بررسی استفاده از مصالح بومی در پروژه‌های معماری و تأثیر آن بر مدیریت ساخت پایدار در شهرها و سکونتگاه‌های کوچک

Background and Objectives:

In recent years, the increasing use of industrial materials and non-local construction patterns in small cities and settlements has been associated with increased energy consumption, higher construction and transportation costs, reduced use of local capacities, and weakening of local architectural identity. In this context, vernacular materials, as an important component of vernacular and sustainable architecture, can provide environmental, economic, social, technical, and managerial benefits. However, previous studies have generally examined these aspects separately, and the relationship between vernacular materials and sustainable construction management has received less integrated attention, particularly in small cities and settlements. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of vernacular materials in sustainable construction management by identifying the key sustainability indicators and examining their relationships through a comparative analysis of selected case studies.

Methods:

This study adopted a qualitative and applied approach based on a systematic review of previous studies and a comparative analysis of seven case studies. Relevant scientific literature on vernacular architecture, vernacular materials, sustainability, life-cycle assessment, and construction management was collected and screened based on the PRISMA 2020 framework. Following the review and conceptual analysis of the selected literature, 25 sub-indicators were identified. To reduce conceptual overlap and provide a coherent analytical framework, these sub-indicators were organized into eight final indicators: climate compatibility and locally sourced materials, material life cycle and durability, environmental protection, economic efficiency, cultural identity, thermal and climatic performance, resource management and local knowledge, and supportive policymaking. These indicators were subsequently examined within five broader dimensions: environmental, economic, social, technical–structural, and managerial–executive. The resulting framework was applied to seven case studies located in different geographical, climatic, and cultural contexts, including Akyaka, Gondar, Maanqiao, Chengjiapu, Shang, Yazd, and Kashan.

Results:

The findings indicate that vernacular materials can contribute to sustainable construction management through their compatibility with local climatic conditions, reduced dependence on external resources, lower transportation requirements, use of local labor, and preservation of local knowledge and cultural identity. The analysis of the seven cases revealed five common patterns. First, the use of vernacular materials is closely related to climatic conditions and local design knowledge. Second, local resources and labor are associated with economic efficiency through reduced transportation and greater use of local capacities. Third, vernacular materials and construction techniques contribute to the preservation of cultural identity and sense of place. Fourth, material durability, repairability, reuse, and life-cycle considerations are related to more efficient resource management. Fifth, supportive policies, standardization, education, and institutionalization of local knowledge are important for maintaining and expanding the use of vernacular materials.

Regarding the three research questions, the first finding demonstrates that vernacular materials can improve the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable construction management when their selection and application are adapted to local environmental and human capacities. The second finding shows that life-cycle considerations should not be limited to direct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), but should also include durability, maintenance, repair, reuse, and material recovery. The third finding indicates that the technical and structural characteristics of vernacular materials, particularly thermal performance, durability, and environmental compatibility, are closely related to project implementation and management. Their effective performance is enhanced when combined with climatic design knowledge, local construction techniques, and, where necessary, modern technologies.

Conclusion:

Overall, the study demonstrates that the relationship between vernacular materials and sustainable construction management is multidimensional and interconnected. Their sustainability does not depend solely on their inherent characteristics, but also on how they are selected, applied, managed, maintained, and integrated into the construction process. Accordingly, strengthening local skills and education, developing appropriate standards, supporting local producers and labor, considering the life cycle of materials, and establishing supportive policies can facilitate the effective use of vernacular materials in small cities and settlements. Nevertheless, limitations related to the availability and consistency of data, differences among case studies, unequal levels of LCA information, and the diversity of climatic, cultural, economic, and managerial contexts mean that the findings should primarily be interpreted within the framework of the seven cases examined. Future research should therefore validate the proposed indicators quantitatively, expand the number of case studies, conduct field-based performance assessments, and investigate the role of policy and management mechanisms in greater depth.