Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular architecture
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE
ASSIGNMENT-1
REVATHI NAIR-T
ROLL NO:30-A
How do you define vernacular architecture
• Vernacular architecture is a modest style of building that is specific to a region and period. It relies
on the use of local materials and knowledge to construct buildings, and it's usually done without
the supervision of a professional architect.
• Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of
construction materials and reflecting local traditions. At least originally, vernacular architecture did not use
formallyschooled 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 this style. 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.
What are the factors affecting its form and
expression
Since vernacular architecture is built by the people for the people, the homes tend to be simpler and less
definitive than other forms of architecture. Other types of architecture use a deliberate set of rules and
materials. Here, there is less emphasis on rules or aesthetics and more on creating something easy and
effective without needing to travel far for building supplies.
Here are some ways you can distinguish Vernacular architecture from other styles:
Builders use inexpensive materials and utilitarian design. Materials were generally affordable and
locally sourced. The design was intended to focus on function over beauty.
The design evolves. Local builders would learn from their experiences and tweak homes to reflect that
experience.
Homes often embody local technology, social conditions, and culture. You will see some common
themes among vernacular architecture in a given area. The theme might mean similar materials used or
similar design styles that can be a hodgepodge of other more worldly styles. You might also see homes
grouped closer together or apartment complexes in areas with a dense population. Some homes might
feature religious customs. Homes with poorer residents would be smaller and less elaborate.
The design is reflective of the climate. For instance, builders might consider what direction the home is
facing when positioning windows. Specific materials might be used to help with the winter season, etc.
What is there to learn from it for architecture
students or professionals
• Vernacular Architecture is known for its use of local materials and knowledge
of material combination without any supervision of a professional architect.
The term Vernacular Architecture means, ‘domestic,native,indigenous’. Many
tribal settlements and traditional building represent vernacular architecture for
eg.
Wada Housing in Maharashtra, Bhonga Housing in Gujarat, Toda Tribal Hut in
Nilgiri Mountains etc. Vernacular architecture is functional, informal and
designed mostly with mud and bamboo.
• Today,as the demand for sustainable architecture increases many architects

and designers are investing their time and resources to decode the world of
vernacular architecture around the world, so to merge traditional outlooks with
modern techniques
1. Co-existence
Architecture is not just about filling the site with
steel blocks or construction concrete rather it’s
about understanding the place with
consideration of its social, cultural, and
environmental essence. Contrary to traditional
architecture, the architectural space in
contemporary architecture depends on an
artificial urban landscape to harmonize and
rationalize it with the individuality of
contemporary buildings. Cities are full of
landmarks rather than co-existed urban form.
Whereas traditional architecture was
harmonious with the surrounding, climate,
geography, landscape and human psychology
along with successfully co-existing, treating
architecture as a holistic natural living element,
stand still yet function, similar to trees as an
organic living environment inventory with
judicious use of building material, form and Documenting the Last Vernacular Village In Himachal
technology.
2. Local materials
The vernacular architecture was

designed in direct response to the
locally available material such as
bamboo, thatch, sticks, mud, or
grass for construction, which were
more energy-efficient, cheap,
affordable, easily available, and
even required less labour. The
building construction material used
today is more synthetic, not
sustainable, and hard to reuse such
as concrete and steel. The building
industry consumes immense
energy and contributes majorly to
the world’s greenhouse gas
emission.
Coconut Leaf Hut mad of Bamboo, Cocont Leaf
3. Construction methods
Traditional architecture still exists today and proved to more durable in comparison to modern
architecture. The use of local material allowed easy extraction, easy preparation, and the
possibility of creating composite which permitted thermal efficiency, recyclability, biodegradability,
and sustainability. The construction method was changed on trial and error basis and material for
construction was changed or added depending on the survival of the building. The vernacular
architecture was the result of those attempts to create the best suitable building according to the
context.
4. Sustainability
Vernacular buildings around the world are a
great example of sustainable solutions to
building problems. The buildings were
energy-efficient and highly sustainable due to
the use of local material and building
technology. The architecture was in deep
harmonization with site surrounding and had
a minimal environmental impact as the most
commonly used building material were mud
and earth, which improved the building’s
thermal and acoustic performance and
enhanced the sustainability aspects. The
construction was done on sustainable
principles using local materials and
technology through the amalgamation of the
physical and natural environment with
cultural, social, and mystical values offering The Natural Vernacular of NM takes advantage of the
rational solutions to the harsh climate and thermal mass of adobe, collecting the heat from the
human needs. sun in the day to re-radiate it at night
5. Culture
Each community had its style of
architecture, that featured their main
character, culture, and retrieved a
sense of heritage, giving them a
unique appearance. They cannot be
separated from the culture they were
developed in, resulting in their own
regional and economical aesthetic. The
houses are built according to their
regional possibilities, needs, availability
of materials, topography, and climate.
Traditional buildings that were rich for
their culture have lost their identity
due to the influence of Western culture
which led to the construction of
buildings that were internationally
acceptable and used similar material
across the globe. Vernacular Architecture of Nagaland
6. Climate Responsive
The glass and steel architecture

constructed all over the world
ignores the specific climate of the
place and is left at the mercy of the
climate. The buildings are fully air-
conditioned and require year-round
air conditioning contrary to the
natural cooling options used by
vernacular buildings which
consumed less energy. These
buildings prove to be inefficient,
where glass exterior traps the sun’s
rays during summer and
haemorrhages heat throughout the
winter.
Climate responsive vernacular,

Swahili Housing
7. A contextual approach to design
A building’s fundamental purpose is to
provide a comfortable living environment,
protected from the extremes of climate, as
well as respond to the site, setting, and
context. The construction style of each
vernacular style differs according to the
context of the site. For example; the
traditional buildings of North-Eastern India
are constructed over varying topography
consisting of plains, mountains, and
frequent flood-affected areas, using
bamboo which is found in great abundance
in the North-Eastern region; Giant houses
built in Fujian, China from the 12th – 19th
century with the main purpose of
prevention against the plunder and attack
of the outside forces, constructed strong
fortress using locally available material that
protected inhabitants from the outside Bhonga Housing, Kutch,India Vernacular Architecture of
dangers. Gujarat
8. Expandable form and space
Architecture should be capable of growing according to the changing needs of the inhabitants. The form
which easily accepts change and process-based incremental growth. Vernacular architecture had the
potential to accommodate such changes in its spatial layout. For example, the traditional Malay house, the
Bumbung Panjang, could easily allow an addition to the house on the simple roof in an efficient way.
9. Building Image
All the buildings of a particular

vernacular style looked similar due to
the use of the same material, color,
and technique of construction. There
was a sense of equality among people
living in such dwellings which were
achieved through the outside building
image. All buildings seemed equal and
there was a less visible difference
between rich and poor from the
outside.
What to learn from it
“verna” means native and “architecture” is to design buildings, thus vernacular architecture is an
architecture style that is built to meet the present needs, keeping in mind the local climate, culture, and
materials. But its presence appeared a long time back when the need for “a shelter” had risen, which
pushed humans to use indigenous techniques and materials to formulate an optimum solution for
themselves. This gave birth to a “tent” that now has innumerable design options. Since then this field is
evolving yet dispersed. It is evolving because the local conditions proportionally evolve and dispersed
because it is purely regional and its diverse nature makes it difficult to be propounded into a singular style
with a name. It is in contradiction to the aesthetical and modern architecture of the present times.
Bernard Rudofsky, called “Architecture without Architects”, this very event established the significance of
the term “vernacular architecture” amongst the architects, which was followed by amplification by ace
architects like Le Corbusier, Adolf Loos, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
understanding Vernacular Architecture and its characteristics are very important for architects, as it can
help regulate the brimming problem of environmental degradation and also help society stay true to its
culture and heritage.

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Vernacular architecture

• Today,as the demand for sustainable architecture increases many architects

The vernacular architecture was

The glass and steel architecture

Climate responsive vernacular,

All the buildings of a particular

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