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How can the selection of local materials in architectural design enhance cultural identity, environmental resilience and help with climate challenges in a region?

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conference contribution
posted on 2025-10-30, 15:00 authored by Luke Daniel John Morley, Tahira HamidTahira Hamid
<p dir="ltr"><i>The aim of the research paper is to investigate the importance of local materials across architectural design, it emphasizes the environmental benefits, cultural significance, and their potential for climate adaptation. The assessment goes into detail regarding the involvement of indigenous materials, reinforcing and embodying the cultural identity and heritage of communities, showcasing good craftsmanship as well as building techniques that have been passed down through different generations. By incorporating local resources, architects can create structures that will not only personify the unique properties of their surroundings but also harness a feeling of belonging and stability within the community.</i></p><p dir="ltr"><i>Additionally, the research paper assesses the environmental resilience offered through local materials, focusing on their suitability for certain climates. It evaluates the impact of these materials in promoting sustainable architectural practices and energy efficiency. The study is grounded in a combination of two main worldviews, including transformative and constructivism, and follows a mixed method approach by employing a questionnaire including open-ended, close-ended ended and Likert scale styled questions.</i></p><p dir="ltr"><i>In order to improve buildings' resilience and adaptability to various climate challenges, the study also finds and supports creative design approaches that incorporate regional materials. Increasing temperatures, severe weather, and shifting precipitation patterns are some of these difficulties. Local materials can be used in architectural design to create structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also able to withstand the effects of climate change.</i><br><i>In order to improve cultural continuity, environmental sustainability, and resilience in the face of climate challenges, the findings emphasise the significance of integrating local resources into architectural design. The use of local materials is emphasised in this research paper, which, taken as a whole, helps architects, legislators, and builders develop a cordial relationship with the built environment and the ecological and cultural contexts in which they are valued. Using this approach, it is believed a way can be paved to a more culturally included and sustainable future in architecture.</i></p>

History

Name of Conference

International Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) Conference 2025

Conference Start Date

2025-09-03

Conference End Date

2025-09-05

Conference Location

Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom

Published in

SEEDS Conference Proceedings 2025

Page Range

811-822

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    SEEDS Conference (Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society)

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