The Vernacular as a Model

for Sustainable Design

Amanda Heal, Caroline Paradise

and Dr. Wayne Forster

Welsh School of Architecture,

Cardiff University
Introduction

•An innovative approach to teaching and

learning vernacular architecture and
sustainable design

•World Architecture Module – First year

at Welsh School of Architecture
Vernacular architecture

‘to further the debate on the importance

of vernacular architecture studies now
and throughout the twenty-first century,
not as a study of past traditions, but as a
contribution to new methods, solutions
and achievements for the future built
environment’.
L. Asquith and M. Vellinga, Vernacular Architecture in the
Twenty-First Century: Theory, Education and Practice

•Vernacular as a source for teaching

sustainable design
Sustainability

•Sustainability and building technology are

fundamental to architectural education

‘at Part 1 students will demonstrate […]

the ability to integrate knowledge of
human well being, the welfare of future
generations, the natural world,
consideration of a sustainable
environment [and] use of materials’.

RIBA Tomorrow’s Architect

•‘add-on’ technology vs. passive strategies

Educational Approach

•Integrated approach

•Lecture theatre is detached from design

studio and real buildings

•Engaging and stimulating

Aims of World Architecture Module

•First year students at Welsh School of

Architecture

•Vernacular buildings as learning

environments

•Intuitive understanding from early

experience

•Vernacular as a model for teaching

sustainable design
•Comprehensible
•Passive strategies
•Integral to form, orientation &
materiality
Module Outline: St. Fagans: Museum of
Welsh Life
•Week-long block course

•Open-air museum exhibiting various

vernacular buildings form across Wales

•Daily themes:
•Site & Climate
•Structure & Materials
•Thermal Environment
•Visual Environment
•Acoustic Environment
Module Outline: St. Fagans Week

•Subject specialist demonstration

•Small group observation, measuring,

analysis

•Individual notebook
World Architecture Lecture Series

•World vernacular architecture

•Culture, Gravity & Wind, Function & Use,

Materials, Settlement, Refinement

•Relates building technology to other design

issues
‘Model’ and Design Week

•Week-long design exercise

•Apply new skills and understanding to

design

•Develop and draw a ‘model’ based on

understanding of vernacular

•Apply model to small design

Course Outcomes

•Intuitive understanding that can be applied

to design

•Encourages passive strategies at concept

design stage

•Site & climate, built form and people are

integrated through design

•Practical architectural skills

•Realistic designs informed by experience

The Vernacular as a Model

Vernacular Architecture in the Twenty-First

Century: Theory, Education and Practice
Conference: Oxford, December 2005

‘Vernacular Design as a Model System’,

Amos Rapoport
Conclusions

•Employ vernacular buildings to address

challenges of teaching sustainable design

•Integrated design approach: site and

climate, sustainable building design and
human comfort

•Lessons intuitively applied to design

•Wider use of vernacular as a source of

information and inspiration in architectural
education

•Vernacular architecture can contribute to

future of built environment as a model for
sustainable design
Conclusions

•Employ vernacular buildings to address

challenges of teaching sustainable design

•Integrated design approach: site and

climate, sustainable building design and
human comfort

•Lessons intuitively applied to design

•Wider use of vernacular as a source of

information and inspiration in architectural
education

•Vernacular architecture can contribute to

future of built environment as a model for
sustainable design