Vernacular architecture
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Vernacular architecture is characterised by its reliance on needs, construction materials and traditions specific to its particular locality. It is a type of architecture which is indigenous to a specific time and place and not replicated from elsewhere. Historically, vernacular architecture has incorporated the skills and expertise of local builders as opposed to formally-trained architects.
Whilst often synonymous with primitive, nomadic or traditional architecture, can also apply to certain types or architecture in developed countries and urban societies.
The development of vernacular architecture centres on the functions that the building type is required to perform. The design then generally evolves over time, becoming more refined and tailored to the contexts in which it exists, including:
- The availability of resources, skilled workforce, and so on.
- Local technology.
- Climate: The amount of sunshine, humidity, rain, wind, temperature profiles, and so on.
- Local culture: The way of life of the occupiers greatly influences the building form. This can include the size of families, the way the building is used, social conditions, local customs, religious values, and so on.
- Environment: Whether it is located near water, woodland, desert or mountainous terrain, and so on.
- Economic conditions.
- Historical influences.
[edit] Historical context
As a concept, the term ‘vernacular’ became commonly used in the 1800s, at a time when western colonial powers were exploring the new worlds that were being discovered. It is sometimes used as a derogatory term, suggesting something that may be quaint, but is derivative and has not been ‘properly’ designed by a professional.
During the first quarter of the 20th century, high profile architects such as Adolf Loos, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier began to extol the virtues of vernacular architecture. However, it wasn’t until 1964 that a successful exhibition by Bernard Rudofsky called ‘Architecture without Architects’ that the form became popularized.
[edit] Benefits of vernacular architecture
The benefits of vernacular architecture include:
- Capitalising on local knowledge and traditions.
- Taking advantage of local materials and resources, meaning that they are relatively energy efficient and sustainable.
- Providing a vital connection between humans and the environment in which they live.
- They can be designed specifically with the local climatic conditions in mind, and often perform well.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Antiquities.
- Architectural styles.
- Architecture of Christiania.
- Building Design in the Surrey Hills.
- Caithness Broch Project.
- Context.
- Contextualism.
- Design methodology.
- Earthen construction.
- English architectural stylistic periods.
- Favela.
- Historical versus Modern: Identity through imitation.
- Indigenous people.
- Indigenous knowledge.
- Small vernacular agricultural buildings in Wales.
- The Devetaki Project.
- The history of fabric structures.
- Traditional construction materials on the Isle of Man.
- Traditional knowledge.
- Traditional Homes of the South Downs National Park: an introduction.
- Understanding vernacular architecture.
- Village homes in Western Uganda.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.