The construction of the Mediterranean territory from an ecological perspective

Abstract

Territorial systems have developed in parallel to human evolution and the artefacts that were created and perfected by mankind to transform the environment, according to its values and needs. In the Mediterranean Basin, a highly sustainable cultural landscape was slowly configured, but the intensive use of fossil fuels driven by industrialisation triggered rapid alterations causing spatial polarisation of the territory. Environmental pollution and visual homogenisation are some of the negative impacts that deteriorate living conditions of the population and compromise conservation of existing heritage. Traditional architecture appears as a “built archive” of sustainable solutions to address these issues, for example by planning holistically efficient settlements and using bioclimatic building techniques. These strategies can contribute to designing new socio-ecological systems that are more diverse, healthier and durable.