VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

UNIT - 1

Ar. SOWMYAA C
Excel College of Architecture and Planning
 INTRODUCTION
 Vernacular architecture - based on
- local needs
- construction materials
- reflecting local traditions
 Vernacular architecture did not use formally-schooled architects, but relied on
the design skills and tradition of local builders.
 However, since the late 19th century many professional architects have worked
in versions of the style.
 Evolve over time to reflect
- Environmental
- Cultural
- Technological
- Economic
- Historical context in which it exists.
 Vernacular architecture can be contrasted against polite architecture, which is
characterized by stylistic elements of design intentionally incorporated for
aesthetic purposes, which go beyond a building's functional requirements.
DEFINITION OF VERNACULAR
ARCHITECTURE
ETYMOLOGY:
 The term vernacular is derived from the Latin

- vernacular - "domestic, native, indigenous"

- Hence Vernacular Architecture = “NATIVE BUILDING SCIENCE”
- In architecture, It refers to that type of architecture which is indigenous to
a specific time or place (not imported or copied from elsewhere)
 Vernacular Architecture is defined as “ARCHITECTURE WITHOUT
ARCHITECTS”
• It is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally
available resources to address local needs
• Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the
environmental , cultural and historical context in which it exists.
• Vernacular Architecture mainly focus on
Climate on the particular place –Micro - Climate
Local Construction Techniques
Locally available materials
 Ronald W Brunskill (author of ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK OF VERNACULAR
ARCHITECTURE)
A building designed by an amateur without any training in design; the
individual will have been guided by;
- series of conventions built up in his locality
- paying little attention to what may be fashionable
- function of the building - dominant factor
- aesthetic considerations - small degree, being quite minimal
- Local materials would be used as a matter of course, other materials
being chosen and imported quite exceptionally.
 Paul Oliver (author of ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF
THE WORLD)
- Related to their environmental contexts
- available resources they are customarily owner- or
community-built
- utilizing traditional technologies
 All forms of vernacular architecture are built; to meet specific needs &
accommodating the values, economies and ways of life of the cultures that
produce them.
 What Is FOLK ARCHITECTURE?
Folk building or folk architecture is built by "...persons not professionally trained
in building arts... “

 What Is VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE?

Vernacular architecture is architecture characterised by the use of local materials
and knowledge, usually without the supervision of professional architects.

 What Is TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE?

Traditional architecture is architecture is passed down from person to person,
generation to generation, particularly orally, but at any level of society, not just by
common people.

 What Is POPULAR ARCHITECTURE?

The term popular architecture is used more in eastern Europe and is synonymous
with folk or vernacular architecture

 What Is POLITE ARCHITECTURE?

Vernacular architecture can be contrasted against polite architecture which is
characterized by stylistic elements of design intentionally incorporated for aesthetic
purposes which go beyond a building's functional requirements.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VERNACULAR
AND TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
 Traditional architecture also includes buildings, which bear elements of
polite design : temples and palaces, for example, which normally would not
be included under the rubric of "vernacular"
 EXAMPLES OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

A "Plantation Cottage" style building A Yurt or ger, a circular

A Southern African rondavel on the island of Kauai, Hawaii... dwelling from Mongolia

A Toda Tribal hut A village hut in West Bengal

The Igloo of Eskimo

A House of Agumbe The local church in Norway Traditional house in Manali

 GARAGE SLUM
The biggest garbage disposal area in Bangkok
The house is built from carefully selected
garbage and left over - metal boxes for
snacks

The detail of the opening of the house.

The roof tiles are made of the metal boxes cut

into small pieces too