ARTICLE IN PRESS

Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773

www.elsevier.com/locate/buildenv

Main influences on the design philosophy and knowledge basis to

bioclimatic integration into architectural design—The example of
best practices
Alexandra A. Maciela,, Brian Fordb, Roberto Lambertsa
a
Federal University of Santa Catarina, Program of Post Graduation in Civil Engineering-UFSC-Florianopolis-SC, PO Box 476, CEP88040-900, Brazil
b
School of the Build Environment, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, England

Received 8 June 2006; received in revised form 5 July 2006; accepted 19 July 2006

Abstract

This paper studies the influence of architectural education and early experience of the work of a group pf architects, whose work shows
strong features of bioclimatic integration (such as Lele and Severiano Porto in Brazil and Spencer de Grey and Mario Cucinella in
Europe). The first analysis of their individual experiences, through semi-structured interviews, indicates that the integration of
bioclimatic concepts into design is beyond the development or improvement of tools. First of all, it is fundamental that these concepts are
part of the design philosophy of the professional, which is determinant on the application of research and innovation in architectural
practice. Therefore, before the tools, the formal education can be a tool to promote the inclusion of these principles as part of their design
philosophy, influencing the approach to design. It happened in the cases in which there was a commitment of the school to develop a
technical knowledge basis in building physics into studio activities, highlighting the aesthetic character of environmental integration. This
basis was consolidated in the contact with the building site construction, which also strengthened their ethical commitment regarding the
quality of the built object. It has the potential to generate confidence in the consideration of these issues, also making it easier to get the
right information from available resources and tools, via a critical understanding of the different issues.
r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Energy efficiency; Bioclimatic design; Best practices

1. Introduction attitude started to be explored in many fields. In 1963, the

term bioclimatic was used for the first time by Victor
Buildings use at least 50% of all the energy produced in Olgyay. He developed a bioclimatic chart, which relates
our planet for heating, cooling, lighting and in the climatic data to thermal comfort limits, to identify design
industries and building construction [1]. So the biggest strategies [3]. So, bioclimatology relates the study of the
part of this consumption is directly related to architectural climate (climatology) to the human beings. The bioclimatic
aspects and the use of the space. And in this case, the design is an approach that takes advantage of the climate
environmental integration of the building design through through the right application of design elements and
passive strategies has a very good potential of energy building technology to energy saving as well as to ensure
saving. comfortable conditions into buildings [1,4]. If it is
In the 1960s the environmentalism movement started to considered since the first design stages it has an even
play an important role inspired by iconic publications such higher potential to save energy.
as Silent Spring written by Rachel Carson, in 1962 [2]. So, However, despite the proven advantage of integrating
the first actions regarding a more conscious environmental bioclimatic concepts into building design, there is a
considerable difficulty in their real application, mainly in
Corresponding author. Tel.: +55 61 33672490; fax: +55 61 33672490. the early design stages, in which the main design solutions
E-mail address: [email protected] (A.A. Maciel). are defined [5]. The scientific knowledge accumulated since

0360-1323/$ - see front matter r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.07.041
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773 3763

the 1970s, with the definition of guidelines, analysis tools, and dominant winds, using zenithal openings, sheds and
case studies, among other results, has improved and ventilation corridors with ground cooling and evaporative
developed a consolidated technical field in energy effi- cooling system, as shown in Fig. 1.
ciency. But it has not demonstrated an effective influence In Europe, there are some very important references of
on architects’ design practices. There is a gap between the environmental integration in design, such as the work of
academic knowledge and the practice. Although issues of Alexandros Tombazis in Greece. Through his work at
design methods and research have been articulated to Tombazis & Associates (http://www.meletitiki.gr) in
integrate objective methods in practicing design [6], for Greece, he shows an in-depth knowledge of passive
most of the architects and the general public, the solutions integrated to design, regarding daylighting,
bioclimatic architecture is still a collection of additional cooling and heating solutions. Some of his projects are
equipment and technology. The bioclimatic concepts are mentioned in the ‘‘best practice examples’’ catalogue,
not really part of the design concept. In a study developed which is published by the European Green Building Forum
in Kuwait, Touman and Al-Ajmi [7] point out that (W/E consultants, 2001), such as his own office building
neglecting the climate, as a design consideration is one of located in Athens, in Greece.
the main reasons for failures in building performance.
Also, the efforts to introduce these themes are not based
2. Research questions and purposes
on architects’ real needs. Furthermore, the appeal for the
integration of these concepts has been based mostly on the
So, the main questions of this research are:
economic appeal, which seems very limited; although in
Europe legislation has had a gradual impact, particularly in
Germany. Nevertheless, there is no consolidated informa-  Why, despite all the developed knowledge in building
tion about what are the real barriers to bioclimatic energy efficiency and bioclimatic design, most of the
integration. architects do not integrate it into design?
However, there has been pioneer work of some architects  Why some of them do integrate it?
whose design solutions present strong features of integra-  How does it happen?
tion to local climate requirements to achieve internal
environmental quality and comfort conditions. Among the In order to answer these questions a Ph.D. research is in
Brazilian architects, whose work shows elements of progress. Its main goal is the determination of the
environmental integration, we can mention the work of fundamental parameters to the real integration of biocli-
João Filgueiras Lima-Lelé. His work, in the Technology matic concepts into building design, based on architects’
Centre of Sarah’s Hospital Network, is a reference due to real needs and practices related to the definition of the
the design solutions intended to take advantage of daylight design concept.

Fig. 1. Lele’s sketches for Sarah’s Hospital in Salvador. Source: AU no.82 [8].
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
3764 A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773

However, to have the opportunity to explore in depth 3.1. The interviewees

part of the results, in this paper just the part of the thesis
directly related to the influence of architects’ background The interviewees were selected according to the demon-
will be explored, having in concern the raised questions. stration and well known application in their architectural
Our perception of the world leads us to generate practice of strategies to environmental integration, and,
empirical concepts, representing the world around us also, according to their availability and agreement with the
within a mental framework relating new concepts to pre- interview and publication of results. Therefore, the
existing ones. Perception, our view of the world, our Brazilian architects interviewed in this research were João
experience, is fundamental to the development and Filgueiras Lima- Lelé (retired academic of University of
consolidation of our knowledge and beliefs [9,10]. In Brasilia, leader of the architecture department of Sarah
architecture, it can be said that the architect’s beliefs are Kubitschek Hospitals network, graduated at UFRJ),
translated in his design philosophy. Severiano Porto (retired academic of University of Manaus
Therefore, in considering bioclimatic issues and its and practitioner, mostly, in the Amazon area, graduated at
concepts, the design philosophy plays an important role. UFRJ), Leonardo Bittencourt (academic of UFAL and
It is necessary, first to understand the level of knowledge in practitioner in Maceio- Northeast of Brazil, graduated at
bioclimatology and related fields, and which the main UFPE, Ph.D. AA-London), Sergio Pamplona (practitioner
influences are on the consolidation of this knowledge; in Centre-West of Brazil, graduated at UnB) and Romulo
second to identify what influences their perception of the Bonelli (practitioner in West-centre of Brazil, graduated at
world to make them consider bioclimatic issues as part of UnB).
their design philosophy. So, it is necessary to evaluate the In Europe, the interviews were conducted with Alexan-
influence of their formal education and past professional dros Tombazis (practitioner in Europe, mostly in Greece,
experiences. graduated at University of Athens), Mario Cucinella
(practitioner in Europe, mostly in Italy, graduated at the
3. Methodological approach University of Genoa), Tom Jestico (practitioner in Europe,
mostly in Britain, co-founder of Jestico and Whiles),
A qualitative approach was considered more appropriate Spencer de Grey (practitioner mostly in Europe, graduated
for the evaluation. It focuses more on the meaning of the at the University of Cambridge, deputy chairman of Foster
phenomena than on their quantification, applying techni- and Partners), Sunand Prassad (practitioner in Europe,
ques of interpretation to describe and decode the phenom- mostly in Britain, graduated at the University of Cam-
ena [11]. bridge), Luiz Buzato (practitioner in London, graduated at
In qualitative research, an alternative principle of University of Westminster, MSc Arch & Sustainability)
selection is used to typify unknown attributes because and Andrew Marsh (academic of University of Cardiff,
some still unknown varieties of the behaviour and social head of Square One software company and academic of
practices are studied [12]. The subjects might be part of Cardiff University, graduated at the University of Perth in
natural groups, which share a common project or past, or Australia, Ph.D. Western Australia University). The
practices, interests or similar values. Therefore, this personal and professional experience of these architects
research focuses on renowned architects whose work support their accounts on the theme approached during the
exemplifies best practice in the integration of the building interviews, supporting possible generalizations.
design to the requirements of the environment.
The research looks for indications related to their 3.2. Interview method
motivation, understanding and application of bioclimatic
concepts. This research also evaluates these indications in Because of the exploratory character of the research, the
the work of architects from different social contexts and defined interview method was the semi-structured ap-
practices. Therefore, the work of Brazilian architects and proach. A semi-structured interview has a sequence of
European architects is evaluated as an example of best themes to be covered, as well as suggested questions
practice from developing countries and developed coun- [12,13].
tries, respectively. Regarding the major resources of
developed countries and the advance on building technol- 3.2.1. The topic guide
ogy and regulations, the professional reality of the It is very important to establish first which are the most
European architects can be a reference for Brazilian important topics or situations to be covered and empha-
professional practice. sized during the interview. So, in order to understand why
The interview method was considered better applied to the interviewed architects integrate bioclimatic concepts
the purposes of this research, as well as to the time and into their architectural design, the first defined main topic
resources available. Through the interview the construction was the influence of their background on their knowledge
of knowledge is based on the architect’s own impressions of and practice, including their formal education and past
his work, experiences, values and influences in his social experiences. The description and evaluation of their back-
context. ground was also fundamental to identify obstacles to the
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773 3765

bioclimatic integration into the architectural design. The developed through the reading of the analysed material of
other topics approached in the research were the design the whole group of interviews related to each topic.
practice, the bioclimatic design, energy efficiency and Common practices and statements related to each topic
environmental comfort and building regulations. However, were also identified in this process, as well as main
the present paper explores just the results related to the first differences related to their different social contexts (in
topic. development and developed countries).

3.2.2. Content analysis of the raised material

Wolcott [14] emphasizes that a consolidated analysis of 4. Results and analysis
the interview is more important than accumulating data to
guarantee the quality and reliability of the qualitative The way the architect deals with aspects of bioclimatol-
research. Kvale [12] identifies five main approaches to the ogy and their understanding and application in design were
analysis of qualitative data, categorization, condensation, the central purpose of investigation in this research.
narrative structuring, deeper interpretations and ad hoc Therefore, the focus was on the practices and elements
tactics. A combination of categorization, condensation and related to the consideration of local climatic conditions and
deeper interpretation was adopted during the analysis for materials to the generation of comfortable and energy
answering the different thematic questions. efficient design solutions. There was no approach or no
For explorative purposes, the analysis was first focused intention to approach the consideration of elements and
on the individual interviews, to interpret them in greater practices directly related to aspects of sustainability.1
depth. Then, the statements and descriptions of the group However, it is important to point out that the
of interviews were analysed and compared to identify interviewed architects, practicing mostly in England (Tom
common practices or differences regarding the different Jestico, Spencer de Grey, Sunand Prassad and Luiz
social contexts. Buzato), use the term sustainability, sustainable or green
architecture to refer to aspects exclusively related to the
3.2.3. The categorization of the transcripts consideration of bioclimatic issues to development of
The first part of the analysis of the raised material is the passive strategies, to improve the energy efficiency and
transcription of the interviews. The essential parts of the keeping the comfort and quality of the space.
interview, according to the purpose of the study, were In the case of the other interviewed architects, practicing
highlighted and gathered into categories. Each category mostly in Greece, Italy and Brazil, these concepts are very
arose during the analysis, in natural ‘‘meaning units’’ well distinguished. Most of these other architects were very
related to the main topics and sub-topics approached in the emphatic on the fact that their work could not be classified
interviews. as sustainable architecture but indeed related to bioclimatic
issues, because their understanding of sustainability was
3.2.4. Condensation through drawing panels also related to materials and water. However, Cucinella
The condensation approach involves the condensation of makes the point that the consideration of the climate and
the expressed meanings of the interview into more and development of passive strategies in the building design can
more essential meanings. In general, it is done compressing present a much lower environmental impact than using, for
interviewees’ accounts in fewer words. But, in this case, example, walls of recycled plastic bottles. They state that
summary drawings were used to condense the meaning as when there is the opportunity they try to integrate more
simply as possible, according to the information detached issues of sustainability such as the consideration of local
and gathered into the defined categories. and low embodied energy materials, although it does not
determine their choices.
3.2.5. Interpretation of the panels It can be said that the different understanding of the
Reading the information condensed through the panels, term sustainable architecture between the interviewed
a deeper interpretation of each interview was developed. architects is not related to their formal education because
Therefore, the information condensed in the drawings was it was not a theme approached during the period they were
conceptualised within broader frames of reference, in the at school. It can be related to the knowledge embedded in
specific conceptual context of the epistemological and the culture of the place, including the way it is approached
cognitive processes [9,15] to the consideration of biocli- by local media, professional institutions and regulations.
matic issues into design. However, to testify this kind of speculation a comparative
1
3.2.6. Interpretation–grouping analysis According to the World Commission on Environment and Develop-
The material obtained from the interpretation of the ment [16], sustainable development implies meeting the needs of the
panels was grouped in a spreadsheet. Each individual present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs. Therefore, a real sustainable project needs to consider its
interview analysis was put in each column and ordered impact on the future generations. The main aspects to be considered on
according to the topics defined in the interpretation process the built environment are the use of energy, water, materials, emission of
of the panels. So, another process of interpretation was pollutants and transport, where each of these issues are inter-related.
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
3766 A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773

evaluation of these sources would be necessary, which was up and how it operates environmentally. So, the search for
not the focus of this research. knowledge on the structural and environmental aspects of
the building was stimulated through the design philosophy
4.1. Formal education adopted by the school itself, during the period of Leslie
Martin’s administration. As he says, all these principles are
The architectural education had a very low influence on not required to every project but certainly influences the
the European interviewees to awake their interest in way he approaches a design problem, including his
bioclimatic issues. In their case, there was no specific perception of the problem and the application of knowl-
module on this theme, except in the case of Luiz Buzato, edge;
who is from a younger generation than the others (degree ‘‘So there were a number of themes that I learned
in architecture 9 years ago, Polytechnic of Central London through my education in Cambridge. And I think those
[PCL], now University of Westminster, period 1991–95). themes never leave you. (y) they are not required for
Jestico and Buzato identify that even when the theme was every project, but the approach to design, how you
approached there was not relation to design or studio approach a design problem is something that I continue
activities. According to Jestico, it was always considered an today, I think that is always with you. So, I enjoyed my
option or an addition to the project, what he considers a training and I think it makes quite a strong stamp on
negative approach. Buzato recognizes that his particular your later life’’.
awareness of the importance of the theme was the stimulus
to search for knowledge and the reason why he wanted to Andrew Marsh identifies the physical reason as an
specialize in the field. appropriate ethical justification for the design choices:
On the other hand, Spencer recognizes the importance ‘‘yI always wanted an explanation, you know, there
his formal education had on his design philosophy (see has to be a reason why you are putting a window in a
Fig. 2). wall, to me it wasn’t enough to just say: It looks pretty
The principles, he identifies that were introduced in the good. It wasn’t something that I felt was an ethical
architectural education, stimulated the analytical process justification. (y) I chose the physical reason. So the
(in which induction is the main cognitive process [9]) and window is there to get light into the space, to allow
research to the understanding of the purposes of the breeze, etc’’.
building. According to his perception, this understanding
meant understanding the needs of how the building stands It was already part of his beliefs and the difficulty to
discuss and justify these beliefs, on the application of his
knowledge through the design, stimulated him to develop a
tool to make this discussion easier. He recognizes that since
an early stage he has been very interested in the
environmental integration of the building, but the way
building physics and environmental issues were ap-
proached in architectural education was not stimulating.
It was always very technical, based on the mechanical
teaching of psychrometric charts. He recognizes it as a
reason why architects in general have a weak knowledge on
the field.
The Brazilian architects Sergio Pamplona and Romulo
Bonelli (both from the same school—UnB—but different
periods, Pamplona 1984–89, Bonelli 1993–99) also recog-
nize that the theme of environmental comfort and building
physics was approached in a very mechanical way in
school, without any relation to design (see Fig. 3).
Bonelli also emphasize the importance of taking into
account the human needs. John et al. [17] point out the
importance of the consideration of the simple physical
processes of nature and their interactions with human
needs to the development of not only functional productive
but also delightful buildings.
However, for the Brazilians Lele, Severiano Porto (both
from the same school—UFRJ—and same period—
1950–55) and Leonardo Bittencourt (UFPE, period
of 1972–77) the architectural education was extremely
Fig. 2. Influence of Spencer’s background. influential to the stimulation of interest and knowledge in
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773 3767

Fig. 4. Schematic drawing of aspects related to Leonardo’s formal

education.

in architectural education to stimulate his interest in

building construction and the practice to search for
references as an approach to the design problem.

4.2. Individual influences and references

Lele, Cucinella and Spencer de Grey identify Oscar

Fig. 3. Schematic drawing of aspects related to Pamplona’s formal Niemeyer, Renzo Piano and Leslie Martin, respectively as
education. strong individual influences. The working experience with
them was very influential on the definition of their
perception of architecture itself and their role as profes-
bioclimatic issues. Bittencourt points out that his interest sionals. Therefore, it has a strong influence on the
was awaken through the exploration in architectural consolidation of their knowledge and design philosophy
education of the qualitative aspects of environmental and consequently on their approach to design problem.
integration and its relation to the quality and beauty of In Lele’s case this influence was related to the principles
the design itself. The physics of environmental integration of the modern movement, which in his perception were
was spread through studio activities; there was no specific represented through the functionalism, aesthetic and the
module on that. It means his perception of the theme was creation of more human spaces. The work with Renzo
not distinguished but linked to the main focus of design Piano stimulated Cucinella’s interest in technical issues of
activity (Fig. 4). building construction (Fig. 5). According to his perception
In the case of Lele and Severiano Porto, there was a Piano’s office ‘‘was a machine to make it real’’. It made him
specific module in building physics and the use of tools, to understand architecture in a broader sense, from the
such as the solar chart, was integrated into studio activities. drawing to the construction.
‘‘That time, 50 years ago, in the Faculty of Architecture Tom Jestico and Alexandros Tombazis recognize the
of Rio de Janeiro (y) there was a big emphasis in work of some architects as strong references, revealing the
technical disciplines. (y) there was, but it wasn’t called practice of searching for references. Tombazis mention the
Environmental Comfort at that time (y) it was called work of the Japanese metabolists in the 1960s, which
Applied Physics. So, in that class we had the briefs of attracted him because of the principle of innovation and
thermal processes, acoustics, etc. (y) during the integration to the environment, in a good balance between
undergraduate course (y) we worked with solar charts technique and aesthetic.
as a basic design tool (..) I learned to make solar charts Similar reasons attracted Jestico to the work of Ray and
to any latitude (y) (Lele’s interview)’’. Charles Eames, Buckminster Fuller and Arthur Erickson.
He recognizes that just when he improved his knowledge in
Lele recognizes the architectural education promoted a technical and environmental issues of architecture he was
strong basis in technical knowledge, basically in thermal able to identify the features of their work, which attracted
transfer, pressure differential and solar geometry. He also him for the first time:
states that providing this kind of knowledge should be a
strong commitment of the school. Severiano emphasizes ‘‘When I started I was attracted by the work of various
several times the importance of the field activities they had architects and it took some years before I realised that
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
3768 A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773

study to fulfil the gap left in their education. All of them

emphasize the importance of researching and talking to
experts to keep updated.
Tombazis recognizes that the participation in scientific
conferences, the exchanging of information with other
professionals and researchers and the occasional experience
as a lecturer gave him a basis of information to understand
the development of this field and the related concepts.
Besides that, he emphasizes that he has a strong belief in
competitions of architecture, which provide the environ-
ment to awake the interest of the young and to keep the
vitality of the elder. He believes the participation in many
competitions provided the necessary vitality to keep him
updated and to preserve his interest in research.
For the architects who practice mostly in Britain, the
Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) has had an
important role in their construction of knowledge (propo-
sitional). This institute recognizes the impact of architec-
ture on the environment and has taken actions to stimulate
the production of what they call sustainable architecture. It
is an important source of information and makes available
a trustful reference of publications, researches and case
studies showing the application in practice of these issues.
Furthermore, it supports and requires from its members
annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with
training, course and seminars. It also provides specific CPD
modules of sustainability.2 It is important to notice that the
modules, which are available in RIBA regarding sustain-
ability, are exclusively related to energy performance
Fig. 5. Schematic drawing of Cucinella’s background.
through efficient systems of lighting, cooling and heating
and integrated passive strategies. It agrees with the
what I liked about them were the sustainable elements. understanding of the interviewed architects in Britain of
Initially I thought that they were great buildings but I the term sustainability.
didn’t quite understand why. And then 5 years later you On the other hand, in Brazil there is no specific support
begin to analyse them and you say, that is what I like or policy of the professional institutes at a national level.
about them; the economy of materials, lean technology, Even being aware of the importance of integrating
no waste. Address these things of a hidden nature below bioclimatic considerations in design, the architects have a
the surface and then when you study them in more limited access to trustful sources of information and
detail, these things become apparent and then suddenly references that support their search for knowledge and
they become a reason why you liked the building in the keep them up-dated. Nevertheless, Bonelli and Pamplona
first place’’. try to fulfil the gap left in their education mostly based on
an individual and intuitive search. They recognize the
It agrees with the sense in cognitive psychology and practice of talking to local people and searching in
phenomenology that as we acquire new information our Internet, in which they have, mostly, found links to
percept shifts [9,15]. His intuition and individual prefer- weather websites and Pamplona have found texts of solar
ences attracted him to the work of these architects but the architecture. In Pamplona’s case, the contact with basic
knowledge made his perception to generate a stronger concepts of Solar Architecture improved his concept of
concept of their work, understanding its quality and architecture, adding the concepts of bioclimatic and passive
applicability. architecture:
What all the interviewed architects have in common is
the interest in the technical issues of architecture, which ‘‘(y) solutions of bioclimatic architecture, which in
was stimulated through their experience in architectural English they call Solar Passive. Of course for us, a lot of
education or in their past professional practice and this doesn’t have much to do with us because they talk
references. In Cucinella and Severiano’s case their interest about heating using the sun. But there is the cooling
is directly related to the materialization of the project.
In the case of all the interviewees, this belief and 2
http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Debate/Sustainabil-
particular interest made them to go back to research and ity_2917.html
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773 3769

using it, isn’t there? So, for us it doesn’t make much understand complementary projects. This understanding is
sense, but some principles (y) can be applied not only also translated in Cucinella and Spencer’s statements.
in a temperate climate but also in an equatorial area’’. According to Cucinellas’s perception this contact with the
building site generated a commitment with the quality of
4.3. Other past experiences the final result, which includes the comfort and efficiency of
the building.
The oil crisis of the 1970s was a stronger stimulus for the Spencer de Grey also identifies that putting into practice
Europeans to awake their interest for environmental the knowledge and design philosophy raised in his
integration and to improve their knowledge. architectural education through his first work in construc-
Tombazis recognizes that the first appeal was on energy tion of schools to Merton Council was a very important
efficiency, only focused on equipment and not on design. But opportunity to consolidate this knowledge and also the
he states it changed when the consideration of daylight was approach to the design problem.
included. Then, it became also a matter of the quality of the In the case of Romulo Bonelli his experience with
space. It changed his perception of the problem. Therefore, indigene and remote communities pushed him to the
as he recognizes, the role of the architectural solution itself, adoption of passive strategies mainly for cooling and
and not only the system, started to be considered. daylighting. And, therefore, it made him to search for more
He emphasizes that the opportunity to follow the information and knowledge in the field. However, the gap
construction of knowledge in this field changed his left in his education and the limited access he has to trustful
perception of architecture itself. He started to understand and comprehensive information in the field make him to
its complexity and the need to balance all these questions. face difficulties and low performance on the design and
application of these strategies in some design experiences.
‘‘When I started understanding that it is the building
It can be noticed that the experience of the interviewed
shell, (y), the building itself and not the components
architects in the building site construction, demonstrates
which are the important thing, then, I mean, auto-
that although having a propositional knowledge [10,18] in
matically, I think, I just looked at it in a different way.
the technical aspects of architecture, such as building
And you understand that there are not a set of projects,
physics and structure, the contact with the reality of the
which you can think in this way and another set of
building site was fundamental to consolidate their proce-
projects where maybe you cannot think in this way. So, I
dural knowledge, or know how [10] in the application of
think that now to a larger or lesser degree these issues
the information. The procedural knowledge is also defined
are part of my everyday way of thinking. It becomes,
as tacit knowledge in the work of Michael Polanyi [19].
let’s say, a second nature.’’
Plato used the term ‘‘techne’’ for knowledge how and
Lele and Severiano believe the professional experience ‘‘episteme’’ for the propositional knowledge in which
they had in the direct contact to the building site helped claims can be true or false [15]. The experience of these
them to consolidate their technical knowledge. In Lele’s architects supported the knowledge of the concepts, which
case, the start of his professional practice during the are consolidated through the application of the ‘‘techne’’.
construction of the city of Brasilia is considered a
fundamental issue for the development and consolidation 4.4. Concept of architecture and architect’s professional role
of the technical knowledge provided by the school of
architecture. These considerations testify Lele’s beliefs that The development of knowledge through the experience
the learning process does not end up with the conclusion of in their formal education or in their first professional
the formal education and that it is consolidated through experiences was very influential on their understanding of
the practical application of the provided knowledge; architecture itself and consequently on their understanding
Severiano points out that his interest in building of their role as professionals. Nevertheless, it was
construction, highlighted in architectural education, made influential on the principles and beliefs translated in their
him to search for this contact and to believe that design philosophy, affecting their main considerations and
architecture was only complete with its materialization. approach to the design problem.
‘‘Then I went to work as a trainee in the office of one of In the case of Leonardo, his perception of architecture is
my teachers, professor Castilho Sued. Then, when I was related mainly to an aesthetic attitude. This concept of
drawing well, I told him that I would quit. (y) I would architecture was the element that called his attention to
like to learn building construction, then, I went to work environmental issues when they were presented in archi-
in Correa de Brito Construction Company and I worked tectural education in concern to their aesthetical potential
there for 11 years. (y) My worry was that if I ended up in design.
in an architecture office I would end up as a drawer and
‘‘Armando Holanda’s book ‘‘Building in the Northeast’’
I wouldn’t be able to feel things’’.
showed the poetry of environmental integration, the
He believes that thinking of the materialization of the beauty of good results through architecture integration.
building makes him able to forecast problems and to (y) It showed the potential and features that only
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
3770 A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773

environmental integration could make possible. The

language was what called my attention, the plastic
possibilities, and spatial/plastic possibilities of designing
in balance with the environment’’.
For most of the interviewees, architecture is, first of all,
seen as something, which embraces the drawing to the
building materialization/construction. Cucinella states that
being aware of the consequences and importance of the
adopted design solution is fundamental to the consolida-
tion of his ethical view, because it generates a stronger
commitment to the quality of the final result:

‘‘Your ethics is really a personal dimension, also the

interpretation about what you think is ethical or not. In
our work, in terms of professional experience, it is really
about being aware of the consequences, being aware of
the choices or proposals’’.

According to Lele the materialization of the real object

is obtained through the process to deal with social,
artistic and technical aspects, which shows the influence
Fig. 6. Lele’s concept of architecture and architect’s role.
of the modernist principles that he highlighted (function-
alism, aesthetic and creating more human spaces) (see
Fig. 6).
The particular concept that the architect has about architect’s work. Most of them see the architect as a
architecture reinforces which issues are considered most generalist and synthesizer, who has a wider view of the
relevant and which choices should be taken. It guides the problem and focuses first on the primary solutions. Sunand
definition of guiding principles in the conceptual stage. All Prasad comments that:
of them state that architecture is made of many parts and
‘‘Because I’m attentions to engineering (y) it seems to
that the environmental or bioclimatic issues are just one
me, as an architect, that most of the job of the architect
part of the whole problem.
is to synthesize a lot of different things, we are
Tombazis and Cucinella refer several times to the
synthesizers. We have a big overview. And things have
building as a live organism. According to Tombazis’
to work together, have to work in thermal factors, have
perception, the building is part of the environment. He
to work functionality, the impact the building is making,
says this view makes the requirements of the environment,
all have to work together’’.
in relating the building to the site, a natural consideration
in every building project since the analysis of the problem. Severiano emphasizes that, although the architect does
He points out that since he started to face all the problems not have to be a specialist, he/she has to have enough
related to the building as an integrated problem he knowledge to know what he expects from the specialist for
has started to understand that actually ‘‘Solar Design’’ the best performance of the project (Fig. 8).
was not the application of technology but a Design
‘‘The architect is like a composer, a regent, because he
Philosophy. In this design philosophy the building is a live
composes for an orchestra (y) and besides that, he will
organism, which is part of the environment and climate
be the regent. -Look you are not in tune and you, etc- It
(see Fig. 7).
is more or less how I see it. We have to understand, by
The interviewees’ statements regarding their practice and
the time you compose the melody that you don’t have to
past experiences indicate a similar understanding of their
know how to play violin, but you have to know violin’s
role as architects. In this role, the architect has to weight up
role. You have to understand music, you have to
all of the conditions and criteria related to the social,
understand what you expect from the flute at that
artistic and technical aspects. Cucinella and Severiano
moment’’.
emphasize that forecasting and understanding the design
problem related to the materialization of the building is According to this concept, Cucinella, Lele, Tombazis
very important to apply this balance. and Tom Jestico point out the difference between the
The preferences of all interviewees for technical issues architect and the artist. The architecture field has to deal
and awareness of the importance of their balance with the with constraints, different actors and more complex
other design considerations agree with their concept that interactions of issues, such as context, shape and time.
the architect, as the leader of the design process, must They emphasize that the artistic issue is only one of the
understand a little of everything, integrating engineer and steps of the process.
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773 3771

Fig. 7. Schematic drawing of Tombazis’ raised considerations related to

the concept of architecture.

Fig. 8. Schematic drawing of Severiano’s concept of architecture.

Cucinella comments that:
‘‘(y) architect is less free than an artist and much more
knowledge in architectural education is supposed to
complex than any other discipline we call artistic. So I
support the development of architects’ skills to achieve a
say, being an architect you work in the centre of the
better result. However, in the case of some of the
society and not on the edge like other artists. It is very
interviewees, the teaching of bioclimatic issues and related
important to know that’’.
building physics was considered too technical and not
‘‘It reinforces the ethical character of the process
related to design or studio activities. The perception of the
regarding the consequences and importance of archi-
interviewees included in this case, is that this disconnection
tects’ work.’’
from design is a barrier to the integration of these issues
Tombazis distinguishes the difference between architec- into design. In some of these cases there was already a
ture and sculpture and points out that architecture ‘‘is a previous awareness of the importance of these issues,
completely different object if it is here or there’’. It related to their ethical considerations.
highlights their belief on the importance of the relation of In epistemology it is pointed out that one’s beliefs will be
the building with local context. determinant on the application of the knowledge to the
Regarding the role of the architect Leonardo says the design problem solving [15]. Therefore, their belief in the
architect sells the space and therefore he has to generate the importance of these issues stimulated them to search to fill
appropriate sensations for the space. And these sensations the gap left in their education, mainly regarding building
can be explored through daylighting, acoustics and thermal physics, the solar geometry and development of passive
variations. strategies for cooling, heating and daylighting. In this case,
consolidated references and sources of information are
4.5. Preliminary conclusions fundamental to support the construction of a technical
knowledge basis.
In architecture the main focus is the building design and But the architectural education can have a strong role to
the final product is the built object. The construction of awake the interest in bioclimatic issues and to make it part
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
3772 A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773

of the professional’s design philosophy. It is made clear in standing of their role as professionals. Nevertheless, it was
the case of some interviewees. In these cases, it is directly influential on the principles and beliefs translated in their
related to the integration into studio activities, which links design philosophy, affecting their main considerations and
their perception of the theme to design. It also made easier approach to the design problem.
the understanding of the architectural potential of envir- The preliminary conclusions presented in this paper are
onmental integration. based exclusively on the part of the interviews related to the
The professional experience can also have a fundamental background of the interviewees. However, a deeper
role on the consolidation of architects’ knowledge and analysis still needs to be done. It is necessary to cross
design philosophy. It can be noticed that the experience of the information of all approached topics of the interview
the interviewed architects in the building site construction, to provide a consolidated analysis to define the funda-
demonstrates that even having a propositional knowledge mental parameters to the integration of bioclimatic issues
in the technical aspects of architecture, such as building into architectural design. This will be subject of future
physics and structure, the contact with the reality of the publication.
building site was fundamental to consolidate their proce-
dural knowledge, or know how, in the application of the Acknowledgements
information. It is related to a common concept among all
the interviewees that architecture is, first of all, seen as This research was made possible in part by the Counsel
something, which embraces the drawing to the materializa- of Technological and Scientific Development–CNPQ-
tion/construction of the building. Cucinella emphasizes Brazil, which sponsored the part of the research developed
several times that it was fundamental to the consolidation at the University of Nottingham.
of his ethical view because it generates a commitment with We gratefully acknowledges the interviewed architects;
the quality of the final result, which includes the comfort Joao Filgueiras Lima- Lele, Severiano Porto, Leonardo
and energy efficiency of the building. Bittencourt, Sergio Pamplona, Romulo Bonelli, Luiz
Social, political or economical facts can also be very Buzato, Alexandros Tombazis, Mario Cucinella, Tom
influential on the perception of a problem, mainly if these Jestico, Andrew Marsh, Spencer de Grey and Sunand
facts are related to or affect their professional viewpoint. Prasad. They were of fundamental help for the develop-
And according to the interviews, it can be noticed that its ment of this research, being very collaborative to dedicate
influence varies in different social contexts, once the oil their time in the interviews and giving their consent to
crisis of the 1970s was a stronger influence to the publish their individual statements.
Europeans to awake their interest for environmental
integration and improve their knowledge. References
The particular concept the architect has about architec-
ture reinforces which are the issues considered most [1] Energy Research Group. Solar bioclimatic architecture 2, lior CD
collection—renewable energy series, School of Architecture. Ireland:
relevant and which choices should be taken. What all the
University College of Dublin; 1999.
interviewed architects have in common is the interest in the [2] Carson R. Silent spring. Ed. New York: Mariner Books; 2002.
technical issues of architecture, which was stimulated [3] Olgyay V. Design with climate bioclimatic approach to architecture
through their experience in architectural education or in regionalism. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Princeton University; 1973.
their past professional practice and references or specific [4] PPGEC. Advanced topics in Bioclimatology to building design,
facts. Their preferences for technical issues and awareness regarding environmental comfort. Internal report of the post
graduation program of civil engineer—UFSC; 1994.
of the importance of their balance with the other design [5] Rowe, Peter G. Design thinking. England: The MIT Press; 1987.
considerations agrees with their concept that the architect, [6] Cross N, editor. Developments in design methods. Cambridge: MIT
as the leader of the design process, must understand a little press; 2000.
of everything, integrating engineer and architect’s work. [7] Touman LA, Al-Ajmi F. Tradition, climate: as the neglected concepts
in architecture. Building and Environment 2004;40(8):1076–84.
The analysis of the interviews also assured the impor-
[8] AU—Revista de Arquitetura e Urbanismo. Entrevista João Fil-
tance of a strong knowledge basis to the understanding of gueiras Lima. In: Au 82, Pinni; 1992. p. 27–30.
the aspects of the design itself. The addition of information [9] Anderson JR., 5th ed. New York: Worth Publishers; 2000.
explicitly changes their perception of the problem. Once [10] Blackburn S. The oxford dictionary of philosophy. 2nd ed. Oxford:
they start to understand the concepts and principles of Oxford University Press; 2005.
building physics they improve their understanding of the [11] Bauer MW, Gaskell G. Qualitative researching with text, image and
sound: A practical handbook. London: Sage; 2000.
quality and applicability of the design solution. It agrees [12] Kvale S. An introduction to qualitative research interviewing.
with the sense in cognitive psychology and phenomenology California: Sage publications, Inc.; 1996.
that as we acquire new information our percept shifts [13] Freebody P. Qualitative research in education: interaction and
[9,15]. practice. London: Sage; 2003.
The development of knowledge through the experience [14] Wolcott HF. Transforming qualitative data: description, analysis and
interpretation. London: Sage; 1994.
in their formal education or in their first professional [15] Moser, P. The oxford handbook of epistemology (online), Available
experiences was very influential on their understanding at: /www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/philosophy/
of architecture itself and consequently on their under- 0195130057/toc.htmlS (Accessed 13-08 2005).
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A.A. Maciel et al. / Building and Environment 42 (2007) 3762–3773 3773

[16] World Commission on Environment and Development. 42/187. [18] Popper K. Objective knowledge: an evolutionary approach, revised
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1979.
Available at /www.un.org/documents/ga/res/42/ares42-187.htmS [19] Mccoy CS. Ethics for the post-critical era: perspectives from the
(Accessed at 12-09-2005). thought of Michael Polanyi. The Polanyi society periodical (online),
[17] John G, Clements-Grome D, Jeronimidis G. Sustainable building Available at: /www.missouriwestern.edu/orgs/polanyiS (Accessed
solutions: a review of lessons from the natural world. Building and 16-08-2005).
Environment 2004;40(3):319–28.