Bioclimatic Architecture

Adaptation to Climate Change

Our universe is a dynamic system where everything is in a constant state of flux. Some changes happen in the blink of an eye, while others take centuries to manifest. Change is ubiquitous, and it is happening all around us, sometimes unnoticed. The climate of our planet is no exception, and it is continually changing, with variations in temperature, sunshine, rainfall, and wind intensity and direction. These changes occur both on a daily basis, as we experience the succession of day and night, and throughout the year, as we witness the four seasons.

Adaptation to Climate Change

The natural world adapts to these changes, with organisms adjusting to new conditions. Deciduous plants, for instance, shed their leaves, while animals hibernate to cope with seasonal changes. The animal kingdom's most striking example of adaptation is the chameleon, which can change the color of its skin to blend in with its surroundings and avoid detection.

As humans are integral parts of this system, we are also subject to changes in our environment, including shifts in climate, geography, and the seasons. Consequently, these changes can lead to variations in our physical characteristics, such as skin and hair color, as well as our language and behavior. People living in warmer climates, for instance, tend to use more vowels in their speech than those living in colder regions. Similarly, individuals in areas with milder climates tend to spend more time outdoors and adhere to different dress codes depending on the season.

Adaptation is defined as the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

Nothing is created and destroyed in nature, but everything is transformed.

Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier

Building adaptability

Throughout history, humans have always attempted to adapt buildings to changing climatic conditions, albeit through empirical means rather than standardized rules. For instance, during the winter, people commonly used carpets on floors and walls to retain heat within a room. Additionally, during the day, they would leave shutters open to allow sunlight to warm up the space, and at night, they would close them to reduce heat loss through openings. Climbing plants were also frequently grown on pergolas in traditional architecture to provide shade during the summer months, and deciduous trees were planted in strategic locations to protect building volumes from the sun. These are just a few examples of the many ways people have addressed climatic needs, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate.

One notable example of such adaptability is the three-story Pelionian mansions. These buildings feature an intermediate floor designed for the winter, with few and small openings to retain heat, and a top floor intended for the summer, with ample and large openings to facilitate better ventilation. This approach highlights the creativity and innovative spirit of people throughout history in adapting to their environment and addressing their needs.