Vernacular architecture

The term Traditional architecture (also Traditional Building ) describes building designs and construction methods, in which local building traditions and materials are used to meet specific construction tasks.

The resulting structures define in its entirety a recognizable regional architectural language with typical designs. Often these designs are also named after a region, such as the Black Forest House.

The term can refer to in today's parlance historical designs that are no longer built in this form today. Traditional architecture but is also referred to synonymously as Regional Architecture and Vernacular Architecture, which also today's buildings are meant to be built in the traditional architectural language. As other names traditionalism or regionalism for buildings can be used in traditional architecture, with the traditionalism is also available as a separate term for traditional style inspired buildings since the 20th century.

Character

In contrast to that of professionals consciously designed and planned architecture that follows a defined design intent Traditional architecture was often out of the pragmatic application artisanal traditions to satisfy an acute space requirements. It is heavily influenced by local conditions such as climate, environmental conditions, building materials available and the form of society. Realization is performed by craftsmen and laymen, often as a collaborative work. In contrast to the representative architecture are the construction projects usually simpler residential and commercial buildings, often for agriculture with a limited budget.

In pre- modern times, and in traditional cultures, the traditional architecture follows usually no academic architectural movement and did not deliberately break new ground in the rule. The contents were rather designed to be more conservative and essentially followed the principle of the tried and tested. For many years, the structure and design were developed in small steps and adapted to the local conditions.

But also developed Traditional architecture and changing - like any tradition - continuously. Influences from other regions, changes in social circumstances, new materials and fashions play a role. The transitions to professionally planned architecture are flowing, both areas have always been heavily influenced each other. Even today many architects based elements of their designs on local traditions or even build fully aware of the traditional architecture. Especially in holiday regions, there are many examples of new buildings in traditional architecture, such as Reethäuser on the island of Rügen. Or even the most Falu red Stugor after Swedish design.

Demarcation

Other terms that describe similar situations are

• Vernacular Architecture: From the Latin vernaculus = " native ", in many languages ​​, this term is clearly defined and more widespread than in German.
• Architecture without Architects / Anonymous Architecture: A book title author Bernard Rudofsky. Anonymous architecture in the strict sense means that the author does not draft documents or the public / professional public is not known. The term of Rudofsky was broader but also used synonymously for traditional architecture.
• Regional architecture: term not vorderrangig the process, but rather describes the result: a regionally homogeneous architectural language based on design features. It is about the geographical demarcation and categorization. The definition of regional stereotypes is not without problems, a clear distinction is often difficult. The term is used not only in the architectural history context, but also for reflection and debate contemporary architecture in a region.
• Folk Architecture: term that is apparently used mainly in Bohemia or Czech Republic

Examples

Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Traditional Reethäuser in Altefaehr on the island of Rügen

Half-timbered house in Kyritz

Russian colony in Potsdam Alexandrovka: Example of traditional architecture away from their place of origin

Internationally

Stone and mud houses in Nepal

" Plantation Cottage style", Kauai, Hawaii, USA - born at a time of the first sugar plantations

Stilt houses, Cempah, Lingga Islands, Indonesia

Berber tents, Zagora, Morocco

Cottage, Kstovo, Russia

Umgebindehaus in Dittersbach, Bohemian Switzerland, Czech Republic.