The suitability of any literary publication is gauged by the impact it makes to the target audience. To achieve the key objective of this task, the authors have discussed the key aspects related to developing economic and social architectural solutions with succinctness at all levels. The growth of the number of tourists visiting Kish Island and the housing problem in the area is a typical reality of what takes place across the globe.
The first article by Afshar et al explores the aspect of affordable housing design. From the onset of the article, there is great coherence and flow of ideas that makes a reader to follow every section with ease. The article opens with an abstract which informs the reader of the expected flow and results. At this point, it becomes easy for readers to relate the presented concepts with the expected results at all stages (Afshar, Alaghbari, Salleh, and Salim 90). The author summarizes the whole article’s purpose, research design, and findings in a manner that guides the process of using vernacular architecture to develop affordable housing.
Analysts indicate that for a report to effectively communicate its purpose, its content must be effectively analyzed and supported to meet its purpose. This is because despite providing an attractive outlook, without good content, it will fail to address the underlying problem. The content of this report indicates not only the intrinsic ability of the author’s understands of the problem, but of his ability to search and get the most relevant information related to the study.
To begin with, the problem of insufficient houses to accommodate the local Kish population, poverty and the surging number of tourists visiting the area provides a clear and progressive derivation over a period indicating how the problem has culminated (Afshar et al. 91). Besides, the purpose of the report brings out the recommendations of the study overtones; a consideration that enhances focus to readers as they progress reading the report.
Most importantly, it is the succinctness of the suggested solutions of vernacular architectural designs that is more captivating. Notably, all the methods and the application using diagrams are presented in a highly convincing mode that leaves no doubt that the solution id affective (Afshar et al. 93). This outlook should indeed be maintained as a guarantee of a conviction. Of particular consideration, is the use of supplementary diagrams and pictures to create a clearer picture of the new housing designs (Afshar et al. 95).
One area in which there is needed greater contextual involvement is the cost of planning, design, and construction of vernacular designed houses. The provided cost-benefit-analysis appears to be highly summarized; a notion that may culminate in major generalizations (Afshar et al. 96). It is worth noting that the report’s recommendations applications are entirely dependent on this section due to budgetary considerations. It is therefore essential that the costs associated with each method are established and effectively presented for the target audience to be able to make the correct decisions (Alaghbari 3).
This critique would perhaps be incomplete without giving credit to the effectiveness presented in the referencing method. Most of the references used in the article are applicable and appropriate. This makes the article to have a highly relevant approach to the topic. Besides, key relevant resources that were consulted to make the write-up and arrive at different recommendations are also provided. Finally, the conclusion and recommendations of the article provide key pillars that support will that the idea of affordable housing. Some of the key approvals include creating and increasing space, reducing heat by planting trees, and amalgamating residential area s by building houses of different sizes and shapes.
The article “Affordable housing design with the application of vernacular architecture in Kish Island, Iran” gives detailed research about the vernacular architecture in the Island of Kish. This Island is located in the southern part of Iran and has numerous economic significances. The author highlights that this Island is one of the most scenic sites in Iran. Moreover, the site promotes free-trade tourism in Iran. One of the points of interest on the island is its architectural designs and affordable houses that make it habitable for tourists. There is a long history of Kish Island that dates over 1000 years ago. Nevertheless, of importance to note is that the zone was selected and declared a free-trade tourism precinct in 1968. Numerous changes have been made on the island by consultant companies to boost its architectural image (Ashraf 68).
To recap it all, the author recommends the use of vernacular features to elevate housing in Kish Island. Evidence has shown that unknown forms and fashions should be restricted. Besides, studies conducted by experts confirm that vernacular architecture is not only simple and cheap but also harmonious to nature. It, therefore, helps to eradicate unwanted necessities and increase self-sufficiency. The numerous existing concepts in the vernacular architecture are from disadvantaged periods of technological advances that we have, such as air-conditioning and electric lighting. In this way, buildings and constructions based on vernacular architecture had to be compatible with the specific region where they were being constructed.
The second article by Alaghbari discusses construction costs and how the latter can be reduced by embracing vernacular houses. For example, the Brazilian primary vernacular architecture would be the Indian Hollow: made of straw, vines, and wood, collective and rounded shapes. Its construction was collective, reflecting the sense of community within the tribe, without internal divisions that highlight gender hierarchies (Alaghbari 94). The hollow stood up well with no rigid distinctions between roof and walls, with very few external openings.
When it comes to Africans and Portuguese, Indian Hollow would be remixed with equity techniques of the conquerors and the enslaved: the brick of adobe and rammed earth would be incorporated into the thatched roof. In the early years of the colony, the house of clay walls with a thatched roof would house slaves from their masters (Alaghbari 72). Brazil has various forms of vernacular architecture. In the hinterland, the mud house is common, being seen now with ceramic tiles, sometimes with thatched roof (where there were plenty of palm trees). Usually, they have few internal divisions: a small “room”, two bedrooms, a kitchen in the background and an outside toilet.
In the riverine areas of the Amazon, the houses are stilts and made entirely of wood and / or straw and stalks of buriti reflect the climate and the materials available. Already, in southern Brazil, technologies and forms imported by immigrants prevailed over the southern indigenous populations. The typical vernacular architecture would be the architecture of the slums: apparent hollow bricks, reinforced concrete structures, industrial frames, tin roofs, and/or asbestos. Or, in even greater poverty, pieces of processed plywood, wood, cans, tarps could be used.
Notably, three master plans have been used to improve the image of Kish thereby making it a tourist destination (Alaghbari 4). The improved image has resulted in a scarcity of low-cost houses. According to the author, the vernacular architecture has resulted in the emergence of the affordable house design.
Upon a careful review of the literature, Alaghbari reiterates that the island is physically and visually accessible (67). Research has shown that most of the inhabitants are Muslims. One of the challenges facing the vernacular design is that the yards connecting the Islands are surrounded by short external walls. This interferes with the privacy of inhabitants since they can directly view one another’s home. Moreover, this makes the island accessible by intruders. Research has shown that the Island has two major sections for summer and winter (Sidawi 67). The island has numerous sections serving different purposes. It is important to note that one can have a direct view of the houses especially form the main entrance (Alaghbari 94).
An economic analysis conducted by Afshar et al reveals that section A was purely meant to accommodate low-income residents (91). However, there are two-bedroom and one-bedroom units for small families. According to research done by Alaghbari, some of the materials used in the construction include granite, white cement, travertine, aluminum-clad, and plastic colors (68). As evident in the research, improved vernacular housing has caused a mismatch between residents’ affordability and their needs. Therefore, Afshar et al. recommend that though the vernacular houses have gained social acceptability, valuable housing policies should be formulated in favor of low-income earners (102).
Research has shown that there is an inadaptability between local architecture and affordable housing plans. Experts lament that increased demand for housing has resulted in unsuitable housing. To curb this crisis, proper housing policies must be introduced to cater to low-income residents irrespective of the increased demand and cost for houses.
According to Alaghbari, one of the recommendations that have been made to boost the architecture of Kish Island includes making the environment more adaptable by providing ample vegetation (101). To provide suitable natural freshening in the interior, experts recommend more plants to be planted along the house yards during winter and autumn seasons. It is worth noting that privacy on the island is crucial hence there is a need to increase spaces between the house yards.
This will present a direct view of people’s houses. Besides, privacy can be improved by planting more vegetation at the interior (Liu 95). Houses can also be organized based on their function to increase security, safety, and privacy. Research has shown that the cost of construction is too high. Therefore, there is a need to reduce common areas such as staircases and parking. This will also create more space for residential units in each parcel of land.
The term “vernacular” is already a great example of what this kind of architecture is, as it has been derived from the Latin word “vernacular” whose meaning can be understood as “home” or even “native”.
Thus, as the materials and techniques used are always from the location where the buildings are built, it can be said that the vernacular architecture allows the construction of buildings suitable at the environment where they are inserted (Mahalli, Del, and Safari 471). Some examples of buildings based on vernacular architecture:
- Wattle and daub houses;
- Bamboo houses;
- Adobe houses;
- Wooden buildings;
- Buildings made of the thatched roof;
- Buildings made of stone, among others.
It is evident that vernacular architecture is in addition to the oldest architectural language of all time and it is also most sustainable. This is because it is the base model and the numerous architectural principles that exist today focus on sustainability. Examples include Sustainable Construction, Bioclimatic Architecture, Ecological Architecture, Eco-Architecture, among others.
Works Cited
Afshar, Ali, Wa’el Alaghbari, Elias Salleh and Azizah Salim. “Affordable housing design with application of vernacular architecture in Kish Island, Iran.” International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis 5.1(2012): 89-107. Print.
Alaghbari, Wa’el. Factors affecting construction costs in affordable housing for low- income group in Sana’a, Yemen, Selangor: University Putra Malaysia Press, 2010. Print.
Ashraf, Salama. “A lifestyle theories approach for affordable housing research in Saudi Arabia.” Emirates Journal for Engineering Research 11.1 (2006): 67- 76. Print.
Liu, Jiaping. “Regeneration of Vernacular Architecture: New Rammed Earth Houses on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River.” Frontiers of Energy and Power Engineering in China 4.1 (2010): 93-99. Print.
Mahalli, Vahid Shahkouh, Kioumars Zendeh Del, and Shahram Pour Safari. “Turkmen Vernacular Settlements.” Kuwait Chapter of the Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review 4.1 (2014): 468-476. Print.
Sidawi, Bhzad. “Incorporating lifestyle in the design of affordable housing in Saudi Arabia Kingdom.” Emirates Journal for Engineering Research 13.2 (2008): 67-72. Print.