Vernacular design is a term often associated with architecture – designing houses to meet the immediate needs of locals, using local materials. It makes use of readily available materials/resources, considers culture and tradition, and is user-generated – it gets in touch with the people the design is for. Vernacular design is not just a style, it’s a principle of systemic design processes.
Here are five reasons we are seeing a returning trend for vernacular architecture.
- More efficient: Local resources use less energy, and are less costly…;
- Healthier: Using local resources means people are more able to see the direct consequences of their actions on the environment, and are therefore more likely to be health, and environmentally, conscious;
- It’s beautiful;
- Good for local economy: Sourcing materials, labour and design from the local market helps to boost the local economy;
- Creates a sense of place: Vernacular design gives place a distinct and recognisable character, and creates unique experiences.
What does vernacular mean in your project?
Given that I would like to create some sort of collaborative app or environment for disadvantaged (“at risk”) youths, I would say that’s quite vernacular. Using local people to generate a community that engages and (hopefully) excites the locals themselves – that’s using the ultimate local resource… local people!
Can the problems that you have identified be easily ‘solved’?
No. Boredom and delinquency amongst disadvantaged youth is a very wicked problem… There are many underlying causes and there’s no easy solution. Community is key however, and I believe that fostering a communal vibe amongst locals in Fremantle would be a good step towards helping this issue.
How could the locals themselves be the providers of solutions?
In theory, people can help each other – to self express, and to distract one another from the boredom and the grim sides to life.
Design Practices: Identity 