STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE

Introduction: This research is based on the premise that traditional architecture comprises buildings constructed using natural, locally sourced materials. These structures are designed to adapt to environmental changes and promote environmental compatibility — commonly referred to as environmental sustainability — by considering the design of the exterior form. The research problem centers on the negative impacts of modern industrial building materials. These materials are often costly, require significant energy for production, and rely on artificial means to ensure thermal comfort within spaces. Consequently, this research explores the inherent potential of natural materials in architectural design — examining their properties, climatic performance, structural strength, and the construction systems in which they are employed — to address the issue of high energy consumption. Additionally, the research aims to investigate the characteristics and performance of natural building materials, identifying their constants and variables, as well as their structural and architectural applications. Results: By harnessing the benefits of nature, the study seeks to advocate for the use of natural materials in sustainable building practices. This research adopts a combined descriptive and analytical methodology to support the economic and sustainable use of natural materials in architecture.