For years, architecture was directly connected to the sense of place and consequently to the mate... more For years, architecture was directly connected to the sense of place and consequently to the materials produced in that place. Nowadays, in an environment which is very competitive because of the variety of new materials, constantly seeking new solutions to ecological problems and under the influence of the trend of an international and global architecture, the significance of local materials in the Mediterranean region has to be redefined. This paper discusses and examines the relationship between local materials with modern architecture and new construction methods, in the Mediterranean region, specifically the Greek ones. Initially, we try to identify and examine the basic characteristics that shape the architectural identity in Greece. Subsequently, we focus on the one that deals with the use of local -traditional materials. More specifically: Mediterranean materials currently used in Greece are presented, references to Greek and foreign architects using native materials partially or entirely are being examined and also an attempt to compare examples of other Mediterranean regions is made. Apart from that, this paper examines the positive features of Mediterranean local materials in relation with the landscape and their contribution to sustainability. It includes the efforts that are made to combine traditional materials with new technologies and the new forms, characteristics and qualities that arise. Examples of modern materials that evolve and integrate the traditional Mediterranean style smoothly and seamlessly into the contemporary architectural industry are presented. We conclude by discussing whether or not the modern mutations of the Mediterranean architecture can contribute and resolve some problems of contemporary architecture.
For years, architecture was directly connected to the sense of place and consequently to the mate... more For years, architecture was directly connected to the sense of place and consequently to the materials produced in that place. Nowadays, in an environment which is very competitive because of the variety of new materials, constantly seeking new solutions to ecological problems and under the influence of the trend of an international and global architecture, the significance of local materials in the Mediterranean region has to be redefined. This paper discusses and examines the relationship between local materials with modern architecture and new construction methods, in the Mediterranean region, specifically the Greek ones. Initially, we try to identify and examine the basic characteristics that shape the architectural identity in Greece. Subsequently, we focus on the one that deals with the use of local -traditional materials. More specifically: Mediterranean materials currently used in Greece are presented, references to Greek and foreign architects using native materials partially or entirely are being examined and also an attempt to compare examples of other Mediterranean regions is made. Apart from that, this paper examines the positive features of Mediterranean local materials in relation with the landscape and their contribution to sustainability. It includes the efforts that are made to combine traditional materials with new technologies and the new forms, characteristics and qualities that arise. Examples of modern materials that evolve and integrate the traditional Mediterranean style smoothly and seamlessly into the contemporary architectural industry are presented. We conclude by discussing whether or not the modern mutations of the Mediterranean architecture can contribute and resolve some problems of contemporary architecture.
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Papers by Iro Karantaki