Terminologies (c): Traditional Architecture

The term traditional architecture is another synonymously used label to refer to this category of buildings. Thus:

Traditional Architecture is viewed as the range of constructions derived from the rooting of a community within its territory, revealing in its diversity and evolution a process of ecological adaptation both to natural resources and factors and to the historical processes and socio-economic models which have developed in each location. They represent a key reference point among the cultural hallmarks of the community generating them, as the result of shared knowledge and experience, transmitted and enriched from one generation to the next. (MECD:7)

Some characteristics of the traditional architecture, as highlighted in above source, are that it adapts to the natural condition of the territory, it generates landscape, it is dynamic, tied to intangible cultural heritage, has no specific or individual authorship, built with traditional technique, re-use of materials, sustainability, etc.

Noble acknowledging the fact that “considerable confusion exists in the discussion of traditional buildings”, defines the term traditional that “refers both to procedures and material objects that have become accepted as a norm in a society, and whose elements are passed on from generation to generation” (Noble:2007:1). He again said that the term “tradition” refers to the process of handing elements, customs, or beliefs from generation to generation. It is the shared and the accumulated knowledge of a community that are followed by the members of that particular community. Oliver of the notion that there is no such thing as a traditional building, but rather building that embody certain vernacular traditions (AlSayyad:2005:xviii).

Rapoport said:

The model itself is the result of the collaboration of many people over many generations as well as the collaboration between makers and users of buildings and other artifacts, which is what is meant by the term traditional. Since knowledge of the model is shared by all, there is no need for drawings or designers. A house is meant to be like all the well-built houses in a given area. (Rapoport:1969:6)

He again said:

The aesthetic quality is not specially created for each house-it is traditional and handed down through the generations. Tradition has the force of a law honoured by everyone through collective assent. It is thus accepted and obeyed, since respect for tradition gives collective control, which acts as a discipline. This approach works because there is a shared image of life, an accepted model of buildings, a small number of building types, and, finally, an accepted hierarchy and hence an accepted settlement pattern. As long as the tradition is alive, this shared and accepted image operates;when tradition goes, the picture changes. Without tradition, there can no longer be reliance on the accepted norms, and there is a beginning of institutionalization. (idem)

However, the concept tradition or the traditional is evolutionary that changes over time.

This is what Noble said,

“This is not to imply that traditional processes and objects do not change over time. They often do, but usually slowly enough that their provenance is clearly seen or easily established” (Noble:2007:1).

Tradition acts a regulator and barrier in culture but changing time has shattered and withered the role of tradition. To Rapoport the reason is the greater number of building types and complexity in constructionas well as loss of common shared value system, world view, goal, accepted and shared hierarchy, spirit of cooperation and settlement.