Studies on sustainable features of
vernacular architecture in different regions
across the world: A comprehensive
synthesis and evaluation
Anh Tuan Nguyen a, *, Nguyen Song Ha Truong a , David Rockwood b , Anh Dung Tran Le c
a Faculty of Architecture, the University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, Da Nang,
Viet Nam
b School of Architecture, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
c Laboratoire des Technologies Innovantes (LTI), Universite´ de Picardie Jules Verne, France Received
14 January 2019; received in revised form 2 July 2019; accepted 23 July 2019
[Link]
Introduction
Since it was introduced by Rudofsky in 1964, the term vernacular architecture has
become increasingly popular among academics and architectural practitioners.
Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, the
availability of building materials, and reflects local traditions. A broad definition of
vernacular architecture is an architectural theory that studies structures created by local
communities without the intervention of professional architects. Vernacular architecture
depends on design skills and local development traditions. However, since the end of the
19th century, many professional architects have created works in this version of the
vernacular architectural style. The term vernacular comes from the Latin word
vernaculus, which means "domestic, native, native", and from Verna, which means
"native slave" or "house-born slave".
Contents
In the world of architecture, the lack of knowledge related to the origin and history of
the birth of the term architectural vernacular, so many parties do not understand it or even
have an understanding that deviates far from the true essence of vernacular architecture.
Ignorance, especially students and most practitioners of architecture, on the meaning of
vernacular architecture has an impact on pro-professional practice or the practice of
processing space and its form. While the resulting effect is an error in applying the principles
of vernacular into the design so that the design does not function as expected.
The role and function of vernacular architecture becomes important not only in
Indonesia but also throughout the world, because in the world it consists of a variety of
different cultures and customs in different regions, where each region has specific
architectural characteristics that are specific and derived from tradition. Between
tradition and vernacular architecture is very closely related. Vernacular architecture is
formed through a system of perception of space, form, and construction which is
understood as an inheritance that will experience changes slowly through a habit. For
example how the adaptation of local communities to nature, which led to various ways to
cope, for example climate by creating a shelter to deal with the climate and adapt it to
the surrounding environment and by paying attention to local potentials such as the
potential of air, plants, natural materials and so on, so as to create a architectural
buildings that use simple and appropriate technology. This is the typical form of
vernacular architecture.
Most researchers agree that vernacular architecture is a proven architectural model that
is concerned with both environmental, economic and social aspects. But vernacular architecture
is currently increasingly damaged and is gradually disappearing. But the benefits of vernacular
architecture have been recognized by the world even though it has diminished its application
in the modern period.
The implementation of vernacular features that are sustainable in architecture in various
regions throughout the world is a demand in the development of the masses in the era of
globalization which has caused alarming environmental problems. Therefore, I can learn that
it is necessary to re-implement development that is eco-friendly. With its application in the
future, it is expected to be able to be a form of community solutions to local problems in an
area, relying on existing materials and knowledge so that it can continue to develop to meet the
contextual needs of the community and the region.
Fredrik B. D. T. Mata 61180330
