2.2 Analysing the relationship between early man and nature
2.2.2 From early settlements to civilization
Each civilization has unique historical implications. In the state of rapid modernization, it is only through critical analysis of the past that will aid in the progress of the future.
Understanding architectural history is, therefore, a valuable strategy to advance geographically and culturally responsive contemporary design. In Understanding History of Architecture through Lost Cities (2015), it is espoused that we have started to embrace the future but have forgotten that history is what ushers us to a better tomorrow (Mahapatra, 2015).
The progression of civilization was heavily influenced by geographical location and climate.
With agricultural development and advancements in technology emerging, many settlements employed new artificial interventions to reshape their environments. This control over nature is explained by Watson (2012), stating that excess water in swamps, lakes, and subsequent flooding was considered problematic, leading to the construction of great drainage systems (Watson, 2012: 319).
Figure 3:The evolution of man and nature. Source: (Aidonis, 2013)
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Fernandez emphasizes human beings' attempts to "denature" humanity by discussing the increase in the reformation of nonhuman-nature through the destruction of the natural landscapes aimed to support built development (Fernandez, 2001).
Although some environments are more challenging for civilization survival, no habitable environment has resisted man's attempts at reconstruction, leading to current visionaries visualizing settlements on seabed's and colonies in space (Fernandez, 2001). It has now become a given that human settlements can happen anywhere through innovative design and construction afforded by technological advancement.
It is vital to note, however, that not all societies conquered ecosystems. According to Seamon (1986), "building and landscape more often arose from direct wish and need; the result was a meaningful connection between thing and human world" (Seamon, 1986). Many indigenous settlements accustomed themselves to living off natural products and occupy the spaces presented to them with minimal impacts on the biosphere (Watson 2012). Fernandez (2001), states that when faced with the need to dwell, humans developed structures close to natural sources with materials that nature supplied.
Agreeably, in Primitive Architecture and Climate (1960), it is demonstrated that indigenous communities had used their natural surroundings to generate climatically and environmentally responsive shelters (Fitch and Branch, 1960). Examples of nomadic tribes originating in harsh regions like deserts, tropical forests, and icy conditions have all shown resilience through innovative built intervention.
In regions such as the artic where there are little solar light, heat, and resources, there is a need for temporary shelter to combat extreme weather conditions. The abundant dry snow resulted in the igloo formation, proving to hold the lowest possible heat capacity, optimal for low cold climatic conditions. Additionally, the dome shape offered maximum resistance and minimal obstruction to gale force winds (Fitch and Branch, 1960).
Similar constructions and design considerations can be displayed in many primitive structures, such as flat-roofed dwellings found in Egypt (responding to their low rainfall), to wooden, stilted structures found in the tropical rain forests of Africa (Fitch and Branch, 1960).
Different civilizations had different geographical trends regarding their formation, survival, and dwelling. The physical and climatic context is integral to the formulation of a contextually
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appropriate response. It becomes necessary to investigate South Africa's historical ecology to predict and cater to future development.
2.2.3 An Ecological History of South Africa: Examining traditional methods of environmental conservation
South African societies, like most indigenous cultures, depended on the wealth of natural resources for the survival of their settlements and civilizations. According to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), the boundless history of South African early settlements held a great deal of awareness and concern for the conservation and preservation of the natural habitat (DEA, 2019). Their abounding societies and communities demonstrated to believe in a more harmonious relationship between their developments and the natural environment which they inhabited.
South African settlements demonstrated philosophies of sustainability and conservation at the very early stage of civilization (DEA, 2019). To prevent depletion of natural resources, many approaches were put into practice by the indigenous communities. The usage of resources was controlled by respected, influential rulers (DEA, 2019). The practice of sustainability and conservation is still presently evident, with South Africa being recognized as one of 17 megadiverse nations that collectively contain over two-thirds of the world's biodiversity (Klopper, 2010).
Many of Kwa-Zulu Natal's early structures had been contextually and environmentally responsive. It is stated in Primitive Architecture (1960) that Nomadic settlements constructed seasonal shelters made of animal skin, hair, and vegetable fibers (Fitch and Branch, 1960).
These shelters were also proven climatically responsive through external woven mats that covered wooden framed structures. These modular elements were constructed out of local reeds and could be retracted in hot, dry conditions to allow air movement and cooling. Similarly, these woven structures provided excellent waterproof membranes in rainy seasons (Fitch and Branch, 1960).
Perception in the ideologies between man and nature in the South African context had begun to shift with the introduction of rapid industrialization and the emergence of trade. Suburbs emerged outside towns while farm areas were being mortgaged (Anderson and O'Farrell,
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2012). Simultaneously, expansions and rapid divisions of land were eventually sold off for housing and developments (Laidler 1939).
It can be distinguished that there is an evident transition of land and resource usage from the occupancy of indigenous societies to the current state of the natural landscape. In an era of overconsumption, urbanization, and globalization, it is vital to acknowledge the ecological history and principles of the past to achieve sustainability for the future.