The Relationship between Vernacular Architecture and Embodied Energy

Abstract

At the core of green building initiatives exits low embodied energy. This concept suggests the importance of reducing emissions in architectural development by implementing low-energy materials through low-energy mechanisms. This ensures the holistic sustainability of a building, so materials are not exploited for the sake of other sustainable design features. Consequently, vernacular architecture maintains similar principles, as it involves locally sourced materials. Therefore, exploring a relationship between vernacular architecture and embodied energy could produce an optimized method of achieving sustainable architecture. This review serves as an investigation of this concept to determine a potential benefit to maintaining vernacular architecture when pursuing low embodied energy. A case study of the Frick Environmental Center (FEC) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is analyzed to explore the addressed topics in an applied context (i.e. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, 2021). This involves analysis of the FEC’s sustainable design features using the 3 E’s and Ten Shades of Green sustainability frameworks (i.e. Buchanan, 2005). A precedent, the Cope Environmental Center, is also reviewed to address the historical context of the case study and how it showcases sustainable development progression (i.e. Cope Environmental Center). Through the analysis of the FEC, an informative relationship between vernacular architecture and low embodied energy is apparent, as the use of both concepts in tandem promotes optimal environmental design and the increased value of a building. Further investigation of this relationship could inspire new mechanisms for achieving sustainable architecture, propelling the movement toward environmentally-conscious design.

References Buchanan, P. (2005). Ten shades of green: Architecture and the natural world. Cope Environmental Center. (n.d.). Cope Environmental Center. Retrieved November 30, 2023, from https://visitcope.org/

Frick Environmental Center. (2021, October 20). Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. https://pittsburghparks.org/frick-environmental-center/