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| dc.contributor.author | Ducharme, Sabine | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-05-06T16:33:47Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-05-06T16:33:47Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022-05-06 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10429/2307 | |
| dc.description | Vernacular architecture best exemplifies a relationship between form and function, as perhaps the simplest form of providing shelter while adapting to function, climate, culture, and resources. Other architectural styles may borrow inspiration and materials from many places, but vernacular architecture is a true reflection of a region. It can also be an enduring tradition, with many regions constructing buildings in the same way for thousands of years. In North America, the true vernacular styles are those of Native Americans, who were the first to cultivate this land, and derive architectural typologies through a synthesis of native materials, culture, and climate. The first framing concept is that of Critical Regionalism, popularized by Kenneth Frampton in his 1983 essay, “Towards a Critical Regionalism, Six Point of an Architecture of Resistance”. Critical regionalism can be described as an architectural style that seeks to define a sense of place, while incorporating tradition and culture, and rejecting more individualistic styles. Essentially, it is a solution to the problems of both International and Postmodern style architecture. International architecture is another framing concept, especially The International Style book by Henry-Russell Hitchcock, first published in 1932, which documented the then new style as it was emerging at a 1932 Museum of Modern Art show. International style is known for its modern sensibilities, use of volumes, lightweight mass-produced materials, simple forms, and rejection of ornamentation. Due to its popularity around the world, this style is criticized for a lack of relation to place, or expression of culture, the opposite of vernacular architecture. Vernacular architecture theory is the last framing concept, defined as the architecture of ordinary places by Dell Upton in his 1986 essay, “Ordinary Buildings: A Bibliographical Essay on American Vernacular Architecture.” This definition of vernacular draws on the characteristics that can be found in local architecture, and how buildings and landscapes change and adapt over time. The questions investigated in this thesis are to what extent do Native American vernaculars still exist, and how have they evolved over time? It is also an investigation on the effects of American colonization how it impacted architecture. Another area to explore is how vernacular practices could be implemented today, their sustainability implications, and the future of preserving vernacular cultures and practices. Finding a synthesis of vernacular and modern is the ultimate goal, particularly in light of new developments in Native American communities, such as compensation for residential schools in Canada. Consequently, this thesis aims to explore vernacular styles and their evolution over time, as a representation of American vernacular architecture and connection to place. This thesis is an exploration of vernacular architecture, and how architectural styles develop and evolve to suit the changing needs and priorities of society. The position of this thesis on this topic is exploring the importance of vernacular architecture, and introducing ways that it can be preserved. While preserving vernacular architecture, another objective is to learn from it, and introduce a vernacular approach in mainstream architecture. The methodology of this thesis involves case study analysis, historical timelines and precedents, cataloging building systems and materials, and studying environmental implications. The aim is to use three main case studies of modern Native American architecture cross referenced with materials, systems, and historical Native American Architecture to determine vernacular methods that have been upheld, and those that have been lost. The emerging position is an approach to how these findings can be incorporated into formal architecture and design. The biggest critique relevant to this subject matter is the disparity between modern life and the lifestyles that early vernacular structures supported. For example, how can modern comforts like heating and cooling systems, energy, and electricity be sourced locally and used sustainably? Likewise, the lifestyle of the average First Nations person is very different than it once was, and colonization and European influence have led to degradation of cultural traditions and craft. The question is, is there still a place for these methods in modern architecture, and can they be successfully adapted and preserved? In response to these critiques, concessions must be made that a fully authentic use of vernacular architecture is not supportable anymore. In many cases these structures do not have the size or features that would be considered essential in modern buildings, and would not be functional for daily life. The understanding of this approach is that a vernacular design framework as defined by the thesis is something that can be applied to different typologies and contexts, rather than specific structures built in specific ways. The value of this study is in the preservation and understanding of American vernacular architecture, and its use in the future of sustainable design. Native American interests have become a very timely topic due to recent controversies and renewed government interest, and there is real possibility that this time-period could result in a new understanding and respect for Native American people and their culture. Combined with the relevance and intersection of vernacular architecture and sustainability, this thesis and its findings could be very topical and desirable. | en_US |
| dc.description.abstract | Vernacular architecture best exemplifies a relationship between form and function; the simplest form of providing shelter while adapting to function, climate, culture, and resources. Native American architecture is the true vernacular style of America, but centuries of colonization and segregation have eroded these traditions, preventing them from entering mainstream design. This thesis tackles the extent to which an American vernacular still exists, and how it has evolved over time. Other considerations include the benefits and cultural heritage of the vernacular, and how it can be used to improve modern design. Utilizing case study analysis, historical timelines and precedents, categorization of building systems and materials, and studying environmental impacts, this investigation aims to create a framework of design which can utilize the vernacular to inform the future and preserve the past. This thesis has revealed that an interest and ability to create vernacular design still exists within Native American communities, but financial constraints, lack of control, and inferior subsidized alternatives often prevent these styles from being used. Native American interests have become a very timely topic due to recent controversies and renewed government interest; there is real possibility that vernacular research could result in improvements to housing infrastructure and design as well as a new understanding and respect for Native American people and their culture. | en_US |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | en_US |
| dc.subject | Vernacular | en_US |
| dc.subject | Native American | en_US |
| dc.subject | Indigenous | en_US |
| dc.subject | Design Framework | en_US |
| dc.subject | Theory | en_US |
| dc.subject | American | en_US |
| dc.subject | History | en_US |
| dc.title | Learning From the Vernacular | en_US |
| dc.title.alternative | The Evolution and Applications of Native American Architecture | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_US |
