Open House International

Salama, Ashraf M.

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0001

When looking at recent debates on sustainability one can observe that implicit within these debates is a criticism against the values, attitudes, and tools by which most of the built environment has been produced over the years, that has led to social alienation and environmental depletion. Several definitions of sustainability correspond with this criticism, where some definitions focus on environmental criteria while others integrate socio-cultural aspects into environmental concerns. The main idea behind the notion of sustainability is to create an effective system of resource distribution and utilization with a long term perspective in mind (ECE, 1996). A sustainable society in this respect is one that can persist over generations, one that is far sighted enough, flexible enough, and wise enough not to undermine either its physical or its social systems of support.

Eyüce, Ahmet

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0002

Ecologically fit built form and settlement is an outcome of harmonious modes of interaction between the man-made and the natural environment. It is also the prerequisite of a sustainable planning and design process. In building terms, an ecologically fit building involves the existence of appropriate schemes of enclosures and exposures of indoor spaces which is achieved through fundamental building features like relations with the ground, properties of building mass, treatment of the building envelop and roof performance.While the debate on the conflicting aspects of the two extremes, namely the international style and regionalism, continues to occupy architectural media, a new paradigm of place dependent ecological architecture has to be formulated. In this connection it is not surprising to notice that vernacular built form based on building traditions are ecologically fit and may well constitute a sound source of information. This study aims at deciphering relevant clues to be utilized as design guidelines through the analysis of fundamental building features of vernacular built environments.

Bromberek, Zbigniew

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0003

The argument presented in this paper is based on distinctive and exploitable differences which merit putting eco-tourists, eco-resorts and the coastal tropics into categories of their own. Such differences should inform planning and design process when working in this environment, which is both very sensitive and valuable. The paper aims to describe the main characteristics of the coastal tropics as a climate targeted by eco-tourism. Differences between eco-tourists and residents are presented through definition of comfort. Climatic and other factors influencing comfort limits are at the core of discussion, in which passive design is seen as the most appropriate response to challenges of the tropical coast setting. The design opportunities for the desirable climate modifications in eco-friendly resorts together with some passive design features are briefly presented. These architectural design solutions are set against theoretical principles specific to tropical coastal regions. The focus is on human responses to environmental factors, and on their implications. The paper concludes with a few recommendations aimed to deliver indoor conditions consistent with climatic preferences of itinerant environmentally conscious users of buildings in the coastal tropics. Such an approach is expected to minimize impacts the facility will make on the environment.

Alvardo, Rodrigo Garcia; Trebilcock, Maureen; Ascui, Hernan

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0004

This article reviews a hot spring spa located in the south of Chile and discusses the contribution of this project to the development of a particular route to sustainability that is highly grounded in a poetic sensitivity to nature and culture. Termas Geometricas, the work of architect Germán del Sol, is an interesting example of an architectural intervention that overlays subtle ecological design principles in a place of outstanding beauty, where the result not only respects, but also celebrates nature. The architect's first concern in the design process was "to discover what is in the place", above and beyond the geographical or cultural aspects.Principles of environmental design included the use of local materials and local labor, low energy strategies and a general approach to favoring the crude experience of nature towards the limits of comfort. Buildings are barely heated and naturally ventilated, while there is limited provision of electricity, which encourages the experience of the wind, sun, rain and the magnificent beauty of nature. The conclusions stress the fact that there is a new wave of tourism facility in Chile, which has achieved a surprising commercial success by combining careful design, sound environmental principles and natural potential oriented to exalting the experience of place.

Owen, Ceridwen

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0005

Ecotourism is a burgeoning sector of the tourism industry offering a relatively guilt-free environment in which to satisfy the desire for travel and adventure. The discourse is firmly entrenched within the dominant conception of sustainability where nature is seen as a privileged ‘other’, untouched by humans. This ideology is also prevalent in the design of ecotourism facilities, which are generally predicated on a model of minimal intervention. This low-impact approach is not problematic in itself, but it misses the opportunity to engage in a more productive and ‘regenerative’ relationship with place. Conversely, Philip Cox Richardson Taylor's design for the resort town of Yulara in central Australia sought a more constructive relationship with place and questioned the conventional notion of ‘resort’. Although this resort, constructed in 1984, predates the current ecotourism industry and certification programs, it remains an early exemplar of innovations in this area and offers the benefits of hindsight. Through an exploration of the ideals and realities of the design and subsequent occupation of Yulara, this paper questions the potential challenges and opportunities of the design of ecotourism facilities to engage in a more ‘regenerative’ agenda. In particular, it identifies the social context and consideration of spatial practice as a key area of opportunity for the built environment to contribute to the ecotourism goal of interpretation and education through a more reflexive form of environmental awareness.

Salama, Ashraf M.

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0006

An ambitions strategic plan for tourism development in the Red Sea region is currently implemented. Without adequate concern for environmental protection this development could cause ecological threats. Problems resulted from conventional tourism corroborate the need for a culturally and environmentally responsible alternative, namely ecotourism. Consequently, ecologically sensitive facilities are in high demand that can be met with ecolodges. This paper reports on a collaborative process for developing an ecolodge demonstration project. The process was initiated and tested involving a number of experts and encompassing participatory mechanisms, site analyses, and interviews. The results of this process were incorporated into a final planning alternative that is envisioned as a tool that guides the professional community in Egypt toward the development of sustainable tourism facilities in the region.

Chaouni, Aziza

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0007

This paper attempts to delineate an adequate typology for desert ecolodges in the developing world by focusing on the Northern Saharan region as an area of study. To do so, it first situates ecotourism in the Sahara within the larger history of tourism in the region. Then, it studies its evolution and manifestations while concentrating on the challenges it is confronted to as well as the environmental impacts it inflicts, mainly due to the inadequacy of its accommodation facilities. Hence, the paper advances a new paradigm for desert ecolodges, stressing the importance of a comprehensive resource and waste management strategy. Other recommended features include sustainable building methods, community involvement, and nature conservation and education. Each one of these attributes is further analyzed in three successful case studies located in the Egyptian desert. The study of these cases reveal that in order to decrease their environmental footprint, desert ecolodges should put more efforts into integrating new energy and water harvesting technologies as well as establish a symbiotic relationship with the oasis landscape.

Mahgoub, Yasser

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0008

The desert was always part of the Arabian culture and a way of life. After the discovery of oil during the 1940's, traditional Arab societies became urbanized and settled in newly constructed cities and towns. The desert became a place to visit for leisure and entertainment by locals and tourists. In Dubai, the desert is used as a tourist attraction for foreigners. In Kuwait, the desert is a seasonal attraction for families and groups during the winter time. This involves informal leisure activities that endanger the fragile desert environment and cause its pollution and degradation. This paper discusses the impact of informal desert tourism activities on the desert sustainability in Kuwait. It warns against the negative impact of current practices on the fragile desert environment as a result of informal local tourism activities. The paper explores successful examples from the region and the world in order to highlight aspects of successful interventions that blend in with the desert context. It suggests sustainable measures to deal with the planning and designing for desert ecotourism facilities that aim at protecting the fragile desert environment from deterioration and eventual extinction.

Repiso, Luciana; Ravegnini, Natalia; Sleive, Emma Puch

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0009

Keeping the spirit of each place is the greatest challenge posed by interventions in heritage sites. The delicacy of the environments that host these sites entails that the adaptations required to serve tourism be conceived in full harmony with the surrounding context. This paper starts from the recognition that sustainable design, linked to the principles of sustainable tourism and particularly of ecotourism, is an operative and instrumental basis for the physical planning of sustainable tourism projects. The paper presents an application of sustainability criteria to the planning and design of an archaeological park, located in Quebrada de Humahuaca (a World Heritage Site in Argentina). Its aim is thus to expose the planning and sustainable design process that was carried out at different projecting scales, from the general zoning to the technological resolution of the park's facilities. It communicates the results obtained from the design experimentation and exploration, which were generated from the very local resources. As a conclusion, it is found that sustainable design allows the transfer of ecotourism principles to the physical planning level of the tourist activity. In this case, it is demonstrated that the setting out of sustainable criteria in terms of context, function, formality and technology is essential to help a sustainable tourist product comes to fruition. Success in conservation, protection and valuation of the existing resources in heritage destinations will depend on the degree of suitability of sustainable design measures at each intervention scale.

Altun, Sedef; Beyhan, Gülin; Esengil, Recep

2007 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2007-B0010

The article establishes a framework for diversifying tourism in Antalya through the evaluation of a village in terms of sustainable rural tourism. Located 160 kilometers from Antalya on the road to Konya, the Akseki district is explored as a case study within the context of the project. The goal of the project is to provide maximum efficiency in the economical, social, and cultural dimensions of tourism with sustainable development practices in order to dispel the incongruities of regional development. As a result of the survey carried out in the region, the "Sarihacilar" Village, located 4 km away from downtown Akseki, was chosen as a sample for application due to its unique richness. Hosting only seven migrant families dealing with livestock, it is almost abandoned because of migration. The planning process endeavors to bring rural tourism to the Sarihacilar Village; it started with the preparation of an inventory of the existing village and the houses. The process was carried out through communication with the homeowners, determination of necessities, re-programming of the buildings and questionnaires. In the meantime, maps of the existing conditions and the settlement plans for the village were prepared. Subsequently the restoration some of buildings, 10 houses and village mansions, had been completed. With the aims of providing possibilities of alternative tourism in Antalya and of accelerating progress in rural areas by means of tourism, the Akseki Sarihacilar village seeks to create a tourism industry that guarantees that all of its local, social and cultural values are preserved.