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.It is architecture which is indigenous to a

specific time or place (not imported or copied from elsewhere). It is most often used to apply

to residential buildings

TODA HUT

IGLOO

AMAZON BARRACKS

LOG CABIN

CABINS ON STILTS

STREET OF TERRACED HOUSING

ARGENTINA-LOG CABIN

NEPAL STONE AND CLAY HOUSE

PLANTATION COTTAGE-SUGARCANE PLANTATION, HAWAII

In contrast to planned architecture by architects, the building knowledge in vernacular

architecture is often transported by local traditions and is thus more - but not only -

based on knowledge achieved by trial and error and often handed down through the generations

rather than calculated on knowledge of geometry and physics. This of course does not

exclude architects from using vernacular architecture in their designs or being firmly

based in their regional vernacular architecture.

An early work in the defense of vernacular was Bernard Rudofsky's 1964 book Architecture Without Architects: a short introduction to non-pedigreed architecture, based

on his MoMA exhibition. The book was a reminder of the legitimacy and "hard-won knowledge" inherent in

vernacular buildings, from Polish salt-caves to gigantic Syrian water wheels to Moroccan desert fortresses, and was considered iconoclastic at the time. Rudofsky was,

however, very much a Romantic who viewed native populations in a historical bubble of contentment.

Rudofsky's book was also based largely on photographs and not on on-site study.

A more serious work is the Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World published in 1997 by Paul

Oliver of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development. Oliver has argued that vernacular

architecture, given the insights it gives into issue of environmental adaptation, will be necessary in the future

to "ensure sustainability in both cultural and economic terms beyond the short term." Christopher Alexander, in

his book A Pattern Language, attempted to identify adaptive features of traditional architecture that apply across cultures. Howard Davis's book The Culture of

Building details the culture that enabled several vernacular traditions.

• Robert venturi- Las vegas -commercial vernacular

• Industrial vernacular-shops, garages, factories.• A lot of social aspects linked to this type of

architecture• An architect whose work that exemplifies the

modern take on vernacular architecture would be Samuel Mockbee, whose pioneering work with Rural Studio is well-regarded and widely discussed amongst practicing architects and academics alike.

INDIAN VERNACULAR

Reflects the rich diversity of India's climate, locally available building materials, and the

intricate variations in local social customs and craftsmanship

Despite the diversity, this architecture can be broadly divided into three categories.

• Kuchcha

• Semi Pukka

• Pukka

Hilly area

South indian temple

Ahmedabad streets

Darjeeling-hilltop

Calcutta slum

Agumbe malgudi town

Old house

West Bengal village

Tamil nadu