Impact of environmental changes caused by agricultural industry in Mekong Delta on accessibility to traditionally used wood types in rural Khmer vernacular housing architecture

Impact of environmental changes caused by agricultural industry in Mekong Delta on accessibility to traditionally used wood types in rural Khmer vernacular housing architecture

Blicharz, E. (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment; TU Delft History, Form & Aesthetics)

Calitz, S. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences

AR2A011

2024-04-18

This history thesis delves into the impact of environmental changes induced by the agricultural industry in the Mekong Delta on rural Khmer vernacular housing construction. Focusing on the accessibility to traditionally used wood species integral to the Khmer ethnic group's architectural practices, this study explores the intricate construction techniques associated with each wood type. The agricultural sector's expansion in the region since 1970s has catalyzed significant environmental transformations, potentially jeopardizing the availability of these essential wood materials. By delving into the historical and ecological context of the Mekong Delta, the study explores the interplay between agricultural expansion, deforestation, and alterations in wood availability for local construction practices. The Delta begins in Phnom Penh in Cambodia where Mekong River meets Tonle Sap River and spans till it reaches the South China Sea in Vietnam. It is a vital region, known for its rich biodiversity, agricultural productivity since ancient times, and unique ecosystems. It has historically relied on a diverse array of wood types for crafting Khmer vernacular housing, which evolved very little between Angkorean times and French colonial rule. This paper examines how environmental transformations induced by agricultural industry, which started as early as 1900 and live till the present, have impacted traditional building materials crucial for Khmer architectural styles. It highlights the importance of considering environmental sustainability in preserving traditional building practices and safeguarding cultural identity within Khmer vernacular architecture in the Mekong Delta.

Cambodia
Vietnam
Deforestation
Agricultural industry
climate change
Mekong Delta
Khmer vernacular architecture

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© 2024 E. Blicharz