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Bioclimatism in architecture: An evolutionary perspective

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 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017) 16-29

BIOCLIMATISM IN ARCHITECTURE: AN EVOLUTIONARY

PERSPECTIVE
A.T. NGUYEN1 & S. REITER2
1Faculty of Architecture, the University of Danang – University of Science and Technology, Vietnam.
2LEMA, Department ArGEnCo, University of Liege, Belgium.

ABSTRACT
The well-known Darwinian evolutionary theory (1859) introduced natural selection as the most impor-
tant mechanism of evolutionary processes at every level from biological systems, including species,
individual organisms… to molecules, such as DNA or proteins. In architecture we observe similar evo-
lution processes, which lead to the development of various architectural movements and concepts from
common primitive living structures. Fundamentals of vernacular architecture have been used in biocli-
matic architecture, which has gradually become the inspiration of various movements in contemporary
architecture. The study points out that the development of bioclimatism in architecture has followed
the pattern of a natural evolutionary process in which ‘natural selection’ is likely motivated by several
factors, including resources and environment problems, and driven by different mechanisms including
novel building design concepts and methods, new standards and codes, discoveries in building science
and construction costs. This study is an effort aimed to clarify the evolution process of the bioclimatic
approach in architecture over time and its influences on contemporary movements in architecture. The
paper shows also that the evolutionary theory generated new scientific tools able to improve building
design thanks to simulation-based optimization methods applied to building performances. Finally, this
study investigates new motivations in the era of climate change whose effects are expected to introduce
more challenges as well as more trends towards a sustainable built environment through the new con-
cept of Eco-adaptive architecture.
Keywords: bioclimatic architecture, climate change, eco-adaptive architecture, evolution, evolutionary
­optimization, vernacular architecture.

1 INTRODUCTION
The well-known Darwinian evolutionary theory (1859) introduced natural selection as the
most important mechanism of evolutionary processes, highlighting the importance of diver-
sity at every level – from biological systems, including species, individual organisms… to
molecules such as DNA or proteins. This theory states that all organisms now living on Earth
can be traced back to a common ancestor (possibly a single-celled organism) living some 3.5
to 3.8 billion years ago [1]. Figure 1 gives a visual representation of the evolutionary process
of life on Earth as a spiral [2]. Interestingly, it’s likely that architecture has experienced a
similar evolution process, which has led to the development of various architectural move-
ments and concepts from a common primitive living structure. Although the Darwinian
evolutionary theory (now the Modern evolutionary synthesis) is mainly used to explain the
evolution and development of living organisms on Earth, we assume that development of
architecture, especially the bioclimatic concept in architecture, can be explained by using the
governing ideas of the evolutionary theory.
Bioclimatism is a design concept in architecture that takes into account the relationship
between a building and its systems, its natural environment mainly through its (micro-)

© 2017 WIT Press, www.witpress.com

ISSN: 1755-7437 (paper format), ISSN: 1755-7445 (online), http://www.witpress.com/journals
DOI: 10.2495/DNE-V12-N1-16-29
 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)  17

Figure 1: Visual representation of the history of life on Earth as a spiral [2].

climate and its occupants (especially in connection with human thermal comfort conditions).
Following bioclimatism in architecture, building designs help achieve optimal comfort using
preferably architectural elements and avoiding complete dependence on mechanical systems.
The origin of the bioclimatic approach in architecture can be traced back to the design prin-
ciples applied in most vernacular and traditional buildings all around the world. Vernacular/
traditional architecture evolved over time, reflecting environmental, cultural, technological,
and historical context of a specific location on which it was built [3]. Hence, knowledge on
bioclimatism was accumulated from vernacular architecture during an ‘evolutional’ process.
Bioclimatism in architecture is now considered a critical concept for achieving sustainability
of modern buildings.
Studies using the evolutionary perspective to explain the development of architecture have
been found elsewhere [4]. However literature on this subject is not very abundant, this article
is therefore aimed to introduce and to discuss the idea of evolution in architecture through the
following issues:

• To find a way to explain the development of architectural concepts by applying the idea of
the evolutionary theory.
•• To introduce a novel perspective about the development of architecture in the inter-rela-
tionship between human and climates: natural evolutionary perspective.
• To clarify present motivations and challenges of current architecture facing climate change
so as to give predictions of the trend of bioclimatic architectural evolution.
18 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)

Like most other studies related to evolution and biomimetics in architecture [4, 5], this study
employed a theoretical research method, which is mainly relied on analysis of history of
architecture, observation and comparison of processes and events. Hence, the result of this
study will be interpreted qualitatively. It is also necessary to note that the focus of this study is
the methodological aspect of designing architecture rather than the formal aspect of defining
architectural styles (which was the focus of an earlier study [4]).

2 SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOCLIMATIC

ARCHITECTURE AND A NATURAL EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS
From very simple architectural forms in the early days of the human society, architecture has
undergone an ‘evolution’ for a long period of time, leading to a lot of architectural move-
ments and methods as well as various architectural styles. We have found similarities between
the process of the natural evolution and the process of the evolution of architecture, as pre-
sented in Table 1. These similarities found in Table 1 tend to indicate that the architectural

Table 1: Similarity between natural evolution and architectural evolution.

Natural evolution
Examples of proofs or
(Modern evolutionary Architectural evolution
evidences
synthesis)
A single-celled Primitive artificial living Caves or huts as human
1st ancestor

organism, living structures shelters

approximately
3.8 billion years ago
Limited sources of Exhausted natural resources; Energy crisis, global
foods; climate change, environmental warming and higher
Motivations

Changes of the climate pollution, ecological ­imbalance; requirements

and environment; Societal forces including tech- for qualitative living
Competition to survive nical, social and environments motivate
and to enhance economic aspects, new style currently a growing trend
reproduction and ideology [4] towards eco-friendly
architecture.
Natural selection ‘Wise choices’ of builders Passive buildings and
based on genetic is the first stage of evolution zero-energy buildings
mutations: The pro- (similar to genetic mutation) generated concrete ex-
cess by which genetic resulting in best practice amples of energy efficient
mutations that enhance examples and higher expected buildings in Europe.
Mechanisms

reproduction become building performances. Novel Moreover, the Directive

more common in building design concepts and on Energy Performance
­successive ­generations methods and especially new of Buildings, EPB (Direc-
of a population. standards and codes are the tive 2002/91/EC) induced
main drivers of ‘selection’ in ­recently, in the EU, a
architecture. significant reduction of
energy consumption in all
new buildings [6].
(Continued)
 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)  19

Natural evolution
Examples of proofs or
(Modern evolutionary Architectural evolution
evidences
synthesis)
Biased mutation: Construction costs make a The extremely rapid
The phenomenon by ­significant bias in the selection development of double-
which two genotypes of various technical ­solutions flow ventilation coupled
in the same position for buildings responding with a heat exchanger on
but with a different equally to standards [7]. the extracted air for very
­mutation ­probability energy-efficient ­buildings
have ­different chance of in temperate ­climates
evolution. comes from its high eco-
nomic profitability.
Genetic drift: The Discoveries in building The invention of new
change in allele ­science which make break- ­technologies (reinforced
­frequency from one through advances in building concrete, elevators…) or
­generation to the next design methods or building new methods (simulation-
due to allele sampling technologies. based ­design of buildings
Mechanisms

error. [8], ­adaptive comfort

models [9], CFD applied
to buildings [10, 11] and
cities [12]) are ­changing
the architecture.
Genetic hitchhik- An influential ­architectural Significant values of
ing: If one allele in a movement makes other supple- green architecture make
particular haplotype mental movements to become ­eco-architecture, energy
is strongly beneficial, more popular. ­efficient architecture, and
then other alleles in this ­passive architecture… to
haplotype become more become more common.
common in the popula-
tion.
Gene flow: The Knowledge exchange Symbiosis of some exist-
­exchange of genes ­generates opportunities for ing architectural styles
­between populations architectural changes. results sometimes in new
and between species. styles or new architectural
forms.
Adaptation: The Adaptation in architecture Colonial architecture
­process that makes is the process that makes in South East Asia is an
­organisms better ­buildings better suited to their evidence of ­adaptation
Outcome

suited to their living climate and their natural and in architecture: Western
­environment. cultural environment. architecture has changed
to adapt to hot humid
climates of these colonial
countries.
(Continued)
20 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)

Table 1: (Continued)

Natural evolution
Examples of proofs or
(Modern evolutionary Architectural evolution
evidences
synthesis)
Co-evolution: Evolu- Co-evolution between Different town planning
tion ­architecture and nature, rules imposed in terms
of one species causes urban planning or building of land use of urban areas
adaptations in a ­second ­
technologies. induced ­different forms
species, such as a of urbanization in Europe
­predator and its prey. [13].
Co-operation: The co-operation of Green roofs and facades
Co-evolved interac- ­architecture with nature, ­improve building perfor-
tions between species urban ­planning or technology. mances while promoting
involve mutual benefits, biodiversity. The design
e.g. plants and mycor- of an eco-district facili-
rhizal fungi that grow tates the design of high
on their roots, aiding environmental perfor-
them in absorbing soil mance of buildings that
Outcome

nutrients. enhance also the environ-

mental performance of
the neighborhood [14].
Speciation: The pro- Various architectural Passive buildings, nearly
cess where a species ­movements are originated zero-energy buildings and
­diverges into two or from an original one. green buildings have all
more ­descendant spe- resulted from the biocli-
cies. matic approach.
Extinction: The The disappearance of an The architectural heri-
­disappearance of ­architectural movement, type of tage of everyday build-
an­entire species. building or design method due ings (vernacular housing,
­Endangered species to natural or cultural changes. industrial ­buildings, etc.)
­indicate the likelihood is often demolished at
that it will become large scales except when
extinct. ­protected by heritage
protection regulations.

trends associated with formalism often faded into insignificance quickly. Meanwhile those
associated with the function of the building, the climate, the natural and societal conditions
often exhibit stronger vitality and last longer. This principle is entirely consistent with the
rules of the natural evolution: the form of an organ is often defined by its function and its
environment.

3 EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS OF THE BIOCLIMATIC APPROACH

IN ARCHITECTURE
Although the term ‘bioclimatic architecture’ first appeared in the mid-20th century, we
believe that design methods based on bioclimatic principles were established much earlier
and were applied to vernacular and traditional architecture of many regions over the world
 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)  21

[15]. These methods were developed by ‘trial and error’ and maintained by word of mouth.
Until the year 1930s, these methods were summarized into scientific publications [16–18]
and further developed to improve their efficiency. Table 2 explains the architectural evolution
towards and from bioclimatism in architecture.
In the era of computer-aided design, the bioclimatic design method has moved into a new
period, with advanced design techniques and accurate control of building performances
through simulation-based design of buildings and smart technologies. Key steps of the devel-
opment stages of bioclimatic design from empirical methods to analytical methods and
computational modeling methods are introduced in Table 3.
From vernacular and traditional architecture, thanks to the leapfrog development of the
bioclimatic design method, designers can now create high-performance buildings, zero-en-
ergy buildings or green buildings with respect to different environmental criteria. Especially,
with the support of optimization methods in building performance simulation, many rigorous
design goals become easier to realize than ever. Simulation-based optimization methods
allow designers to save 10% to 30% of the building energy consumption through passive
design solutions (depending on many factors, including climate types) [20].

4 EVOLUTIONARY THEORY AS A METHOD IN BUILDING DESIGN

Today, people apply the principles of natural evolution into the development of scientific
tools to improve the performance of products, including building design and construction.
During the year 1960s, genetic optimization models have become an optimization method
which has been widely acknowledged later [22]. Genetic algorithms became particularly
common after the study of John Henry Holland in 1975 [23]. Evolutionary algorithms are
now used to solve multidimensional problems as well as to optimize system operations [24,
25] and they are proved to be more efficient than other optimization algorithms. Figure 2
illustrates the principle of genetic optimization and its correspondence with human evolution.
Optimization method using genetic algorithms are being studied and applied to the design
of green buildings or energy efficient buildings, providing remarkable improvement of their
performance [27–29]. The genetic algorithms have several advantages, including easy pro-
gramming, powerful search capability compared with other algorithms. The search ability of
the genetic algorithms is capable to solve problems with discontinuous objective functions
and/or problems with multiple minima; thus they are used more commonly than other opti-
mization techniques [30]. The only obstacle of using the evolutionary algorithms is to
integrate them into design programs or software for professional use and to simplify their
usage to an acceptable level. Until then, we believe that architectural design based on optimi-
zation will create a major revolution in architecture.

5 REDEFINING THE BIOCLIMATIC APPROACH: CHALLENGES EMERGING

FROM CLIMATE CHANGE
Relying on the evolutionary theory, climate change is seen has a driving force of future archi-
tectural evolutions. This section tries to analyze and predict future outcome of the
evolutionary process of the bioclimatic approach in architecture.
The bioclimatic approach, as defined by Olgyay [16], takes into account three disciplines
complementary to the architectural design. ‘The first step is to define the measure and aim of
requirements for human comfort. For this, the answer lies in the field of biology. The next is
to review the existing climatic conditions, and this depends on the science of climatology.
Finally, for the attainment of a rational architectural solution, the engineering sciences must
22 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)

Table 2: The architectural evolution towards and from bioclimatism.

Architectural
Adaptation features of architecture Time
trend or period
Simplest forms of climatic
adaptation in architecture, e.g. using
Prehistoric
locally available material to build Prehistoric age
architecture
shelters or living in caves to avoid
predators/bad weather.
Architecture have some adaptations
Vernacular
to local natural and social conditions Evolved along the history
architecture
[15].
From the late 19th and early
Bio-inspired Culminating in an organic style
20th centuries up to present
architecture and inspired by nature, adapting to local
time, beginning from the works
technologies environments and conditions.
of Antoni Gaudí
The term organic architecture
A philosophy of architecture which
was coined by Frank Lloyd
promotes harmony between human
Organic Wright (1867–1959) – one of
habitation and the natural world,
architecture the four most influential
reducing the need of using energy
architects of the 20th
and resources.
century [4].
Passive design solutions adapt to
Bioclimatic climatic conditions to create indoor
Since mid 20th century
architecture comfort, satisfying better demands
of building occupants.
Employing advanced design
techniques to build more energy
Passive and low
efficient and more comfortable
energy Since 1980s
buildings. This trend has partly
architecture
evolved towards creating zero-energy
buildings.
Buildings respectful for their natural
environment and strictly controlling
their environmental impacts through
Green buildings Since the end of 20th century
the building’s entire lifecycle, while
maintaining good indoor comfort for
occupants.
Meeting the needs of present
generations without compromising
Sustainable the ability of future generations to
The future
architecture meet their needs while balancing
environmental, social and economic
issues in the building design.
 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)  23

Table 3: Three major bioclimatic design methods in an evolutionary order.

Empirical Analytical Computational modeling method

method method Simulation Optimization
Estimated
Until the year
effective 1930 – present 1990 – present 2000 – present
1950s
period
Design Human Human comfort Human comfort and Human comfort and
objectives comfort and and health health; energy; health, energy saving,
health environmental impact environmental
impact
Comfort Rules of Building Standards and codes Standards and codes
assessment thumb bioclimatic (thermal comfort (thermal comfort
method chart [16–19] models, natural models, natural
lighting codes, IAQ lighting codes, IAQ
codes, green building codes, green building
rating tools) rating tools)
Climate Observation Discrete TMY, TRY, DRY… TMY, TRY, DRY…
analysis statistical weather files weather files
method weather data
Performance Trial and Monitoring and Numerical simulation Numerical simulation
verification error comparison + Optimization [20],
method uncertainty and
sensitivity analysis
[21]
Diagnostic Trial and Trial and error + Numerical simulation Numerical
method error monitoring and Optimization [20],
analysis uncertainty and
sensitivity analysis
[21]
Applications Vernacular Comfortable Energy-efficient Zero energy building,
and outcomes housing, building building Green building,
traditional Comfortable building sustainable building
building Ventilation systems

be drawn upon’. Emphasizing great concern about the building energy issue, Hyde [31] has
redefined ‘bioclimatic’ by introduce the term ‘synergy’ in which energy efficiency has been
seen to center on the design of more efficient mechanical systems, in addition to the passive
elements of the building and the occupants behavior, to engage in synergies that lead to an
integrated solution. For example, combining new forms of technology at a larger scale will
provide a mean of achieving zero energy targets in buildings. The bioclimatic approach is
represented in Fig. 3 (adapted from [16]).
The design of bioclimatic buildings, which are well integrated in their natural environ-
ment, has evolved in recent decades towards green buildings design that generates a real
24 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)

Figure 2: Building optimization by the genetic algorithm and comparing with the evolution
of species [26].

Figure 3: The bioclimatic architecture (adapted from [16]).

co-operation between architecture and its environment. Ecological architecture and green
buildings refer to environmentally responsible buildings that are eco-friendly, resources-­
efficient and low producer of environmental impacts throughout the building’s life-cycle.
Figure 4 shows a representation of the ecological architecture that takes into account the
 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)  25

Figure 4: The ecological architecture or green architecture.

interrelationship between a green building and its microclimate, its natural environment, its
occupants, its technological systems and its architectural design.
We are living in a period during which the climate change evolves more strongly than ever
and generates adverse effects to humans. Buildings will face harsher and more changeable
climatic conditions as well as environmental disasters (flooding, earthquake, etc.) that will
occur more frequently. Architecture must now adapt to climate change. Therefore, the contin-
ued development of the bioclimatic approach in architecture undergoes a great change in
which climate change will be one main driving force of this future architectural evolution.
The increase of greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere is one main underlying cause
of climate change and the building sector is one of the principal factors of these emissions.
Thus, the magnitude of climate change will partially depend on the environmental perfor-
mance of buildings and urban planning. Today, it is essential to take into account the changing
nature of the environment. Architecture has to be more eco-friendly while it has also to adapt
to changeable climatic conditions and to be resilient to environmental disasters.
For these reasons, in this paper we propose a new approach in architecture – the ‘Eco-­
adaptive approach’ – as a new evolutionary step of the conventional “Bioclimatic approach”.
This new concept emphasizes the importance of the environmental dimension as a co-­
evolutionary design element: respectful integration into the natural environment and
co-operation between architecture and nature are now becoming a compulsory requirement
in building design but it is also necessary to design buildings that will adapt to changes in
26 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)

Figure 5: The eco-adaptive architecture.

their natural environment and that are resilient against natural disasters. Eco-adaptive archi-
tecture will be ‘greener’ but also more adaptable and resilient.
Figure 5 shows a representation of the eco-adaptive architecture that takes into account the
co-evolution between an eco-adaptive building and its changing context, including its cli-
mate, its natural environment, its occupants, its technological systems and its architectural
design. For example, technological operation of building systems should be able to adapt to
climate changes: smart technologies may be used for data gathering in the building with an
automatic adjustment of its operation but the building must also continue to function properly
if its technological systems are put out of use due to a disaster.
Thanks to its co-operation and co-evolution with its environment, the eco-adaptive archi-
tecture will meet the environmental needs of present generations without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their environmental needs. Eco-adaptive buildings will
thus help moving towards a sustainable architecture, which is likely to be the next step of the
architectural evolution. Sustainable architecture requires achieving a further step balancing
the environmental, social and economic issues of buildings design for the actual and future
generations.

6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

This paper proposes a new perspective of the development of bioclimatic architecture: the
perspective of his natural evolution. We can apply evolutionary theory to explain the for-
mation and extinction of some architectural movements. Through a comparative analysis
and synthesis, this study has highlighted the perspective of the evolution of bioclimatic
 A.T. Nguyen & S. Reiter, Int. J. of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. Vol. 12, No. 1 (2017)  27

architecture over time. The study also showed that the theory of natural evolution has a
certain role in the development of innovative bioclimatic design methods which allow
designers to create greener buildings. In recent years, rapid climate change has become a
new driving force for the architectural evolution. Finally, this paper proposes the ‘Eco-adap-
tive approach’ as the next evolutionary step towards a more sustainable architecture
thanks to its resilience and its ability to adapt to changes in its environment.
The research approach as well as the comparative analysis in this study could be the cata-
lyst for further studies, and also generate helpful materials for teaching and learning
architecture at school.

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