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| GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE TECHNIQUE |
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| Technique: |
ARCHITECTURE FOR MANAGING ENERGY AND RESOURCES |
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Definition characters description and diffusion
Traditional habitat systems that make the most of the available resources develop into historical centres of regional importance and with urban features. The logic of traditional knowledge and of urban ecosystems indicates a new model of environmental management to combat desertification and soil degradation, a model based on autopoiesis, homeostasis and self-sustainable development.
General characters description and diffusion
In the inland areas of Yucatan, in the classic age, the Mayas had to solve the problem of finding sufficient water resources in all seasons in order to meet the needs of the massive urban areas and of agriculture. From the 3rd century AD, the development of important towns was organized around natural depressions called aguada, into which the water collected by the dams and cisterns along the slopes flowed. At the end of the classic age, around the 9th century AD, driven by defensive purposes or under the pressure of the need to irrigate by the force of gravity larger and larger areas of farmland the Maya hydraulic technology developed so much that it exploited the highest peaks as harvesting systems. Thus the town itself with its numerous step pyramids, the monumental architecture, the paved squares and the large courtyards became a big rainwater harvesting system.
Advantages and sustainability
By using architecture to manage natural resources and energy, the towns and communities can use these resources to their full potential while doing so through sustainble methods that benefit the community without depleting the resources.
Images
Deepening
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TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE DATA
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| Reference: |
www.ipogea.org |
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