Switched on to nature tech?
Whether it is out at sea or in the heart of our…
Building wisdom in the landscape
This project showcases the significance of local wisdom in architectural design using an interactive augmented reality (AR) approach. It highlights two unique building styles; the Istana Puteri Bongsu and a Scottish Bothy. The AR models are created using dimensions and photos from site visits.
To capture the spirit of the Bothy and what makes these buildings a unique part of the Scottish landscape meant two things on the site visit: a long walk and unpredictable weather. To select and create the AR Bothy example the UK research team visited Doune Byre in Stirlingshire and Abyssinia in Argyll and Bute. The crisp morning frost, sunshine, hail and heavy rain set a backdrop to why these buildings originated. Often initially built as places of shelter, these buildings became homes to those working on the land in the 18th and 19th century. The story of each Bothy is unique. After the first day visit Doune, day two brought the team to Abyssinia. Peter from the Mountain Bothy Association provided much appreciated guidance and shared the history of Abyssinia in Glen Kinglas Argyll.
By capturing dimensions, stories and photos the Huts to Palaces exhibit aims to share the unique way in which vernacular buildings have evolved with the landscape and society. The project brings together two different ways of creating buildings in response to the climate, geography and requirements with an intention to consider how the built environment could respond to a changing natural environment due to climate change.
The partner site in Malaysia is a palace equally full of stories. Here the Huts to Palace exhibition is able to be displayed in situ with the AR featured Bothy bringing the sound of Scottish Bagpipes to the backdrop of the idealistic coastal surroundings. The Palace of Istana is a remarkable example of 19th century traditional Malay construction using local hardwood. Built on stilts to protect against flooding and with intricate carved panels to provide natural ventilations. The site is now situated in the grounds of The Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation, and means the history and design of the building can be restored and shared.
The British Council’s Connection Through Cultural 2023 Grant is designed to bring countries, heritage and ideas together. You can read more about the sites in the project’s first post here.
