Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular Architecture

By:Adulsak "Otto" Chanyakorn

Vernacular is a word that comes from Latin verna or slave (Maudlin, 2010).  The definition of vernacular architecture is buildings which were created by non-professional architects. Vernacular architecture is defined as spontaneous, low culture, layman, anonymous, circumstance and passed down (Maudlin, 2010,). The definition covers many areas of architecture including traditional architecture, folk, rural, or informal architectures (Arbolede, 2006). The definition of vernacular architecture did not exist until the mid-twentieth century when scholars tried to define the differences between Modernist and traditional architecture. Vernacular existed in many regions of the world. Architects became interested in studying vernacular architecture around the beginning of the twentieth century (Arbolede, 2006). The book that drew the architects’ attention to vernacular architecture was Architecture Without Architect by Bernard Rudofsky. 

Vernacular architecture has become the mainstream study in the modern era because of three most important reasons. First, global communication technologies and the advancement of modern communication technologies have assisted architects and other professionals in building to discover different types of architecture in other parts of the world. They are looking for alternative inspirations to create new kinds of architecture and vernacular is playing an important role in the past decades.

Second, the global environmental crisis, which includes environmental problems such as energy crisis, pollution issues, global warming and so on, draws the attention from architects around the world to become concerned about energy consumption.  In particular, architects have realized that building industries consume a main portion of energy in the world. Because of this problem, architects are searching for alternative design strategies to reduce energy consumption in this industry. Vernacular architecture became a model of case study for architects to master solving environmental problems in terms of vernacular construction techniques, alternative construction materials, and indigenous architectural forms. Vernacular architecture employs sustainable construction manners by using local energy resources and consuming less energy compared to modern architecture (Arbolede, 2006). However, it became a controversy among architects and scholars about comparing vernacular architectures that were built in the past with modern buildings because some argue that contexts and other aspects are different such as economic, political, socials, cultural change, and so on. Furthermore, some vernacular structure types are no longer used; in contrast, modern structures and materials offer a better solution for solving contemporary problems.

Third, global politics is a factor that is deeply connected to the second factor. Nowadays, a lot of communities around the world are living in modern houses but they still build vernacular houses as models in their communities to support certain right claims (Arbolede, 2006).

Local construction skills are a factor that vernacular dwellings take into account. The essential aspect of vernacular architecture is employing available technologies and construction skills in its region which would significantly reduce the construction costs producing architecture. Local skills and economic factors are important factors and have had great results in vernacular architecture. The research from Wael A. Yousef refers to an Egyptian architect “Hassan Fathy who was one of the pioneers in this field in Egypt, was undoubtedly remarkable. He attempted to introduce a rational and regionally accepted as well as environmentally valid architecture that is sensitive to the economical circumstances and regional traditions” (Yousuf, 2011, p.114)

The essential purpose of studying vernacular architecture is looking for benefits from local materials, availability of indigenous energy sources, purity of architectural forms, local climate, and local construction skills. These factors will lead to sustainable architecture.

References

Arboleda, G. (2006). What is Vernacular Architecture? Ethno Architecture. Retrieved

     from www.vernaculararchitecture.com

Maudlin, D. (2010). Crossing Boundaries: Revisiting the Thresholds of Vernacular     

     Architecture. Vernacular Architecture, 41(1),10-14.doi: 10.1179/17496210X1283871653682

Yousuf, W. A. (2011). THE CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINABILIT IN DEVELOPING

     COUNTRIES AND THE ADAPTATION OF HERITAGE-INSPIRED

     ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEST. Archnet-IJAR, 5(2). 106-118.