Integrating Vernacular Architecture Attributes into Contemporary Residential Design Utilising BIM and Digital Technologies: Comprehensive Synthesis and Evaluation

Abstract

Recently, there has been a threat of losing traditions and architectural cultural identity, including the potential loss of vernacular architecture due to several aspects, one of which is the globalisation of the construction industry. Also, there is an escalated concern regarding the detrimental environmental impact of the built environment, and sustainability practice has been heavily recommended. However, these sustainability and cultural challenges can be mitigated by preserving and integrating the accumulated knowledge of vernacular architecture into contemporary practice. Thus, this research comprehensively evaluates and synthesises literature and practical applications of integrating vernacular architecture attributes into contemporary residential design using BIM and digital technologies. It aims to establish a comprehensive framework for this integration to assist practitioners in enhancing sustainability and cultural relevance. To achieve this aim, two stages of the literature review are conducted: initial and systematic. The initial literature review establishes a critical understanding of the main concepts related to the research area. Then, the systematic literature review that follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines is conducted to investigate and assess the current practice of BIM and digital technologies in residential vernacular architecture. The research used a mixed-methods approach involving qualitative and quantitative data to synthesise descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The result shows that BIM and digital technologies can significantly aid in integrating vernacular architecture attributes into contemporary residential design practice, mitigating sustainability and cultural relevance challenges. It also provides a comprehensive framework that shows new horizons and triggers future studies.