Architecture and nature are closely associated with one another. The natural materials offered by nature are the only source of architectural innovation and creative output. From breaking ground to reaching the sky every part of the building and its form develop through numerous levels of nature incorporation. Nature became an origin through which architectural concepts resonate with society.
Nature is an incredibly inventive and plentiful source of materials, forms, and patterns. The principles of design influenced by the different geometries found in nature are reciprocated by architectural marvels. In the modern era architecture is more advanced technological intervention, and the number of materials utilized is growing at a rapid rate, which is harmful to the environment. Population increase, climate change, and unsustainable practices are putting these assets at risk. Architecture has evolved, reflecting anything from conceptual inspiration to the conservation of natural resources.
Elements of Nature and Its Integration in Architecture
Architecture has a close relationship with the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and space. The integration of these elements binds architecture’s intervention closely to nature and reciprocates the natural phenomenon inside carved space. Architecture can facilitate the relationship between humans and nature.
Earth: Stability and form
Earth element poses principles of stability and forms. A contouring of landforms, patterns, textures, and materials are the forms of earth elements that can be implemented in the design process and execution to create an environment of closeness with the earth. The vernacular and traditional architecture used this element and embarked on a humble understanding of the earth.
Water: Fluidity and adaptability
Water in its nature represents fluidity and adaptability. The flexibility of water running through narrow and niche spaces to hold a shape of any form can be used as a design feature. The sound of running water and the stability of water in the lily pond represent its form in architectural interventions. Falling Water designed by F.L. Wright is an apt example that represents water element and their multidimensional activity around the built environment.
Fire: Warmth and Innovation
Fire represents warmth and innovation. Fire has two forms it produces temperature and light. These two dimensions of fire are been heavily used in architecture by using sunlight and playing with shadows and altitudes, and insulation techniques to regulate the temperature of indoor and outdoor spaces. Lighting inventions to enhance the forms of building spaces. Architect Louis Khan used fire elements in his philosophy where he interplays with sunlight and builds masses to create dramatic spaces.
Air: Openness and connectivity
Air is a widely underrated element that progressively diminished in modern architecture. Air can flow and embrace the temperature and odor. This element is shown in heritage mansions where the architectural form developed air passages through which air passes and which cools or warms indoor spaces.
Space: Infinite possibilities
Space is an element where architecture originates. The element has infinite possibilities for the creation of any kind of built environment. It creates philosophies like minimalism, open-close-semi open spaces, etc. it enables a sense of boundlessness.
Derivation from nature: Architectural Dynamics
Various architectural style showcases the inspiration and adaption of nature and its variable forms. These styles implement the nature through various ideologies and concepts which celebrate nature and its assets at the front.
Vernacular architecture:
The architectural style known as vernacular architecture prioritizes the site as a crucial area for the development of building forms. The vernacular architecture reflects the culture of people as it is people’s process of designing the house and it is completely narrative of the space design. vernacular architecture works site-specific and truly uses all five elements of nature. It is one of the most sustainable practices in architecture as it is economical, ecological, and community-centric.
Biomimetic architecture:
Nature inspires us in many ways and architecture can be found in anything. Nature is the biggest source for replication of the natural integration of organic elements found. Biomimetic architecture style mimics the systems and processes of plants, animals, and living organisms knowing the adapting and expanding abilities of nature. This architectural style helps create climate-resilient architecture in the most natural way of understanding nature.
Biomorphic architecture
The biomorphic architecture draws shapes of buildings and architecture through nature either plants and animals directly or in abstract form. It helps to maintain design principles held in nature and create iconic architecture resembling the geometrical algorithms of nature.
Natural assets under risk and alarming future
As generations progresses and human settlement evolves from caves to lavish apartments. Natural resources are being depleted and hampered by the increased use of non-sustainable building techniques in architecture and construction across the globe. The unsustainable building industry is causing challenges owing to climate change, rapid population expansion, and limited access, growth, and sources of natural assets.
The issue of declining natural resources is addressed by some of the sustainable architectural practices. Out of the five elements of nature-water, air and earth seem to be in peril as they continue to be hindered in their physical entities globally. This condition alters the narrative of 21st-century architecture by asserting that the construction industry and architecture must adhere to laws of nature.
References:
Natural assets and natural resources. Available at: https://www.umweltgesamtrechnung.at/en/naturvermoegen-ressourcen (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
Natural Resources as architectural capital. Available at: https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/natural-resources-as-architectural-capital_o (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
Karnik, P. (2022) 10 ways architecture and nature can be combined – RTF: Rethinking the future, RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/sustainable-architecture/a3238-10-ways-architecture-and-nature-can-be-combined/ (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
(No date a) Importance of nature in architecture and designing. Available at: https://www.99acres.com/articles/importance-of-nature-in-architecture-and-designing-2.html (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
Sruthi_sujendran (2021) Nature and architecture, Medium. Available at: https://sruthi-sujendran.medium.com/nature-and-architecture-ab0d81e1ac71 (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
Future, R.T. (2024) Using the five elements of nature in architecture design: A comprehensive exploration, RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/articles/using-the-five-elements-of-nature-in-architecture/ (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
