Urban Rural Development Network

International Student Competition

Learning from Vernacular Architecture
The Urban and Rural Development Network is an organisation aiming at bringing together international pro-
fessionals and researchers in the field of spatial planning and development studies. It is providing a platform
for the exchange of international professional experiences, research results and contacts related to the theme
„International Urban and Rural Development under the Influences of Globalisation, Transition Processes and
New Technologies“.

The URDN Student Competition is being launched for the first time this year. By introducing a Student Compe-
tition as an additional event to the annual Conference and Summer School of the Technical University Berlin,
the Network opens up to students and young professionals.

Every year the URDN Student Competition will give an extra Forum for related issues to the Conference and
the Summer School. This year the Conference and the Summer School are focusing on the following topics:

• Scaling-up Innovative Technologies

• Improving the Management of Urban Infrastructure Systems
• Introducing Sustainable Resource Management as a Core Theme
in Urban and Regional Planning

Under the title “Learning from vernacular Architecture”

the URDN Student Competition will examine the following questions:

• How are vernacular traditions being affected by current changes in ecology, culture,
economics and technology?

• In what way might vernacular traditions contribute positively in the context of these
changes?

• Will vernacular traditions be able to respond or adapt, or will they be forced to

disappear, as so many traditions already have done in the course of the 20th century?

• Is there still a place for vernacular architecture in the 21st century?

The selected 5 winners will be granted a scholarship to participate

at the URDN conference and summer school
from the 19th to 31st of August 2007 in Berlin.

criteria for participation:

you are under 28 years old and from one of the following regions or countries:
North Africa, West Asia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Columbia
 Case study on vernacular architecture:

1. Discuss whether and if so why there is - or is not - still a place for vernacular building and
architecture in the modern world.

Internationally published definition of Vernacular Architecture in the WorldWideWeb:

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernacular_architecture)

Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorise a method of construction which uses locally
available resources to address local needs. It tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental,
cultural and historical context in which it exists.

[...] Oliver has argued that vernacular architecture, given the insights it gives into issue of environmental
adaptation, will be necessary in the future to „ensure sustainability in both cultural and economic terms
beyond the short term.“ [...]

[...] An appreciation of vernacular architecture is increasingly seen as vital in the immediate response to
disasters and the following construction of transitional shelter if it is needed. [...]

2. Give an account of selected aspects of vernacular building and architecture of your country/
region which were effective in providing a good internal or local environment, that have been
negatively affected by cultural, economic, and technological change in recent decades.

3. Illustrating this with one or more specific examples, make realistic proposals regarding the
means to reintroduce good vernacular practice into contemporary architectural and
building practice (institutional measures such as laws, regulations and advisory councils).

4. Illustrate one or more applications of vernacular building and architecture that could be revived
in a modern context to improve internal and/or local environmental conditions in a superior way
to current usual practice (technical measures such as natural ventilation).

Please send your contribution in digital format (pdf) to the following adress:
urdn@urdn.tu-berlin.de
and send a Copy on CD to:
West Asia North Africa Cooperation Unit
Sekr. CAR-B 2, Carnotstrasse 1 A
10587 Berlin, Germany
http://wanacu.tu-berlin.de
http://www.a.tu-berlin.de/cocoon

deadline: 15th of June

preliminary Jury: 15th to 31st of June