Development of "openings" and their ornamentation in relation to environmental aspects of lebanese traditional architecture between the 18th and 20th centuries

Abstract

This evolution of the traditional Lebanese houses has seemed to come to an end not only with the improper and excessive use of concrete, but mainly with the shift from the equilibrium with the environment. Although, these vernacular structures are disappearing, intelligent methods of construction must be acknowledged by tracing their evolution and bringing out their natural environmental character. Man's drive for comfort is achieved through dependenncy on non-renewable energy technologies. The advantages of energy conservation in buildings are financial, social and ecological. The purpose of this study is to investigate the evolution of openings in traditional and transitional Lebanese architecture between the 18th century and the present through two complimentary aspects: the functional and the aesthetic. The functional is concerned with the structural and environmental interpretations of openings and the reasons behind continuity and change in their configuration and placement. The aesthetic deals with ornamentation: stylistic and social perspectives. The war and post-war period brought additional studies and research which added a more accurate historical background and more detailed technical studies for the post-industrial phase (1840's). These studies opened-up new avenues of debates that enriched the previous discourse on "Lebanese" architecture. However most of these studies did not focus on specific themes like openings, materials and sustainability. This research intends to fill this gap by taking "openings" as subject of investigation in relation to the evolution of vernacular architecture through quantitative and qualitative assessments. It aims at defining valuable references for contemporary practical application and live examples in conservation and environmental awareness.

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