2. Introduction To Vernacular Architecture
• Vernacular Architecture 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.
• It has often been dismissed as crude and unrefined, but also has proponents who highlight its
importance in current design
• Vernacular architecture can perhaps be defined as architecture born out of local building
materials and technologies, an architecture that is climate responsive and a reflection of the
customs and lifestyles of a community.
• It is different from traditional architecture in that contemporary architecture can also be
“vernacular” if it is generated from an understanding of local materials and indigenous methods
of building.
• “Traditional” architecture must necessarily belong to the past as it bears within it traditional
values of living and building.
• Vernacular does not aim at good aesthetics, it aims at comfort and in its use of natural materials
to achieve that comfort, it comes about to be also an aesthetically sound architecture.
3. ORIGIN OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE
• Building first evolved out of the dynamics between needs (shelter, security,
worship, etc.) and means (available building materials and attendant skills).
• As human cultures developed and knowledge began to be formalized
through oral traditions and practices, building became a craft, and
"architecture" is the name given to the most highly formalized and respected
versions of that craft.
• It is widely assumed that architectural success was the product of a process
of trial and error, with progressively less trial and more replication as the
results of the process proved increasingly satisfactory. What is termed
vernacular architecture continues to be produced in many parts of the world
4. DEFINITION
• Vernacular refers to language use particular to a time, place or group. In
architecture,
• It refers to that type of architecture which is indigenous to a specific time or
place (not imported or copied from elsewhere).
• It is most often applied to residential buildings. – Paul Oliver - ( Author of
Encyclopedia of World Architecture)
• Oliver also offers the following simple definition of vernacular architecture – “the
architecture of the people, and by the people, for the people”.
• F.L Wright described vernacular architecture as: Folk building growing in
response to actual needs, fitted into environment by people who knew no
better than to fit them with native feeling.
• Developing concepts and innovative technologies for an Energy Conscious and
comfortable Built Environment with reference to residential buildings through
the study of vernacular buildings
5. Characteristics Of Vernacular Architecture:
1. Not based on any theoretical or aesthetic principles
2. Responds directly to site and micro-climate
3. Respects man-made as well as natural environment.
4. Vernacular architecture of every region has its own style of expression.
5. Vernacular architecture has its limitations. But within the given orders and
frame work many variations are possible and it can fit many different
situations..
6. It is additive un-specialized and open ended in nature this quality enables
vernacular buildings to accept change and addition.
7. The societies and the users believes values and aspirations influences the
form and space of the building and kind expression in its treatment
6. AIM
• This subject aims to explore and assess passive solar design techniques that
promote high thermal comfort in vernacular houses of the state of tamil nadu
in India.
• The study of these houses provides useful insights for designing energy
efficient houses that provide thermally comfortable conditions.
• An analysis of these houses in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra & India provides a
context for the field research.
7. OBJECTIVES
• To appreciate how design with climate is effectively conducted in vernacular
architecture.
• The study of these houses provides useful insights for designing energy efficient
houses that provide thermally comfortable conditions
• To achieve the source of information and inspiration from the vernacular
architecture for future built environment.
• To study on the importance of vernacular architecture studies now and
throughout the twenty-first century, not as a study of past traditions, but as a
contribution to new methods, solutions and achievements for the future built
environment’.
• To identify the way in which vernacular architecture can contribute to the future
of the built environment, through education, as a model for sustainable design
• This subject intends to seek ways to document the traditional vernacular
principles to promote a sustainable community
8. WHAT TO STUDY - Green concepts in
vernacular buildings
• Planning aspects
• Spatial organisation
• Materials
• Orientation
• Treatment
• Colors
• Adaptability,
• Functionality,
• Aesthetic Quality,
• Climatic control
9. Theories and principles of vernacular
architecture
• Influence of climate
• Geographical features
• Vernacular architecture in
different regions
• Vernacular style
• Evolution of form
• Construction materials
• Techniques of regional
architecture.
10. • The relationship of groups and individuals in a
settlement,
• the local materials available,
• the skills of the artisans,
• the technology available and the climatic
conditions of the region determine the
resultant forms and building typologies
11. NEED FOR THE STUDY-WHY
• It is based on knowledge of traditional practices and
techniques.
• It is usually self-built.
• It reveals a high regard for craftsmanship and quality.
• It is easy to learn and understand
• They are made of predominantly local materials.
• They are ecologically apt, that is why they fit in well with local
climate, flora, fauna and ways of life.
• The purpose of the study is to discover potential strategies for
contemporary buildings that passively promote thermal comfort
in these buildings, thereby reducing the need for external
energy inputs and increasing the quality of life for occupants.
• This research intends to seek ways to document the traditional
vernacular principles to promote a sustainable community.
12. • Last but not least, the study intends to test the assumption
that vernacular houses of Tamil nadu have high thermal
comfort levels without using any mechanical means.
• Most of the buildings which is constructed today had not
taken in to account of the green concepts used in traditional
buildings.
• There is a need for studying the green concepts used in
vernacular buildings and adopting the same in our design.
13. DIFF. BETWEEN VERNACULAR AND
TRADITIONAL
• The term is not to be confused with so-called "traditional"
architecture, though there are links between the two.
• Vernacular architecture may, through time, be adopted and refined
into culturally accepted solutions, but only through repetition may it
become "traditional.
• Traditional architecture can also include temples palaces ect.,
