Vernacular architecture, the simplest form of
addressing human needs, is seemingly forgotten
in modern architecture. However, due to recent
rises in energy costs, the trend has sensibly
swung the other way. Architects are embracing
regionalism and cultural building traditions,
given that these structures have proven to be
energy efficient and altogether sustainable. In
this time of rapid technological advancement and
urbanization, there is still much to be learned
from the traditional knowledge of vernacular
construction. These low-tech methods of
creating housing that is perfectly adapted to its
locale are brilliant, for the reason that these are
the principles that are more often ignored by
prevailing architects.
Vernacular architecture originated when mankind
was forced to make use of the natural resources
around him, and provide himself shelter and
comfort which is responsive to the climate, a
shield from the elements. It is a pure reaction to
an individual person’s or society’s building needs
and has allowed man, even before the architect,
to construct shelter according to his
circumstance. Such simple traditions have long
been regarded as backward, and have been
replaced by half-digested, largely inappropriate
architectural values.
Photo by Justin Gaurav Murgai
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The humanistic desire to be culturally connected
to one's surroundings is reflected in harmonious
architecture, a typology that can be identified
with a specific region. This sociologic facet of
architecture is present in a material, a color
scheme, an architectural genre, a spatial
language, or a form that carries through the
urban framework. The way human settlements
are structured in modernity has been vastly
unsystematic; current architecture exists on a
singular basis, unfocused on the connectivity of a
community as a whole.
Vernacular architecture adheres to basic green
architectural principles of energy efficiency and
utilizing materials and resources in close
proximity to the site. These structures capitalize
on the native knowledge of how buildings can be
effectively designed as well as how to take
advantage of local materials and resources. Even
in an age where materials are available well
beyond our region, it is essential to take into
account the embodied energy lost in the
transportation of these goods to the construction
site.
Photo by Jason Unbound
The effectiveness of climate-responsive
architecture is evident over the course of its life,
in lessened costs of utilities and maintenance. A
poorly designed structure which doesn’t consider
environmental or vernacular factors can
ultimately cost the occupant – in addition to the
environment – more in resources than a properly
designed building. For instance, a structure with
large windows on the south façade in a hot, arid Glossaries
climate would lose most of its air conditioning
efforts to the pervading sun, ultimately 1. ......................................
increasing the cost of energy. By applying 2. ......................................
vernacular strategies to modern design, a
structure can ideally achieve net zero energy use, 3. ......................................
and be a wholly self-sufficient building. 4. ......................................
5. ......................................
6. ......................................
7. ......................................
8. ......................................
9. ......................................
10. ......................................
11. ......................................
12. ......................................
13. ......................................
Photo by David Hoffman
14. ......................................
If anything is to be taken from vernacular 15. ......................................
architecture, it provides a vital connection
between humans and the environment. It
re-establishes us in our particular part of the
world and forces us to think in terms of pure
survival – architecture before the architect. These
structures present a climate-responsive approach
to dwelling and are natural and
resource-conscious solutions to a regional
housing need. The benefits of vernacular
architecture have been realized throughout a
large part of history, diminished during the
modern era, and are now making a return among
green architecture and architects. In order to
progress in the future of architecture and
sustainable building, we must first gain
knowledge of the past and employ these
strategies as a well-balanced, methodical whole
to achieve optimum energy efficiency.

https://www.archdaily.com/155224/vernacular-archite
cture-and-the-21st-century

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 Worksheet on Vernacular Architecture and the 21st Century

PART I: Reading Comprehension

1. Why does vernacular architecture seem to be forgotten in modern architecture?

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2. In your own words, explain why the architects are embracing regionalism and cultural building traditions.

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3. Mention some characteristics of modern architecture.

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4. Mention 2 basic green architectural principles found in the passage.

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5. Why do you think we should apply vernacular strategies to modern design?

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PART II: Constructing sentences and identifying the Subject and Verb

1. Write one sentence for each word below. Your sentence should use the given word and be related to
Architecture. (You cannot copy the sentences from the passage)
a. Construction
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b. Climate
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c. Design
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2. Now, underline the subjects and circle the verbs of your sentences above.

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PART III: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is expressing the meaning of something written or spoken using different words, especially to
achieve greater clarity.

Now, paraphrase the following sentences taken from the passage.

1. Vernacular architecture originated when mankind was forced to make use of the natural resources around
him, and provide himself shelter and comfort which is responsive to the climate, a shield from the
elements.
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________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
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2. A poorly designed structure that doesn’t consider environmental or vernacular factors can ultimately cost
the occupant – in addition to the environment – more resources than a properly designed building.

________________________________________________________________________________________
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3. If anything is to be taken from vernacular architecture, it provides a vital connection between humans and
the environment.

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PART IV: REFLECTIVE THINKING

Now that you have read the passage, please write one or two points that catch your interest as people studying
architecture/future architects. Explain.

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