Article: «The cultural values of Earthen Architecture» (2023)

Cristini V., Lidón de Migue M., Mileto C., Vegas López-Manzanares F., Adhikary N. (2023) – The cultural values of Earthen Architecture: a heritage education experience in Nepal, EDULEARN23 Proceedings, p. 4900-4905.

Abstract

Architecture is a major component of cultural expression in given country, region or geographical area. The materials used in the construction of a specific area are a basic reflection of its culture. The different constructive variants of earthen architecture are a basic part of our culture both due to its ancient origin as well as its wide range of technologies and adaptation to natural and cultural surroundings. This situation has led to the progressive loss of awareness of earth as a building material, even though earth has numerous cultural and social values concerning sustainability and the current management of available resources.

Clay as raw material is inherently linked to certain concepts, including local tradition, the development of constructive capability, harmony with the environment, adaptation to place and 0 km architecture. Knowledge of this type of architecture enables to bridge the gap between the sociocultural and environmental values in Nepal’s society. In addition, it is essential to educate the representatives of future society, children and young people, in these values in order to ensure a gradual process of cultural recovery. Different pedagogic experts confirm that children’s brains are much more receptive to all sorts of learning and new experiences. Children tend to demonstrate a subconscious need to soak up new information through different observation, participation and exploration processes. Accordingly, a workshop was organised covering the stage of 6 to 12 years old children within the framework of the project “HouSe-Nepal: Anti-Earthquake Sustainable Housing Prototype”, financed by Centre for Development Cooperation (CCD) of Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. This action has been possible thanks to the involvement of local Abari Foundation, that in the Post Earthquake Scenario (Gorka 2015) has studied local buildings and traditional techniques linked with, with special care about local materials and traditional constructive techniques.

The paper will explain the steps of the workshop that has been undertaken in spring 2022, detailing the kids target group, the methodology, activities undertaken as well as raised awareness among children.

Keywords: Heritage learning, cooperation, heritage and inclusion, workshops.