Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering

Vernacular Architecture, Cultural Identity, and Environmental Design in Contemporary Contexts

Vernacular architecture across Asia and the Middle East represents a profound intersection of cultural identity, environmental adaptation, and community-driven knowledge. Rooted in locally available materials and shaped by generations of socio-cultural practice, vernacular environments embody ways of living that are deeply responsive to climate, geography, and social life. They provide valuable insights into how built forms evolve as expressions of cultural resilience, environmental intelligence, and spatial traditions. In many regions, these architectural languages continue to inform contemporary aspirations for sustainability, well-being, and identity in the built environment.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization, climate challenges, and increasing pressures on cultural continuity, the lessons embedded within vernacular environments have renewed global importance. Traditional spatial patterns such as courtyards, introverted dwellings, shaded pathways, climate-responsive building materials and cultural heritage offer evidence-based strategies for addressing heat, privacy, social cohesion, and environmental comfort. Likewise, intangible cultural practices embedded within these built forms reveal how architecture mediates relationships between people, climate, gender roles, rituals, and community structure. Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for safeguarding heritage but also for informing innovative design approaches that reconcile contemporary needs with cultural and environmental continuity.

This Article Collection invites original research, case studies, analytical reviews, and methodological contributions that explore vernacular architecture through architectural vocabulary, cultural, environmental, or spatial lenses. Submissions may include themes such as traditional and contemporary architectural typologies; climate-adaptive building strategies; spatial organization and social behavior; environmental performance of vernacular structures; cultural identity and architectural expression; urban morphology of traditional settlements; community memory and intangible heritage; the integration of vernacular principles into modern sustainable design and cultural heritage influence in contemporary context. Contributions focusing on regions within Asia and the Middle East are particularly welcome, including interdisciplinary studies bridging architecture, environmental design, anthropology, heritage studies, and urban planning. The Collection seeks to highlight how vernacular knowledge can inspire contemporary architectural practices, advance climate-responsive design methodologies, and reinforce cultural identity in rapidly transforming contexts.

Keywords: Vernacular Architecture; Cultural Identity; Environmental Design; Climate-Responsive Architecture; Cultural Heritage

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This topic strongly supports the following SDGs:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Sustainable urban development through traditional settlement patterns; Safeguarding cultural and natural heritage; Urban morphology of traditional settlements; Community-driven knowledge and social cohesion; Resilient built environments adapted to local contexts; Inclusive and safe public spaces informed by vernacular spatial traditions).
• SDG 13: Climate Action (Climate-responsive building strategies and materials; Environmental adaptation and climate intelligence; Heat mitigation through traditional design (courtyards, shaded pathways); Evidence-based strategies for addressing climate challenges; Low-carbon building approaches using local materials).
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Use of locally available, sustainable materials; Resource-efficient traditional building practices; Circular economy principles in vernacular construction; Reduced environmental footprint through local sourcing; Sustainable material cycles and waste minimization)
• SDG 15: Life on Land (Sustainable use of natural resources; Protection of ecosystems through environmentally responsive design; Biodiversity considerations in traditional building practices; Land use patterns that respect natural geography).
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Integration of vernacular principles into modern sustainable design; Innovative design methodologies reconciling tradition with contemporary needs; Resilient infrastructure informed by traditional knowledge; Technological advancement through heritage-informed approaches)

This Article Collection, is part of Taylor & Francis's SDG Article Collection Series. This series is dedicated to publishing groundbreaking research that addresses global sustainability challenges while accelerating progress toward achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Articles published within this collection will benefit from enhanced promotional activities across Taylor & Francis platforms, ensuring increased visibility and discoverability for your research.

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is [30 November 2026].

Please contact Zhan Yu at [email protected] with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select "Vernacular Architecture, Cultural Identity, and Environmental Design in Contemporary Contexts" from the drop-down menu in the submission system.

Dr. Mohammed Mashary Alnaim is an Associate Professor of Architecture specializing in vernacular environments, cultural heritage, and environmental design in Saudi Arabia. His research explores the spatial logic of traditional settlements, courtyard typologies, socio-cultural influences on architectural form, and climate-responsive design across the Middle East. He has published and reviewed widely in international journals and serves as an expert consultant for cultural heritage initiatives, national commissions, and major architectural projects in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alnaim is also the Secretary-General of the Prince Sultan bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage and Architectural Director at Afinah Co., where he contributes to research, documentation, and heritage-based design practices.