Nature and structural design in architecture

Abstract

This paper pretends to show how nature and natural fibres and traditional techniques of using them influence structural architectural design. Man's first artificial shelters were built with branches covered by tree peels. On top of those, skins of animals were placed. Later on, instead of skins, woven leaves of palm tree began to be used, preceding the wool or cotton fabrics. Natural fibres are very effective to use in the interior of buildings, or on the exterior walls air gaps as insulation. The case studies presented here are not only supposed to strategies for optimized and thus more sustainable construction, but also as inspiration models that can be used in whole or in part to the conception of more “natural” architectures.