VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE
From Henry Glassie, Vernacular Architecture, Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2000
Structures built and spaces arranged to be habitable, meaningful, human, creative
Buildings realize culture – can be ancient reflection of living space or radical attempt to change
Some claim reflect valid laws of science
Others that living space is ordained by God(s)
Notions of beauty, bodily comfort conditioned
Materialized reflection of social & ultimate values
Technology – means of manipulating space (sod vs. metal roof today a choice for many
Not just house itself, but community, village, city, gardens, how houses, yards, etc. are decorated.
Is there a city square? A city park? A prison? A courthouse? A farmer’s market?
All reflect choices about organizing space
Does one choose to live in city, suburbs, country
How to use space also reflects culture (yard, garden, courtyard, basketball court, shared space, private space, etc.)