Using Traditional Architecture for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Traditional architecture tells a story of resilience, adaptability, and a profound connection to nature. Many buildings constructed centuries ago still exist, withstood the test of time, various natural weather extremes, and shifts in environmental and technological conditions.

As the world faces the growing threats from climate change—such as the rising frequency and intensity of extreme natural events, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation—the enduring qualities of traditional architecture offer valuable lessons for today’s architects, engineers, and urban planners.

These traditional architectures focus on function rather than aesthetics. Back when transportation was not as developed as today, builders mainly used locally sourced and available materials and the buildings’ designs were adapted to their needs and the local climate.

Traditional architecture and building techniques span from the Arctic to the Pacific, showcasing how these practices have enabled communities to withstand various environmental and climatic challenges throughout history. Some prominent examples include Iraq’s reed houses, log cabins in heavily wooded areas, turf-roofed homes in Iceland, ironstone churches in the English Midlands, stilt houses built in flood-prone regions, and the Inuit’s igloos. Additionally, thatched roofs are commonly used worldwide—from Korea to Ethiopia, England, and Bali—owing to their excellent waterproofing and insulation properties.

The impacts of climate change, along with the construction and operation of buildings, include waste generation, the demand for raw material extraction, energy consumption, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions. This situation calls for more sustainable building practices promoting resilience and enhancing climate adaptation.

A 2024 study, “Traditional Architecture: A Natural Disaster Resilient Alternative,” published in the Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering Advances in Engineering Management, Innovation, and Sustainability, examined traditional building methods worldwide that have withstood various natural disasters. The study highlights the durability and relevance of traditional construction in areas prone to such hazards.

The research included a literature review of traditional building practices from Kashmir, Pakistan, Nepal, Fiji, Portugal, and South America. Most traditional houses were constructed using indigenous knowledge tailored to address local natural hazards. The findings indicate that these conventional building methods have demonstrated resilience to such threats, featuring essential elements that should be considered in modern construction.

The researchers recommend further investigations into these construction methods to assess their resilience and to explore how their unique features can be integrated into modern building practices while complying with local building codes and preserving the distinct character of traditional architecture.

For today’s architects, engineers, and builders, the challenge lies in bridging traditional practices with modern innovations and technologies, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and the ability of buildings to adapt to the impacts of climate change and other hazards.