Vernacular Architecture: A General Discussion (Introduction)

The “non-canonical” traditional, building, designated by different terms, constitute the major share of architectural enterprise of the world. Designed and crafted by the folk people with available resources and expertise, these buildings accomplish primarily utilitarian need. These buildings represent the architectural make-up of an area delineated through homestead, dwelling, and the built environment. These aspects subtly present the preliminary impression of the people and their culture. Thus, these architectures and the built environment provide important clues about the socioeconomic, socio-cultural, and socio-religious profile of an area or the people. Thus, the traditional architecture turns an important aspect of culture. These architectures reflect the attitude and notion of people towards understanding and co-existence with the nature as well as adaptability to its surrounding.

The primarily functional objective of these architectures circumscribes the formal and aesthetic elements in them. However, the functionality do not desist the folk people to express his aestheticism and love for beauty. Thus, these architectures possess certain elements where the artistic and ingenious imaginations find expression. It is true that these architectures are usually devoid of ornamentation but not artistic taste. Such architectures bear the potential to reflect a total way of life of the people subtly bearing within it.