Vernacular Architecture Around World| Characteristics

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.