reflection on the theory and practice of integral sustainable design in rural context: a literature review

Abstract

Sustainability is often discussed with regard to urban development. However, the prevailing system of developing rural areas with poor communities and numerous critical problems associated with the same are hardly in line with the concept of sustainability. In order to achieve a true rural development, the rural built environment should be provided with sustainability principles which produce economically, socially and environmentally responsible designs and constructions. In addition, the so called sustainable design and construction should respect the existing individual life style, cultural views, values and systems of the rural communities. Considering the need for addressing the aforementioned facts, this study aims at understanding the need for an integrated framework for sustainable building design and construction in the rural context. Accordingly, the Integral Sustainable Design theory is used to identify the multiple perspectives that should be addressed in sustainable rural development. The study is based on a comprehensive literature review on the rural community requirements and how they are adequately fulfilled with the application of sustainability in reference to the Integral Sustainability Design theory. The research findings reveal that an integrated framework for sustainable building design and construction can address a diverse range of issues available in the community such as poverty, lack of education, lack of protection for women and children, lack of protection in natural disasters and unstable living conditions while eliminating the prevailing short-termism and fragmentation of development. The research outcomes will provide a holistic view of application of sustainability in rural development through rethinking, design, construction and operation.