Evolution of Housing form in Vernacular Architecture in Erbil

Bnyad Marf Khaznadar

Lecturer in the architecture engineering department- college of engineering  Salahaddin University - Erbil

 Throughout history humans have sought to acquire a residence where the could relax both physically and mentally. In pursuit of the same objectives albeit unaware of architectural principles a cave is discovered as a naturally excavated shelter in the mountains. Thus, a cave can be regarded as the earliest form of space utilized by humans for protection against unpredictable weather and wild animals. Human basic needs are intrinsically linked to existence of humans themselves. Hence, in other historical phases they start to modify caves to resemble their primordial lifestyles. Humans began by creating drawings on the walls of caves and developing additional spaces within the cave. Throughout the ages, a house , both physically and mentally, has evolved into an environment where humans conduct their daily lives. There are two concepts regarding a house: the first is that a house signifies settling down, providing a space for the daily living process of humans. The second concept extends beyond the physical location , considered a house as a specified geographical space that also encompasses the emotional and psychological aspects that connects humans to the place. From this, we can deduce that humans use a house to create an identity for themselves. Subsequently, the house and its location also contribute to shaping the individual’s identity.

Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular architecture is a type of architecture constructed the local inhabitants themselves, without the involvement of professional architects in the design and building process. Building vernacular architecture is an ongoing process obscured worldwide, where a significant proportion of building adhere to vernacular principles. It is crucial to recognize that this architectural style encompasses not only ancient traditions but also incorporates modern adaptations of vernacular architecture. In vernacular architecture local materials and traditional techniques are employed for construction purposes. Local materials refer to tools that are locally sourced or readily available at the construction site. For instance, in a forested region, wood would be the primary material used in vernacular construction methods. In the mountains, the basic building material would be stones, while in plain lands, primary material include mud and straw. In the marshes, of southern Iraq reeds constitute the primary building material employed in construction practices.

In vernacular architecture building techniques are handed down from generation to generation. In every era, a house building style emerges that reflects the needs, preferences, and aspirations of a specific cultural community. This style is frequently replicated and during this process certain elements may be modified to better meet the specific needs of the individuals adopting the style.

In vernacular architecture the construction process does not adhere to conventional architectural planning principles; instead, the design and form of the house reflects the preferences and satisfaction of the owner.

Factors that Influence the Form in Vernacular Architecture

Amos Rapoport,  a distinguished author known for his works on vernacular architecture and cultural subjects, explores a thought provoking question in his book house form and culture. He inquires why, despite the fundamental similarities in human physical needs, there is such a diversity in house forms world wide. In reality, Rapoport is attempting to answer this question within the framework of his book. In essence, rapoport posits that cultural differences are the primary factors responsible for the variations house forms. In this context, “culture” refers to the mechanisms that regulate human behavior. It also encompasses all the cultural values and beliefs that bind humans together. Several factors influence the evolution of form in vernacular architecture, including physical elements that are perceptive, such as environmental conditions and climate , as well as natural resources such as forests, rivers, seas, mountains, and plains …… etc. Additionally, there are numerous other factors that play a crucial role in shaping the form of houses in vernacular architecture and they are:

•   Fundamental human needs: every human on earth shares fundamental needs, but cultural responses to these needs vary significantly. For instance, while natural light is universally desired, cultural preferences dictate that some individuals prefer dimmer interior lighting in their homes, whereas, others favor much brighter environments. Moreover, the human need for ventilation varies from one culture to another. For instance, in some cultures there is a strong emphasis on maintaining a constant exchange of contaminated indoor air with cleaner outdoor air, whereas in other cultures, this may not be considered critical.

•   Privacy: is one of the most significant factors influencing house form, as it involves measures to prevent the interior spaces and their features from being visible to public areas such as streets. It also includes provisions for separating family members from guests who are not part of the household.

•   Family composition: The number of family members and the gender composition of children play significant roles in shaping the allocation and organization of spaces within the household.

•   Cultural values and beliefs: Every human group that forms within a particular culture is unified by a set of cultural values and beliefs that imbue significance to their lives and influence their selection of architectural forms for housing. Researching these cultural values and beliefs is a complex  process that spans various levels, beginning with individual humans and extending to encompass family, community, city, and region.

 

 

 

Methods of research in vernacular architecture.

Research on the topic of vernacular architecture is conducted using the methods informed by the theories imposed by (James A. Ford);

1.      Research on vernacular architecture conducted simultaneously in geographically distant locations. This kind of research is known as cross-cultural research.

2.     Research on vernacular architecture within the same geographical area but across different historical periods.

3.     Research on vernacular architecture across diverse geographical locations and historical periods.

In these methodologies, it becomes evident that the factors of time (chronology of events) and place (specific geographical context) are crucial elements in researching vernacular architecture.

 

 

Vernacular architecture in the city of Erbil

Erbil is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with a history of life dating back to ancient times. Initially, the city was centered around a castle, and gradually, as the city expanded, new neighborhoods began to develop below the citadel. Due to Erbil’s circular expansion, architectural progress in the city, especially in modern times, can be attributed to this pattern of development. For instance, the oldest houses in Erbil are located on the citadel and in the neighborhoods below it, such as Khanaqa, Taajil, and Aarab. Parallel with the increasing population and changes in lifestyle and human needs, we can see that house designs have also evolved. Especially after the 1930s, when new housing laws were enacted in Iraq, significant changes occurred in neighborhood and house designs. At the neighborhood level, we can observe that, previously, street designs and houses in older neighborhoods had pyramidal shapes. Later, the design of neighborhoods shifted to linear, straight lines with defined angles. At the individual house level, we can observe that in older neighborhoods, the relationship between houses and streets was direct, particularly in those houses with open porches in the center. However, after the introduction of the new property law, two new spaces, the garden and the garage, began to emerge. This development made the relationship between houses and streets indirect.

If we analyze the designs of old houses in Erbil, we can see that the spaces within the house are arranged around an open courtyard or porch. This courtyard serves as the central space for all the daily activities of the family. In some larger houses, particularly in the Saraa neighborhood within the citadel, courtyards feature water fountains, trees, and green areas. In old vernacular architecture, spaces within the house often serve multiple purposes. For example, a room used as a living room during the day might be converted into a sleeping room at night. The main gate of the house is typically located on the side, often with a narrow pathway connecting the street to the main gate. This design ensures that when the main gate is opened, people on the street cannot see into the house. This emphasis on privacy was a crucial consideration in the planning of houses in Erbil. Generally, the old houses in Erbil are one or two floors high. Many of these houses, especially those within the citadel, feature basements. Some of these basements are at a higher elevation than ground level, while others are below ground level. This design results in the basement windows opening into the inner courtyard ( figure 1) . From a climatic perspective, basements are cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making them frequently used for sitting and sometimes even for sleeping. From an exterior perspective, various elements have been incorporated into houses, such as the main gate, windows, balconies, front porches, and parapet walls. Various shapes of main gates can be observed, including curved and rectangular designs (see Figure 2). Sometimes, houses are at the same level as the street, while in other instances, the house is elevated on a few steps. In some examples, we can observe that the main gate is recessed slightly from the exterior facade of the house. Generally, the wall area exceeds the window area on the exterior of the house. Additionally, the windows are positioned higher than eye level, preventing people walking on the street from seeing inside the house. In some houses, balconies are used and are typically located on the first floor. In many instances, they are situated directly above the house’s main gate. These balconies have iron railings around them, which, in many examples, are shaped like the English letter "S". Instead of using adhesives, the railings are held together by pieces of iron (see Figure 3). In some examples of houses, porches have been incorporated, positioned in front of the main gate and elevated a few steps above the ground. Parapet walls are low-height walls constructed along the edges of the roof. Some of these walls are simple and lack ornamentation, while others are covered with intricate detailing. The principal construction material in the traditional houses of Erbil is adobe. Historically, sun-dried adobe bricks were utilized. To bond the rows of adobe bricks, a mixture of mud and straw was used. In the traditional houses of Erbil the exterior of the houses were never covered or plastered by any other element other than the same adobe that has been used for the construction. In Erbil, there is a unique characteristic: builders have altered the placement of mud bricks, especially in the parapet walls, to create decorative designs. This practice arose because stone carvers were scarce in Erbil compared to other cities in Iraq. That is why Erbil's builders devised these ingenious methods to create decorative designs on the exterior of the houses (see Figure 4). From a construction perspective, it is observed that some of the houses in the citadel have exceptionally thick walls, reaching up to 80-100 cm. This is particularly evident in houses located at the edge of the mound facing the city. These thick walls not only provide structural stability but also serve as effective barriers, delaying the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside of the house. The construction of roofs in the old houses of Erbil involved several steps. Initially, long cylindrical wooden beams were laid across two opposite walls. These beams were then covered with several layers of mud and straw. Annually, before the arrival of winter, these mud roofs were compacted to fill any fractures in the top layer, thereby preventing rainwater from leaking through the roof. In another era, iron beams were utilized, with adobe filled between them in the form of arches. This construction method is known as "عةگاده" in our native language.

What can we learn from vernacular architecture?

Vernacular architecture intimately reflects the cultural ethos of individuals and communities, serving as a manifestation of the collective hopes and aspirations of the people who built it. Vernacular architecture in Erbil city is exceptionally rich from the perspective of architectural history, offering valuable insights into the lifestyles and cultural heritage of our ancestors. They ingeniously devised solutions to challenges, crafting environments where they could lead fulfilling lives. It is important for architects to receive lectures on the principles of vernacular architecture. This understanding enables them to grasp the profound connection between architecture and culture. By delving deeper into these cultural contexts, architects can create designs that resonate authentically with the communities they serve, contributing meaningfully to their development.