CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATIONS OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE - CASE STUDY OF BENBEN, ASWAN, EGYPT

This research revisits the idea of vernacular architecture, focusing on the use of local building materials, climatic adaptation, and topographical integration. The "BenBen" Ho-tel in Aswan exemplifies sustainable vernacular architecture through its innovative ap-plication of traditional materials and design solutions that harmonize with the natural environment. The hotel's approach minimizes negative environmental impacts while fos-tering cultural preservation.The study addresses the challenge of cultural and environmental heritage preservation during the construction of modern architecture hotels. It aims to develop a process that enhances the preservation of cultural heritage and respects local environmental condi-tions, positioning the "BenBen" Hotel as a leading model in the region.The methodology involves two key steps: first, conducting face-to-face interviews with the project owner to discuss design and construction challenges; second, conducting a site visit to photograph and document the project's environmental integration. This site visit will also showcase the details of using specific building materials and capture the site's atmosphere as designed on location.The results findings present a process for applying vernacular architecture principles in contemporary projects. The research provides insights into the successful implementa-tion of sustainable vernacular architecture. Highlighting the hotel's significant environ-mental benefits and unique architectural character. These findings offer valuable lessons for future projects in similar contexts and position the "BenBen" hotel as a model for sustainable hotel development in heritage areas.