Universidad Nacional Del Altiplano
Temas abordados
Universidad Nacional Del Altiplano
Temas abordados
The development of greenhouse structures transitioned through several stages, starting with ancient practices such as using mobile plant beds and heat sources like manure. By the 15th century, cabañas and orangeries became popular in Europe, incorporating glass for light access and stoves for heating . The 19th century saw industrial advancements with simple inclined glass structures using organic matter decomposition for heat. By the 20th century, double glazing and advanced climate control systems were developed, alongside structural innovations like the Venlo type greenhouses using steel and glass . Post World War advancements included adopting plastics like PVC, leading to more versatile and cost-effective structures .
Regional climate variations significantly influence greenhouse design and construction. In colder regions, structures often feature insulated materials like double glazing to conserve heat, as seen in parts of Northern Europe . Conversely, in Mediterranean and arid regions, the design prioritizes ventilation and cooling, usually with arched and higher roof structures to facilitate airflow, as observed in Spain and North Africa . High humidity regions may integrate more extensive ventilation systems to manage internal climate . These design adaptations optimize plant growth by aligning structural specifications with climatic demands .
Industrial greenhouses are generally more complex, using advanced materials such as steel and aluminum, and often incorporating sophisticated climate control systems . They utilize modern technologies for optimization and scalability . In contrast, artisanal greenhouses are built from locally available materials like wood, often lacking mechanization and technology integration, focusing more on traditional, simpler techniques . Artisanal designs are often tailored to local environmental conditions and resource constraints .
Historical practices in ancient civilizations, such as using mobile plant beds and heating via natural decomposition, laid foundational principles for modern greenhouse technology . Techniques from Athens and Rome, involving plant protection and soil warming with compost, preluded modern thermal management . The transition from open-air techniques to enclosed systems evolved through the adaptation of these principles, setting groundwork for controlled-environment agriculture . These ancient practices inspired the integration of energy conservation and structural mobility in contemporary greenhouse designs .
Key differences in greenhouse structures among various countries are primarily influenced by climate and local resources. In Portugal, greenhouses are often made from cheap, short-lived eucalyptus wood, with small-pitch roofs . In Spain, especially Almería, low-cost 'parral' structures are common, using metal or wood poles and tension wires . In France, Tunisia, and Morocco, single-arched greenhouses dominate due to wind stability needs . Turkey and Israel use plastic-covered structures due to material availability and climatic considerations for sunlight and heat retention . These variations arise from local climatic conditions and resource availability, leading to distinct adaptations in greenhouse design .
The architecture of orangeries in 17th century Europe contributed significantly to greenhouse development by showcasing the use of glass windows for light and heat management. These structures, originally designed for growing citrus plants, featured large south-facing glass panels and utilized stoves for heating . This design marked a critical step toward incorporating transparent materials in construction, leading to the architectural evolution seen in modern greenhouses using glass and, eventually, plastic for similar purposes .
The introduction of modern materials like plastics since World War II transformed greenhouse technology by making structures more versatile and economically viable. Plastics such as polyethylene and PVC allowed for flexible designs and affordable greenhouse solutions adaptable to various climates . These innovations enabled wider usage of greenhouses, promoting agricultural practices in less economically developed areas . Plastics also facilitated modular designs and improved light penetration while reducing heating costs compared to traditional glass and steel structures .
The Venlo greenhouse design, originating in 1937, significantly impacted modern practices by introducing modularity and efficiency in control systems . Utilizing steel and glass, it allowed for versatile applications across various crop types, enhancing spatial optimization and energy efficiency . This design ushered in a wave of innovation focused on maximizing natural light penetration and structural scalability. It set the standard for modern multipurpose greenhouses, emphasizing durability and adaptability, thus influencing contemporary strategies in greenhouse architecture .
Ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in greenhouses, affecting crop productivity . Initially, ventilation systems were quite rudimentary, using simple manual windows. Over time, the design became more sophisticated, incorporating both manual and automated systems driven by technological advancements . Manual systems included foldable and rolling windows, while modern greenhouses often use tech-aided systems for precise climate control . The evolution reflects a shift toward maximizing efficiency and control over the greenhouse environment .
Different construction materials notably affect greenhouse performance and sustainability. Materials like steel and glass offer durability and superior light transmission, crucial for high-performance structures, but they often come with higher costs and greater environmental impact . On the other hand, plastics provide cost-effective and flexible solutions, enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability due to lower energy input in production and transportation . Wood, though less durable, offers sustainable solutions in artisanal contexts with minimal energy investment. Each material presents a trade-off between performance, cost, and environmental impact, shaping sustainable design choices .