Vernacular Architecture : Definition

Paul Oliver

Professor of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University

"The word vernacular derives from the Latin
vernaculus, native, extending the linguistic analogy
that is frequently applied to the language, grammar
and syntax, and even to the style or manner of its
expression of formal architecture. The vernacular is a
local or regional dialect, the common speech of
building."

Vernacular Architecture : Definition

ICOMOS

International Council On Monuments And Sites

"Vernacular building is the traditional and natural way
by which communities house themselves. It is a
continuing process including necessary changes and
continuous adaptation as a response to social and
environmental constraints."

The International Council on Monuments and Sites, a
non-governmental international organization
dedicated to the conservation of the world's
monument and sites otherwise known as ICOMOS in
short, has a charter written for the purpose of
protecting vernacular heritage.

Vernacular Architecture : Definition

Anonymous

Vernacular built environments include buildings,

urban or rural, which are made by ordinary people,
based on a shared knowledge that are commonly
understood and shared among the people of the
same cultural or ethnic root. And more importantly,
that knowledge is handed down through generations
in the form of tradition. This includes ordinary
buildings made by what we call professional
architects.


Buildings that's most likely to be built in a particular
place, at a particular time.

Rural Vernacular Architecture

Settlement and setting

Rural Vernacular Architecture

The value of rural built environment

Rural Vernacular Architecture

Religious side of rural built environment

Rural Vernacular Architecture

Timeless way of building