What is vernacular architecture?
Vernacular architecture is an architecture characterized by
the proper use of materials and knowledge of the region, in most cases it does
not require the intervention of a professional of the established boom as
architects, builders or engineers. Vernacular constructions are usually simple
and practical, both in residential houses and for different purposes.
Despite the fact that it covers 90% of the world's built-up
areas. Vernacular architecture often goes unnoticed even in historic design
traditions. It is not a specific style, so it is not possible to distill it
into a series of easily digestible patterns, materials or elements.
Because of the use of traditional construction methods and
local builders, vernacular-era buildings are considered part of a regional
culture.
Contemporary vernacular architecture can be contrasted with
elite or complimentary architecture that is characterized by aesthetic design
elements deliberately incorporated for aesthetic purposes that go beyond the
functional requirements of a building.
Etymological origin of the term vernacular.
It is a very specific issue of the country or region of the
person in question, which comes from the Latin "vernaculus" which was
used to refer to everything related to a country. This Latin word, in turn,
comes from "vernus", which translates as "indigenous", this
word from "verna", was used to refer to a domestic slave who within
the historical context had only come to be born.
Therefore, one must consider what is known as vernacular
architecture. This is the one that comes to identify a specific region, which
is one of the most traditional and significant of the place and has the
particularity of being original when the natives of a land are in the need to
build to live.
Definition of vernacular architecture
Tropical vernacular architecture is defined as an
environment of buildings that are adapted to local needs; and is defined by the
availability of materials from its region; thus reflecting local traditions and
cultural practices.
The study of the origins of vernacular architecture
traditionally did not analyze the architects formally instructed in this kind
of adaptability and management of vernacular architecture, which only gave
importance to the experts in design and tradition of the builders of the area,
and who were rarely given any attribution for any work.
Recently, the purpose of vernacular architecture has been
studied by designers and the construction industry in an attempt to generate
more awareness of the importance of energy with contemporary design and
construction as a fundamental part of a broader interest in sustainable design
for future generations.
Vernacular or popular, folk, traditional, common and
ordinary architecture is sometimes used interchangeably. On the other hand,
Allen Noble, a U.S. Academic and Methodist minister, wrote an extensive
discussion of these terms in Traditional Buildings.
In a Global Survey of Structural Forms and Cultural
Functions, he presents a diversification of scholarly opinions on folk building
or folk architecture built by "persons not professionally trained in
building works of art"; where vernacular architecture is substantially
part of the common people, but can still be built by later trained
professionals.
Traditional vernacular architecture is that which is
transmitted from person to person, from generation to generation, especially
verbally and, at any level of society, not only by the common people.
Chicha" architecture is the only hope to redeem vernacular architecture. Jorge Burga Bartra
Vernacular architecture and current culture represents an
extensive concept that comprises fields of architectural study that include
autochthonous, indigenous, ancestral, rural and ethnic architecture that
contrasts with a more intellectualized architecture called respectful,
structured or academic architecture, in the same way that folklore contrasts
with the fine arts.
Material used in vernacular constructions
Since the beginning of time, wood has been one of the fundamental
and most used elements of vernacular architecture in this type of housing,
which we find as the only material in all these vernacular buildings, wood is
associated with other materials of vegetable origin such as cane walls, yaguas
and vines covered with palm leaves (guano), and also with other natural
components such as earth and stone.
Vernacular architecture is governed by the local environment
and the construction materials it can provide. The areas rich in wood is the
characteristic that identifies and develops a vernacular language with the use
of this material, while in the areas without much of this material they
substitute it with the use of mud or stone.
The vernacular architecture in California uses water tanks
built with a redwood lining, redwoods are a type of long-lived evergreen tree,
these tanks were part of the homes of the vernacular boom as an autonomous
domestic water system powered by wind energy.
In the Far East the most commonly used material that defines
vernacular architecture in this place is bamboo, as it is abundant and
versatile. Bamboo, almost by definition, is sustainable, and will not deplete
local resources. And of course if it is not sustainable, it is not suitable for
its local context, and cannot function and define authentic vernacular
architecture.
The construction elements and materials used in vernacular
boom constructions are known to be the following:
- Adobe: Adobe is one of the oldest building materials still in use. It is a low-cost and easily accessible building material since it is made by local communities. Adobe structures are usually self-built, because the traditional construction technique is simple and does not require additional energy consumption.
- Wind collectors: Wind collectors provide natural ventilation to the interior of a building and can take various forms. They consist of a covered tower with one side open and facing the prevailing wind. In this way, the wind tower is directed downward, providing a natural flow of air that cools the building.
- Cob: Cob is a building material that is composed of clay, sand, straw and common earth mud. Cob is very similar to adobe and tapial (modern adobe lime), having approximately the same proportions of constituent materials.
- Mashrabiya: It is an architectural element typical of traditional Islamic residences. It is a kind of window projected outward, closed with latticework and located on the second floor of a building or a higher floor, often covered with small stained glass windows.
- Mud: Mud, like wood, is a good preservative material since mud maintains the wood and the vegetable substances inside it. Mud constructions are durable and can be preserved for centuries if properly cared for and maintained.
- Straw: Straw is a material that, due to its thermal properties, is very suitable for use as a thermal insulator.
Characteristics of vernacular architecture
The following points are some of the characteristics of
vernacular architecture:
- Orientation: The way in which buildings of this nature are oriented produce favorable thermal conditions according to the area in which it is located.
- Shading: In a building, including its exterior walls and openings, it is exposed to the sun and water. In vernacular architecture, the overhanging eaves or overhang functions as protection.
- Ventilation: The relative humidity of the building is regulated by cross ventilation. It is important especially for cabins located in hot and humid climates.
- Shape: Some of the factors such as form and spatial organization help control the overall performance of the building.
Historical context of vernacular architecture.
The concept of "vernacular" was used in the 19th
century. Sometimes vernacular architecture and sustainability is used as a
derogatory term, suggesting something that may be quaint, but is derivative and
has not been "properly" designed by an architectural professional.
It was then that during the first quarter of the 20th century, some high profile architects such as Adolf Loos, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier began to contextually extol the virtues of vernacular architecture. However, it was not until 1964 that a successful exhibition by Bernard Rudofsky entitled "Architecture without Architects" popularized this distinguished branch of architecture that has evolved and changed the perspective on modern vernacular architecture.
