of transitional spaces but also utilized them for several activities. Figure 5 and 6 show the methods of how transitional spaces can be achieved in buildings. A central courtyard or a deck is a beneficial way to achieve the blurring of indoors with the outdoors.

Figure 5: Building within a garden

Figure 6: Garden within a building Visual and physical interaction, the level proportion of transparency and enclosure are tools that the architect can use to generate a suitable means of overlapping the elements of the building with the exterior. The sensory experiences conveyed by the occupants is a defining factor of when a space can truly be called transitional. An individual’s sensory perceptions of a space contribute to the understanding of the interior and the exterior. For example, the circulation of natural air into the space triggers a sensory memory, the moving air across the skin, the odor of the outdoor atmosphere and the taste of natural breeze when compared to artificial ventilation. Aural perceptions are considered to be more enhanced as compared to when the occupant is in a confined area. Sensory experience is a significant factor in providing the liminal nature of the space. Transitional spaces can also be achieved with the help of elements that are used for extending the influence and feeling of the building without enclosing it. Therefore, columns and arches can be used to define transitional spaces. The vast openings created through these elements allow landscape and air to circulate through the interiors. B.V. Doshi, a pioneering Indian architect who has a unique way of combining traditional and modern architecture explains the importance of transitional spaces through his design. To support the theory of transitional spaces in architecture and to explain its importance B.V. Doshi’s case study of the Indian Institute of Management has been explained.

The Indian Institute of Management is a destination for students of architecture. The stone architecture is complemented with lush greenery. Semi transparent screens have been formed using beton brut (concrete) and stone to allow natural light and breeze to penetrate into the spaces. The classrooms are designed in a manner which helps the students connect with nature without giving them the feeling of claustrophobia unlike those universities that have air- conditioned classrooms. Taking into consideration both local and global characteristics, the architect has designed the structure which not only reflects features of sustainability but is also an iconic of contemporary vernacular design. The quadrangles and open high corridors are constructed to enable light and air into the space as shown in figure 7. The pergolas and the corridors are inspired from the language of ancient temples, shown below in figure 8. However, the architect has implemented features of the ancient temple in a unique way which reflect an interesting contrast between traditional and contemporary.

Figure 7: High corridors for natural ventilation

Figure 8: Interesting transitional spaces The corridors are interesting transitional spaces which enables interaction between students and the staff. The interplay between the concrete building surface on one side and the enclosure of the trellis on the other creates an interesting liminal space which permits both architecture and nature to enhance the user’s experience. The high ceilings give the users a feeling of openness gives them a feeling of no compulsion to reach anywhere. The sensory experience in the space is created through the interplay of walls and openings, the light and shadows that help in changing the character of the building during different times of the day and in different seasons. The aim of such a design is to increase interaction between the users. The design enables energy saving and optimizes technology by using varying materials and achieves passive control techniques by ensuring thermal comfort. B.V. Doshi defines the structure as, “an atmosphere where you don’t see divides and doors.”(Doshi, 9) Such a building that helps the users feel a sense of belonging and connected to one another and with nature accounts for better mental healing and physical health. There is a perfect blend of contemporary and modern in the building thus, making it sustainable.

Figure 9: Transitional spaces in the building To enhance the use of transitional spaces in architecture, certain principles have been derived from the study of vernacular urban dwellings. These principles can be implemented into contemporary design language to convey a better sense of sustainability to the space and to respond to the changing climatic conditions in a beneficial way. Transitional spaces help in achieving these principles and propagate the user’s well being and mental health as it subjects the user to openness and nature.

The primary principle is to achieve passive control techniques through the creation of transitional spaces to provide natural light and ventilation, and thermal

comfort to modern-day buildings. A study in China, concluded that implementing passive control techniques to contemporary housing helped minimise energy consumption and generated pleasing indoor conditions. Toe and Kubota, renowned professors of the University Technology Malaysia, examined the potential effect of passive cooling approaches in timber Malay shophouses and Chinese masonry shophouses that included roof insulation, the courtyard and night ventilation, the height of the wall and window openings and the microclimate on the improvement of the thermal comfort in hot and humid climatic conditions of Malaysia. (Shan et al., 33) The found strategies were bridging the entrances of the structure with courtyards, i.e., the implementation of transitional spaces ensuring linear planning of homes, the construction of the indoors with consideration to the sun and wind path, usage of natural materials that provide comfortable indoor comfort, and the application of wind catchers.

Many modern buildings depend on artificial techniques that consume energy and emit harmful gases like carbon dioxide. Building construction accounts for a total of 40% of carbon dioxide emissions that leads to the pollution of natural resources affecting less developed countries. Thus, natural ventilation and light are essential factors of vernacular architecture as they help in keeping the space cool and naturally lit. There are three main aspects which can help in achieving natural ventilation in modern day buildings. The first aspect is the natural force i.e. the wind factor. In traditional architecture, the primary source of illumination was daylight and was achieved by various openings in the structure. Natural light and ventilation can be achieved in interior spaces of modern buildings through transitional spaces which are built in relation to the wind factor. Transitional spaces can also be referred to as intermediate spaces. The characteristics that define transitional spaces are dissolution, blurring, layering and ambiguity, as they have the ability to transform the occupant’s feeling of that space as they move through it. Such spaces also pose a discontinuity and heighten the awareness of the space as a transformative threshold between two or more distinct spaces.

Transitional spaces play an essential part in the designing the interiors and an integral role in providing natural light and ventilation. Daylight is considered to be a beneficial factor for the occupants as it helps in healthy living and well-being. The high performance of the buildings through natural light and ventilation are directly related to energy saving. The limited number and size of openings in the dwellings are a result of the several limitations related to the environmental surroundings and building constraints in vernacular architecture. Semi-open and open spaces were created through internal courtyards. The roof, ventilator openings, and walls of the house play a significant role in driving the wind force and in providing natural light and ventilation. Majority of the world’s energy is consumed in heating and cooling the modern-day buildings.

The second aspect is the principle of ventilation which relates to the exploitation of natural forces to ventilate a space. Natural ventilation occurs in two processes, i.e., 'stack ventilation' and 'cross-ventilation as shown in figure 10. Vernacular architecture was able to adapt to the climate responsively, unlike the modern-day buildings of today. Artificial lighting in modern buildings accounts for a massive amount of energy consumption and is harmful for the users as it harms the visual health. Poor passive techniques in building construction make energy consumption a critical crisis. Air movement is an essential application in a building as it helps remove the contaminants, unwanted odors, and moisture, thus, providing an environment suitable for the users.

Figure 10: Stack Ventilation from atrium Vernacular structures mostly follow stack ventilation, which depends on the indoor and outdoor temperatures, height of the building, and the size of the upper and lower openings. Large openings in windows is a significant criterion in buildings that allow air to circulate and breeze to flow through the space. It is important to implement optimizing parameters to building construction to reduce energy consumption. Such buildings can achieve natural light and ventilation through large openings and open decks or voids which allow circulation. Modern building scan have a central courtyard with apartments around it to enable natural light and ventilation into each unit which would eventually help to minimize the energy consumption, or the application of voids and semi-open spaces can be achieved by implementing columns or arches. However, it is always more difficult to build a naturally ventilated building than a mechanically ventilated building.

The functionality, social character, and positive environmental attributes of the vernacular should contribute to contemporary variants of design. The courtyard can be interpreted as a significant part of a structure that allows not only natural ventilation and light but also allows visual and verbal interaction between the users. It is a significant transitional space which provides thermal comfort to the indoors and reduces energy consumption. The courtyard plays a vital role in regulating the microclimate, i.e., the heat gains, the daylight and the ventilation in the interior spaces. Courtyards also constitute a space for functional and social activities. The unglazed openings on the surrounding walls of the courtyard are generally used to take away the unwanted odors from the indoor spaces. The courtyards have now been replaced with balconies and terraces that are a common element of apartments and have various sizes and forms and are mostly smaller than the traditional openings and courtyards. The contemporary balconies are semi-outdoor spaces, and the integration of these semi-open spaces with the building structure is not regarded to be very strong, and the microclimatic effects are not very useful. The study of open spaces in dwellings provides valuable lessons on the climatic role of these spaces and on the features that are missing in a modern building, that we must adapt from traditional design techniques. The third aspect is the element that is used to enhance the other two ventilation principles. However, natural ventilation may occur without the implementation of ventilation elements. Effectively built stairwells, corridors and alleys help in enhancing the ventilation in a modern-day building. The main advantage of these integrated elements in a building represents no additional use of space in a building and helps in avoiding the use of ventilation plants and ductworks. A number of spaces can act as transitional spaces, such as water bodies, trellis, pergolas, courtyards, verandas, aisles, and lobbies. These spaces are essential examples as they help in linking two or more static spaces.

The veranda, a space between the interior space and the outdoor element, is regarded as a significant transitional space. The gateway or doorway in a vernacular dwelling was not only used to segregate the indoor and outdoor space but as a transitional element for people from public streets into the private space. The verandas around the courtyard of a vernacular dwelling create a stack effect to provide natural ventilation and light. This allows the wind flow inside the houses, which is a significant climate relief for humid regions. The doors and windows of traditional dwellings can be seen as manifestations of vernacular buildings. Due to such openings, light, and views of the landscape, both can be perceived that help broaden the room horizons. The doorways act as a unique transitional space as they depict a connection between two different realms. It can be regarded as a concept that defines the inside and the outside. It can either be shown like a fort wall while entering a city or it can be depicted as an entrance to spatial layers of hierarchal sequence. The entrance solves a dual purpose of separating as well as linking the inside and the outside.

Making new buildings more efficient has led to the use of a passive design approach. Vernacular architecture followed a passive design approach that

aimed to reduce the dependence on artificial lighting, air conditioning, and mechanical ventilation. The building's orientation towards the sun played a vital role. The layout of the interior in a vernacular dwelling was built based on an east to west axis intention and the various zones were differentiated through raised platforms that began at the entrance of the house. These floor levels were based on symbolic values that were assigned to the spatial divisions, such as the separation of sleeping areas for different genders. The raised floor levels include guest rooms, sleeping quarters, kitchen, and an entrance platform. The entrance hall is considered to be the most important part of the house. This space is separated from all other rooms, followed by the living room and the kitchen. The rooms are arranged according to the privacy gradient as shown in figure 11. The entrance hall was regarded as a transitional space as it was a place for family activities and to accommodate visitors. Such an arrangement showing the flow of spaces from public to private has been successfully achieved in modern design. However, due to land scarcity modern design has achieved hierarchy of spaces vertically whereas urban dwellings achieved them horizontally as shown in figure 11 and 12. Most of the high-rise buildings include the public spaces on the lower floors and the private residences on the higher levels.

Figure 11: Public and Private spaces in a shophouse

Figure 12: hierarchy in vertical buildings Transitional spaces of different scales helped derive the spatial hierarchy in vernacular dwellings. Transitional spaces occur when the indoor merges with the outdoor setting that permits physical, verbal, or visual communication. The courtyards, air wells and rear courts were considered to be transitional spaces in vernacular settlements. Architects have made a constant effort to integrate the

indoor and outdoor with the help of a courtyard, but unfortunately only in low-rise buildings. The high-rise buildings restrict the users to set relation with the outside as they rely on vertical transportation. This leads to a lack of communication between the occupants and also increases health issues in the elderly.

The concepts of transitions can be adapted to study the morphology of structures. Transitional spaces were used as a medium to distinguish between public and private spaces. A connection between different domains should influence the hierarchy of spaces. In order to achieve this in high rise buildings, the use of community courtyards or courtyards among units can be implemented; however, maintaining privacy. The main aspects while constructing a building should be its orientation, the window openings, window to wall ratio, the materials used, and the shape of the building. Passive construction enables the users to adjust and adapt to the climatic conditions by allowing them to open and close the windows and getting natural light and air. The concept of transitional spaces in contemporary architecture as well as the influence of natural ventilation and light through open and semi open spaces has been initiated by WOHA architects that is described with the help of a case study.

WOHA Architects work on environmental principles that are guided by creating a sustainable environment. Tropical architecture and urbanism is the key element in their design. WOHA architects built Kampung Admiralty in the year 2017 in Singapore. The project is based on a vertical kampong (village) concept, which follows a traditional architectural approach. Several public facilities and activities are provided by this integrated public development under one roof. The site is 45 meters tall with a community centre on the lower level, a medical centre on the middle level, and a community park with apartments for senior citizens on the upper level.

The building stands on columns that allow air to circulate through the first floor, as shown in figure 13. The first floor serves as a porous and pedestrianized way that has a community space for severalactivities to be held and can interpreted as a transitional space that links the users with the environment. The inspiration has been drawn from the structure of the kampong that was built on stilts facilitating ventilation and help the inhabitants to cope up with the flash floods. The tropical community plaza is sheltered by the medical center on the upper floor, allowingactivities to be performed regardless of the rain and sunshine. The building has a central courtyard that is open to the sky, allowing natural ventilation and light as shown in figure 14. The inspiration has been drawn from an air well that was an essential element of the shophouse. The courtyard is regarded as a transitional space that allows the users to communicate with each other as well as the environment.

Figure 13: open space to enable natural ventilation

Figure 14: central courtyard

To enhance the healing and wellness of the users the center’s waiting and consultation areas accommodate wholesome natural light from windows and the courtyard in the center. The elderly feels more attached to nature, and the users as the void in the center allow them to interact with the community plaza and park below as shown in figure 15. The community park is known to be an elevated village green that helps the elderly to come and exercise together or to attend community farming. There is a total of 104 apartments in two 11 storey blocks. The building adopts the traditional design principles that save energy and help the users to be connected with the surrounding environment and feel close to nature. Figure 16 shows the transitional spaces in the building that help integrate humans with nature.

Figure 15: centre community plaza to enable interaction

Figure 16: Transitional Spaces in the building

The architects, Richard Hassell and Wong Mun Summ have only adopted the principles of the vernacular dwellings and have integrated them in their own way. This building not only reflects the elements of traditional architecture but also makes the building sustainable that uses passive design techniques. The architects have beautifully blended in the principles of traditional design into this contemporary building, thus, making it a classic example of contemporary vernacular. The hybridization of two different architectural styles into one to create a sustainable form is a responsive step towards climate change. On the one hand, some architects promote the use of traditional prefabricated imagery as a result of which their works have become embedded in the cultural tradition whereas, on the other hand, several architects aim at combining earlier iconography with their modern aesthetics and idiosyncrasies. A convincing synthesis of traditional principles and elements of modernism is quite rare. Many architects have produced a body of works that is difficult to ignore.

The energy consumption and thermal comfort of individual settlements as well as of open spaces was highly dependent on technical characteristics of materials which is the second significant principle of vernacular architecture. The materials used in vernacular building construction represent a highly durable form that is easily reusable in the future and is sustainable. The materials used in the restoration and development of vernacular settlements can be reused. Vernacular architecture incorporates a diversity of limitations from place to place, in which the use of materials is one of the main features. The use of industrially produced materials in modern building construction has high environmental impacts when compared to vernacular materials, which are considered to be an alternative for sustainable construction. The use of processed materials has led to the homogenization of the various other construction approaches, which are way out of the environmental context as they are highly dependent on energy and other resources. The contribution of these vernacular materials for sustainable design and space is established as a factor of socio-economic development, focusing on the usage of local materials and techniques.

With growing levels of industrialization, it is imperative to research about the energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings. For that reason,it is as vital to concern ourselveswith the energy used in producing the components as it is to look into the energy efficiency of the operatingphase of the building. Nowadays, estimates are made of the environmental impacts associated with all life stages of products. Usage of local materials leads to lowered transportation costs, minimum energy-intensive production processes, and reduced energy and carbon dioxide emissions. Natural materials help in determining the relationship between the outdoor temperature and solar radiations, as well as the indoor temperature. Three factors govern this relationship, resistance to heat flow across the building, change in temperature due to the absorption and release of heat, and the percentage of solar energy hitting the outer facades of the building. The facade is an important consideration in creating a balance between the architecture and the natural environment. Local factors affect the shape and structure of the facade as an element to form the microclimate of interior. The envelope of the building can be segregated into two frames, an open frame or a

closed one depending on the factors surrounding the structure. However, the facades in modern buildings neglect the bioclimatic conditions and are dependent on technology. Since the past, humans have been striving to adapt and make the buildingenvelopes resistant by using naturallight and adaptingthe climatic factors of a particular region. It is, therefore, essential to build an adaptive facade that can be perceived as a medium of connecting and separating the interior of the structure with the exterior. The materials to be applied to the facade should be studied in accordance with the climatic conditions of the area.

Materials are a vital part of building construction but cause significant environmental impacts, specifically the ones that consume high energy while being produced. Due to a lack of technological solutions during the development of vernacular structures, natural materials available on sites were used that had low processing, lower consumption of energy, and reduced environmental impacts. In contrastto this, the technological advancements enable the production of energy-intensive materials that are readily available and demand for large energy requirements for transportation from the production point to the distribution of finished products. An architect's objective should be to achieve indoor environmental comfort by spending the least on its energy consumption and materials, by replacing the non-renewable sources of energy with renewableones. The fundamental principle of traditional architecture is that it is constructed using natural and local materials that help in keeping the space naturally cool and makingit passive and sustainable.

The system of construction of a structure includes both tectonic and stereotomic elements. The vernacular dwelling is a hybrid constructional anatomy, which consists of a material palette that includes roof tiles, clay fired bricks, lime plastering, and coating, openings and partitions, corbels, and stone slabs. The roof of the earlier kampong settlements and shophouses were built using natural color unglazed clay tiles that were set on timber battens and then bonded with mortar, which absorbed the heat slowly and protected the masonry ground floor from getting warm. The roof is finished in a v-profile which allowed the rainwater to flow down instead of collecting. The ceilings were waterproofed using materials like bituminous asphalt, galvanized iron, and copings. Such usage of materials not only provided thermal comfort and sustainable living but also prevented the usage of abundant energy consumption.

The party walls were built using bricks, which is considered to be an energy-efficient material and has low maintenance costs. Brick helps to adjust the indoor temperature of the space as it stores the heat and allows the cold air to circulateand create a pleasant indoor climate. The beams, staircases, windows with louvers and other structural members were finished in timber as it is lightweight and is highly durable, providingresistance and reducingthe damage to the interiors. The thermal conductivity of wood is much lower than steel and concrete, helping in reducing energy consumption. There were several windows in the walls of a vernacular structure built in timber that allowed natural light to penetratethe interiors.

Architects and designers are finding new methods of combining the old traditional buildingmaterials with new modern techniques to encounter environmental benefits. However, these materials are now being replaced with the excessive use of glass, metal, and steel to cope up with modernization. The use of the glass façade fulfills the need for natural light in a building but has severe impacts in hot and humid climatic conditions. Today, glass curtain walls and steel frames used for building construction are a prevalent scenario. Lightpollution is caused due to the use of glass curtain walls which cause severe threats to the residents' lives. Many car accidents take place as it glazes the driver’s eyes and is harmful for the people who walk on streets.

The characteristic of the building envelope has drastically shifted from the role of preservation and interconnection with the natural environment to the character of manipulation by means of the glass envelopes. Therefore, buildings were built using brick and concrete in the earlier days. While looking into the properties of glass, one of the significant drawbacks is the level of solar radiation it generates, which traps the heat and raises the overall temperature of the interior space thus, leading to higher air-conditioning and high-power bills. Modernization in building design leads to the application of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, as well as artificial lighting that results in a drastic increase in the energy consumption of the building. Both the interior and exterior elements are generally integrated, the materials and textures of transitional spaces can use a softer experience than the interiors in modern buildings usually do. Depending on the environmental factors, each version of a transitional space conveys a unique language of materiality. For example, the thick masonry walls in buildings allowed the accumulation of heat through its thermal mass from daylight and used to radiate the heat away during cool nights. However, the use of local materials is not sufficient to support the building alone. Thus, to achieve sustainability in architecture, one should aim to integrate traditional and contemporary technologies and materials. To support the above vernacular principle of promoting the use of natural and local materials to enhance the building design and making it sustainable, a case study of the Brick House, located in Mumbai, India, has been analysed and examined. The Brick House was built in 2014 by Istudio Architecture, a studio that is a collaboration of young architects that aim to design spacesin accordance with the climate of a specific location. The House has acquired an organic form that emerges from the ground and flows into the skyline, forming deep curves and dips as shown in figure 17. A central courtyard holds the space that flows into one another through curved lines. As the observer enters the space, he is greetedby a jali brick wall that helps in creatingdramatic compositions of light and shadow. The central courtyard that is open to the sky enables the interior space to be naturally ventilated and lit. The house consists of a water body in the centre that helps in the interiors to be calm and fresh as shown in figure 18. The interior of the house has two huge arches constructed using brick and stone, which allow air to circulate across the structure. the zoning of activities was done with close consideration towardsthe climatic conditions and was achievedwith the help of

different floor levels. The furniture of the house is constructed in a way that merges into the walls and floor, representing a play of materials. The position of the bedroom in the house is placed in such a way so as to provide shade to the water body and courtyard, thus, keeping it cool. The various openings in the buildingare constructed, keepingin mind the climatology, passivecooling, ensuring natural light and ventilation. the residence is built using environment- friendly technologies. The architects have used brick in different ways which include brick jalis and arches as shown in figure 19. The relativecost of construction of the residence was relatively low as it was built using traditional building techniques. Such construction methods not only consume less energy and artificial techniques but also allows the user to connect with the natural surroundings.

Figure 17: The spaces flow into one another, creating an interesting form

Figure 18: The use of brick in different ways The integration of vernacular in the contemporary has become a social concern for the architects. Contemporary architects can take inspiration from the traditional building environment, which created a relationship with the human being and the physical environment. The theories and practices of the vernacular and modern architecture are closely intertwined that enable the architects to transform the fundamental notions of style. The study of the principles of vernacular provides beneficial insights. Such lessons from the past are helpful to gain insights on how the present functions. Famous architects like Hassan Fathy and theorists have promoted the practice of traditional architecture to characterize the contemporary design. Several advantages can be drawn from the study of vernacular architecture as the benefits of this form can be gathered from centuries of experience with regards to the structure and material to be used to achieve comfort in accordance with the local climate of the region.

Modern day architects can draw inspiration from architects like Luis Barragan, an architect who proposed the development of architecture and urban designs that were based on traditional elements and is known for the 're- valorisation' of the word 'vernacular architecture' as a fundamental principle into his projects. (Figueroa, 54) He also considers the sensual perception as a critical principle of spatial experience. This kind of philosophy is essential as the so- called modern society has undervalued the traditional solutions and promoted standardized and technological advancements that result in high construction and maintenance costs and depict a relatively weak approach to thermal comfort and passive design. His designs mostly pay attention to sun paths, ventilation, and daylighting. He used to make observations in the working of other buildings and would translate the principles that suit his own work focusing on an energy- conscious design. His designs were based on recovering ancient constructive techniques and materials by emphasizing their thermaland optical qualities.

However, it is not possibleto implement every aspect of vernacular architecture into contemporary design. The aim of the concept of contemporary vernacular is innovation and not duplication. With the introduction of contemporary vernacular into building construction and design, the challenge of reducing hazardous environmental impacts can be achieved. Architecture tends to be standardized because of technology, leading to globalization.

Contemporary vernacular buildings lead the design to concepts and technological solutions. The play of transitional spaces should be an important aspect of contemporary building designs as they not only allow the users to connect with each other and nature but also lowers the levels of isolation and depression. Such spaces also serve as energy-efficient areas as they help provide natural ventilation and light to the interiors. With the growing concern towards sustainable design, architects are entitled to a greater responsibility to design environment-friendly structures. Such buildings should also focus on ensuring a comfortable and healthy surrounding for its users. After the study of vernacular design principles, contemporary buildings need to accommodate considerations such as, installing water cycles that can collect and reuse the rainwater in buildings, to use materials that are reusable with minimal use of industrially produced materials and lastly natural ventilation and light should be an essential part of contemporary building design.

For architects to achieve a design solution to build a relationship between the user and the environment, it is essential for them to look back at the traditional techniques and implement them into their methodology to create a contemporary vernacular form. In a climate like Singapore, which faces an annual rainfall of about 2300 mm and experiences hot and humid climatic conditions, can take inspiration from the vernacular dwellings. The shophouses of Singapore are highly regarded for their sense of materiality and layout. Due to rapid modernization in Singapore, the buildings now constructed mostly use glass and steel as their primary construction materials. As discussed in the case study designed by WOHA Architects, they have recently designed buildings that have taken inspiration from the principles of traditional design and implemented them in a unique way that reflects sustainability and creates a relationship between the user and nature.

Since the past few years, environmental dilemmas such as water pollution, global warming and the depletion of resources are issues that can be encountered by indicating the principles of sustainability that have been discussed above that represent a relationship between natural, cultural and economic resources creating optimal transitional spaces between people and their environment. Vernacular architecture has used principles of sustainability and has evolved with time. The intent of this essay is to provide a global solution for the innovation of remarkable spaces and to establish a more evident and promising connection with nature through architecture. Transitional spaces in architecture hold a certain opportunity to generate exclusive spaces which solve a fundamental human need and provides a practical architectural solution. The integration of the environment with the building contributes to a more sustainable architecture in terms of longevity as the users feel a greater connection to architecture and the likelihood of the building increases exponentially.

Contemporary vernacular buildings should be designed according to the environmental context and the landscape as vernacular architecture used to integrate the morphology of the area in accordance with the spirit of that place. The benefit of natural resources and the bioclimatic features should be taken into consideration while deciding upon the typology and technological choices. The

lessons learned from vernacular architecture provide answers to tackle the social and environmental challenges that are currently being faced in the 21st century. Contemporary Vernacular Architecture should, therefore, be capable of incorporating the traditional methods and techniques without losing the essence of the contemporary means and technologies that have minimal environmental impacts.

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Figure 1: “Malay 'Kampong' House.” Www.roots.sg, www.roots.sg/learn/collections/listing/1147212.

Figure 3: “The Shophouse.” Urban Redevelopment Authority, www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Get-Involved/Conserve-Built-Heritage/Explore-Our-Built- Heritage/The-Shophouse.

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Figure 10: Yang, Tong, and Derek J. Clements-Croome. “Natural Ventilation Natural Ventilation in Built Environment Natural Ventilation in-Built

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Figure 13-16: Allen, Katherine. “WOHA's Kampung Admiralty Singapore Named 2018 Building of the Year at World Architecture Festival.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 1 Dec. 2018, www.archdaily.com/906940/wohas-kampung-admiralty-singapore- named-2018-building-of-the-year-at-world-architecture- festival?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all.

Figure 17-19: “Curvaceous Brick House Uses Passive Cooling and Local Materials in India.” Inhabitat Green Design Innovation Architecture Green Building, inhabitat.com/curvaceous-brick-house-uses-passive-cooling-and-local-materials-in- india/.