R.W.C
Introduction
The term ‘Vernacular architecture’ is in reference of buildings that were built by people who considered their respective requirements, environmental factors, societal conditions, and materials. The study of the a society’s vernacular buildings enables formulation of a discourse that traces the intellectual development of the history of the society in question. In other terms, the shape of a society-built environment equals the shape of its culture which is a product of numerous little acts that have been contributed by generations over along period of time.
Vernacular architecture in Saudi Arabia
In the case of Saudi Arabia, the vernacular buildings and settlements attest to this notion because they are cultural specific and clearly illustrate the way in which the different aspects pf the resultant culture developed. Accordingly, Saudi vernacular architecture depicts not only a strong but also a distinctive local identity which greatly reflects both Saudi cultural customs and norms, and Islamic values (Bloom & Blair 2009). Vernacular settings in Arabia were accommodations to the varied social groups whose social patterns demanded of the buildings to have particular forms in line with their materials, something which was addressed through resources at hand beside being conditioned by factors of environment, economy, climate as well as site. The buildings were constructed from within the community as key to its life and as a purely direct expression of it (Bloom & Blair 2009). To a larger extent, therefore, vernacular architecture in Saudi Arabia is defined by a healthy respect of human values, human scale together with human society.
The general design of Saudi vernacular architecture was to a larger extent informed by the laws and conventions as defined by the Fiqh which pertains to building activities. The Fiqh refers to the Islamic code of jurisprudence based on the Holy Quran and the sayings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah). The Fiqh thus carries building codes and regulations, and insights on rights or way, rights or privacy, and neighbors’ rights among other things. Generally speaking, vernacular buildings and structures and their respective settings in Saudi Are are not only coherent but also well organized. These architectural structures signify extensive urban texts which lend an elaborate expression of the native heritage, the cultural customs of their dwellers, along with the social system. It would be fair to term the architectural structures as a symbolic and true presentation of the Saudi local culture (Bloom & Blair 2009). The the identification, analysis and description of these buildings are greatly salient. The general arrangement of the buildings in Saudi Arabia, though superficially irregular, is systematic and founded on a physical layout that underwent a metamorphosis over a long period of time. The local inhabitants of Saudi Arabia, in respect to their socio-economic needs, planned and produced vernacular architecture. In this respect, the urban pattern as well as built for tor typical traditional environments in the largest country in the Arabian peninsula is thus not uniquely congruent and balanced in form, architectural style and material, but also in line with the local climatic conditions as well as the activities of the Saudi people (Bloom & Blair 2009). They are indeed a true a manifestation of ideals and beliefs of the people as they incorporate both the integrity and domestic spirituality thus the meaning of Islamic architecture.
There are a variety of building materials that are used in the vernacular architecture of Saudi Arabia which are categorized into three groups: stone, mud, and wood (Allsopp 1981). To a larger extent, mud is commonly used to make mud brick, pise as well as mud plaster for building stone walls. Indeed mud is the basis construction material in the oasis towns found in eastern and western provinces as well as in central Arabia. In the northern Najd region, stone was the predominant construction material but has recently been replaced by mud brick probably because of the latter being more versatile.
Architectural style in Najd plateau
The traditional architectural style common in the central Najd Plateau was influenced by the dictates of life in the hot and dry region of Saudi Arabia. The Najd region is found in the middle area of Saudi Arabia peninsula where the famous Riyadh capital is located (Bloom & Blair 2009). The buildings in this region are typically of medium height from 1 to 3 storeys. They are also urbanely linked in a closely knitted organic system of small and winding streets. The Najd Plateau is well located away from the sea which has moderating effect and is a region characterized with variety of temperature differences especially between night and day. To this effect, the traditional architectural style of Najd buildings is such that strives to the most of the cool night air together with the cold that radiates from the night sky in addition to excluding the dust laden winds.
Typically, the climate of Najd Plateau is that of a hot arid zone. As such buildings are constructed with the ability to trap any breeze available for the purpose of cross ventilation as is in the Red Sea and Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia where high humidity accompanies the intense heat. The predominant building material for Najd houses was soil or silt retrieved from the dry river beds (wadis) in the wake of seasonal rains. This is because limestone was not as abundant in this region as was in the Gulf coastal region. Water, straw, along with other fibers were mixed to make unfired bricks which were then laid along horizontal layers into walls and then thickened to achieve structural integrity. The typical roofs constituted of tree trunks mainly from date palms and palm fronds which were covered with mud. The windows of the houses were relatively small for the purpose of ensuring privacy and keeping out elements. Further, the buildings were covered with mud plaster that contained decorative element which was for aesthetic purposes. The final product was an architectural structure having remarkable insulation characteristics which kept the house warm in summer and cool in winter.
Typology of Najd houses
The architecture style of Najd houses was characterized by the rectangular or square house, often on a couple or more storeys. The rooms of the house were linked around a common opening onto a colonnaded court yard (Canizaro 2007). As mentioned earlier, the external walls were typically thick that formed a featureless façade in the outside. However, the walls were perforated by patterns of ventilation halls on the upper levels. As such, a Najdi courtyard house is typically conceived from the inside out where the decorative features are to be found internally. There is great adherence to culture as seen in the strict segregation of the family life. For instance, reception of guests is restricted to the male side of the house. Further utilization of the transitional circulation spaces is made through enclosing of a colonnaded gallery circling the courtyard on every storey besides modifying its glare and a shaded outdoor (Canizaro 2007). There is a ground floor is mainly used for storage and as a place for animals. In addition, there is sometimes a reception room (Diwaniyah) next two the entrance. Generally, the internal courtyard is a fundamental element to Saudi culture.
Vernacular Architecture style from Australia.
One of the most pronounced vernacular styles in Australia is the Queenslander style house most common in Queensland State. It is also found popular in the northern parts of the neighboring state of New South Wales. The Queenslander architecture style has undergone evolution since mid-nineteenth century to reflect the culture of the predominant British migrants besides addressing the climatic characteristics of the region. Indeed, the Queenslander house made of timber and iron are a source of local identity to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland (Frommer’s 2011). However, the houses that reflect the traditional architectural style presently face major pressures as a result of gentrification together with urban development in the ancient suburbs of Brisbane. In addition, the new buildings springing up do not take into consideration the local climate. To this effect, the Brisbane City Council (BCC) has made efforts to protect the surviving Queenslander houses through such initiatives as categorizing older suburbs as ‘character residential areas ‘and has effected controls pertaining to demolition of the historic buildings.
The traditional houses in Queensland, Australia were initially single detached buildings on a separate block of land. This was primarily due to hot climate of the area and the ready availability of timber as well as the legislation like the Undue Subdivision of Land Prevention Act (MacMahon 2001) (MacMahon 2001). This saw the rich of the society often found on the hilltops where they had the privilege great scenery and cool breezes while cottages of the small workers were located in the low-lying regions that were vulnerable to flooding. Timber was preferred for the Queenslander technique of construction because of ready availability of milled timber along with the ease of handling and transporting over great distances (Quarry 1997). Initially, corrugated iron was used along with timber but was later substituted with galvanized iron. The latter was more durable, waterproof, easy to transport and light and thus suitable for roofing.
Key characteristics of the Queenslander
The Queenslander style of architecture in Australia has distinctive and unique features although it has many traits similar to architecture found in other states of Australia. First, it is important to note that the Queenslander is prominent in the sub-tropical clime of Queensland, where there is characteristically high rainfall together with mild to hot humid climate (Frommer’s 2011). The average summer temperatures of these areas often range between 23-36 degrees Celsius or an equivalent of 73-97 degrees Fahrenheit. Climate is a key consideration for Queenslander architectural style. The Queenslander architecture style primarily makes use of timber and the houses are either low or high-set, a single to a couple of storeys (MacMahon 2001). Typically, the houses are “tripartite” in terms of sectional composition: stumps (underfloor), primary rooms (which can be two levels), and roof. All the buildings have a single or more veranda spaces which are sheltered edge of the house that is characteristically only part-enclosed and utilized as additional living zone (Quarry 1997). The veranda was adopted for climatic reasons as it was meant to offer protection from intense sun and rain besides being a wind scoop to prevent wind breezes from flowing over it but instead direct it into the house. Furthermore, the main living spaces of the houses are raised off the ground and have vertical timber stumps that enable the house to float above the terrain. The raising of the houses is primarily intended to shield the timber from being infested with destructive white ants. The stumps also have an additional task of overcoming any alterations in the terrain which would typically need earthworks to level for construction and enable natural flow of water across it during excessive rain and downpours (Frommer’s 2011). The canopies, awnings, slatted sun louvers and timber lattice panels also serve to offer privacy for the inhabitants of the house. Generally, the verandas play a multipurpose role to the Queenslander such as being sleep out areas, extensions to living spaces, and offering space for relaxation and play area besides providing storage area and place to hang laundry.
All Queenslanders also have an underfloor area used to ventilate the under house area as well as provide a cool air pool for areas beneath the floor. As such, the underfloor area of the Queenslander is occasionally decoratively screened at its perimeter using timber battens. The underfloor space is usually high enough to serve additional functions such as carport, storage, or even as additional living space in the cool, dark areas under the building.
The main living areas often consist of a series of rooms built on a platform floor. A variety of innovative construction techniques such as ceiling roses, fanlights, and alignment of windows and doors are employed to achieve cross-ventilation to allow for uninterrupted flow of air (Quarry 1997). As a strategic precaution against mould growth, the doors and windows are often left open to allow in breezes and send out the hot and moist air present in the interior.
The roof of the Queenslander is often large and conspicuous and typically steeply pitched. The roofs are typically sheeted with corrugated iron although a variety of materials such as tiles and slate are commonly used for roofing. It is also a characteristic feature of Queenslander style to have the street facing view as symmetrical.
Historical perspective of the Queenslander style
The typical typology and detailing of the vernacular Queensland house has changed over time from the initial dominant palette of timber and tin to metal for new versions. The Queenslander style was greatly influenced by architecture of England with a few influences from American styles. The common element was a technique supporting the houses raised above the ground on stumps which became popular in early 20th century (Canizaro 2007). in summary, Queensland house had the following characteristics: detached on its own space, single or double-storeyed, corrugated galvanized iron roof, walls made of sawn timber, wall construction method of light stud frame, house raised slightly on timber posts, symmetrical general floor plan and front elevation, simple conventional house ornamentation, and at least one verandah often going round.
To this end, it is worth to note that both the Saudi and Australian vernacular architecture styles have similarities in the sense that they bear element that represent their individual history, culture and climate of their regions. The buildings in both countries are predominantly made from local material with little inclusion of those sourced from outside. Greater attention is given to the arrangement, heights and sizes of rooms, circulation, need for family privacy and comfort together with climate considerations (Canizaro 2007). In this respect, the architectural features such as door and window details, overhangs and verandas, perforated screens for air circulation and privacy, courtyards and enclosures combine to give architectures that compliment the local tradition, is environment and culture-friendly. In both cases, there is the use of wind scoops (known as malqaf or abdqir) which serve to catch cool breezes at the roof level and then direct them downwards to cool the houses. Similarly, both architectural styles foster cross-ventilation in their design where openings are placed in opposite parallel walls for the effect of inducing natural airflow coming from the exterior and cooling the interior spaces. The two styles also compliment on the aspect of underfloor space present in both. This space below the house is used in more or less the same ways: storage and additional space for other activities. Notably as well, the vernacular architectural styles in both countries are greatly innovative, rich in visual expression and experience as well as simply appropriate. The Queeenslander and Najid architectural styles in Australia and Saudi Arabia respectively, take full account of the history, family structure, and cultural, social and religious along with leisure needs of the people.
Transplanting the architecture styles
It would not be impossible to swap the architecture styles meaning introducing the Australian Queenslander style in Najid Plateau of Saudi Arabia, and the Najid Plateau style in Queensland state of Australia. However, the catch lies in the aspect of the contrasting climates of the two countries. While the Queenslander is common in the sub-tropical where there is characteristically high rainfall together with mild to hot humid climate (MacMahon 2001), the Najid plateau is a hot and desert region. in this respect it would be challenging to use the materials used in Queensland such as timber to construct houses in Najd, Saudi Arabia. On the other, the mud material that is used in Saudi Arabia for houses will not do well in Australia owing to the high rainfall levels translating that the houses will easily destroyed. In the same light, the roofing material will with no doubt present a significance challenge if they are swapped between the two countries. Corrugated iron that is used for roofs in Saudi Arabia will not quite well achieve the cooling effect that is much needed in the very hot region of Najd Plateau of Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the typical roofs of houses in Najd that constitute of tree trunks mainly from date palms and palm fronds and covered with mud will stand in the humid high rainfall Queensland area (MacMahon 2001). In summary, therefore, it would be very challenging to transplant the two architectural styles because of the varied factors that are considered in choosing the building materials in the two countries. While the respective sizes, shapes or typology of the houses may not be that different, the climatic considerations will render it untenable for the architectural styles to be swapped to produce a lasting product.
References:
Allsopp, Bruce, 1981, A Modern Theory of Architecture, New York: Routledge.
Bloom, M. Jonathan, & Blair, Sheila, 2009. The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture, Volume 2, London: Oxford University Press.
Canizaro, B. Vincent, 2007,
Architectural Regionalism: Collected Writings on Place, Identity, Modernity, And Tradition,
New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
Frommer’s, ShortCuts, 2011, Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Frommer’s ShortCuts, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
MacMahon, Bill, 2001, The Architecture of East Australia: An Architectural History in 432 Individual Presentations, Berlin: Edition Axel Menges.
Quarry, Neville, 1997. Award winning Australian architecture, Craftsman House. Berlin, Craftsman House.
