Reversible Architecture for a Sustainable Future. Finding out Key Design Guidelines in Early Disassembled Systems
Reversible Architecture for a Sustainable Future. Finding out Key Design Guidelines in Early Disassembled Systems

Summary/Abstract: As a part of the ecosystem, humans actions are forced to integrate within the natural biological cycle. As an answer to the social, environmental and economic challenges, both architects and builders are asked to adopt new building methods. From the baseline option of building systems to have the capacity of being disassembled so their components can be reused, processed, and reassembled, the main discipline that can tend to this issue is reversible and demountable architecture. The construction of the physical boundaries of the building will define the possibility of disassemblage of each element, understanding the construction as an assemblage of pieces in which joints become the most important part regarding shape and structure. This research is based on the identification and the analysis of the main permanent building systems with high potential of disassembly erected through time. Beyond the conclusions reached by studies focused on experiences of recent years, this study intends to start in the ancient eras. The first stage is based in those systems built in the early ages up to the times of the Scientific Revolution. There we can find in a clear and obvious way the precise balance in the correspondence between elements, space, form and function, obtaining the proper integration for each environment. On the second stage it is intended to assess the evolution of each solution and to establish its connection with more recent ones. Three different phases (documental, analytical and propositive), are developed for a proper completion of this study. There is no construction system that has completely disappeared after its invention. Essential innovative technologies remain active even they may continue to exist only in small areas, or only for supporting periodical renovations. Every construction system applied in the present supports its equivalence with another used in the past. Following this discussion, a careful reading of ancient architectural systems is able to provide the basis to define the design guidelines of reversible architecture for a more sustainable future.

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