In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, European architects are finding inspiration in the continent’s rich architectural heritage. The Slovenian exhibit at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, titled “+/- 1 °C: In Search of Well-Tempered Architecture,” showcases how European architects of the past utilized building techniques and interior design to regulate temperature. By examining these historical examples, architects hope to integrate energy efficiency as an integral part of their work, rather than as an afterthought.
Rediscovering Practicality
The exhibition features a range of practical examples that offer valuable insights into sustainable design. One such example is found in Belgian cottages, where box beds are strategically positioned to capture and retain heat from the fireplace. This ingenious arrangement ensures warmth and comfort during colder seasons, showcasing the resourcefulness of past generations.
Another example highlighted in the exhibit is the use of glazed balconies in houses on Spain’s rainy northern coast. These balconies serve as protective enclosures, shielding the interior spaces from the elements while still allowing natural light to permeate. By incorporating such architectural features, European architects found ways to create comfortable living environments that responded to the local climate conditions.
Adapting to Modern Life
While some historical practices seamlessly align with contemporary living, others present challenges in today’s context. A particular farming structure once prevalent in central Sweden exemplifies an innovative approach to adaptability and energy efficiency. This design consisted of a low-roofed house situated between two taller buildings, each serving a different purpose based on the season.
During the winter, residents would occupy the low-roofed section, which was easier to heat, while utilizing the taller wings for storage or workspaces. As the weather became warmer, the entire structure would be utilized, with the taller wings serving as cooler, private bedrooms. This adaptable design allowed for efficient use of space and resources. However, recreating this design today might prove difficult due to high land costs and our inclination toward more spacious living arrangements.
Integrating Sustainability into Architecture
The primary objective of the exhibit is not to directly replicate past solutions, but to inspire architects to prioritize energy efficiency within their designs. Exhibition co-curator and architect Jure Grohar emphasizes the need for architects to take the lead in incorporating sustainability into their work, rather than relying solely on engineers to address these issues. The goal is to view ecological considerations as integral to the architectural process, rather than as an add-on.
Architects have the opportunity to reimagine the role of sustainable design in shaping the built environment. By incorporating innovative materials, efficient building systems, and renewable energy sources, architects can create structures that minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.
This shift in approach requires a holistic understanding of sustainability, encompassing not only the physical aspects of a building, but also its functionality, aesthetics, and impact on the surrounding community.
Thinking Beyond Sustainability
Architects face the challenge of not only adopting sustainable practices, but also exploring how sustainability can shape a structure’s functionality and enjoyment.
A photograph within the exhibit depicts a stove from a rural Slovenian home, illustrating the practical implementation of this approach. The stove’s large size accommodates firebricks that absorb heat from the smoke, providing warmth to the room for extended periods even after the fire has died down.
Additionally, the stove is surrounded by a wooden frame, allowing it to be utilized for drying wet clothes and potentially even serving as a warm sleeping area. With the addition of a bench, the stove becomes a central hub within the home, fostering a convivial atmosphere.
This integration of sustainable features into everyday living spaces transforms them into functional and inviting environments. It encourages a shift in mindset, where sustainability is not seen as a sacrifice or limitation, but as an opportunity to create spaces that promote well-being, efficiency, and a connection with nature.
Transforming Necessity into Appeal
The exhibit also features the patios of Cordoba in southern Spain as an example of turning functional requirements into appealing focal points. In response to intense summer heat, the city’s older houses are built facing patios adorned with climbing plants and potted geraniums. The combination of shade and plant vapor significantly lowers the patio’s temperature compared to the surrounding street, making the homes more comfortable.
These charming cooled spaces become hubs for social interaction or semi-private community areas shared by multiple homes. This approach contrasts with the reliance on air conditioning in late 20th-century American houses to combat the summer heat.
By incorporating natural elements and passive design strategies, architects can create spaces that respond harmoniously to the local climate, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing the overall livability of a building. The utilization of greenery, shading devices, and natural ventilation systems not only reduces energy consumption, but also fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.
Balancing Nostalgia and Progress
While embracing historical architectural practices is commendable, the curators of the exhibit caution against excessive nostalgia. It is essential to acknowledge that pre-industrial Europe’s building habits often involved discomfort and hardships, with people resorting to living in close proximity to their livestock or atop kitchen equipment for warmth. Nevertheless, the act of huddling together in those times had the potential to foster radical change—an aspect that fragmented contemporary societies find challenging to replicate.