The Vernacular as a Model

for Sustainable Design

Amanda Heal, Caroline Paradise

and Dr. Wayne Forster
Welsh School of Architecture,
Cardiff University

Introduction
An innovative approach to teaching and
learning vernacular architecture and
sustainable design

World Architecture Module First year

at Welsh School of Architecture

Vernacular architecture
to further the debate on the importance
of vernacular architecture studies now
and throughout the twenty-first century,
not as a study of past traditions, but as a
contribution to new methods, solutions
and achievements for the future built
environment.
L. Asquith and M. Vellinga, Vernacular Architecture in the
Twenty-First Century: Theory, Education and Practice

Vernacular as a source for teaching

sustainable design

Sustainability

Sustainability and building technology are

fundamental to architectural education

at Part 1 students will demonstrate []

the ability to integrate knowledge of
human well being, the welfare of future
generations, the natural world,
consideration of a sustainable
environment [and] use of materials.
RIBA Tomorrows Architect

add-on technology vs. passive strategies

Educational Approach

Integrated approach

Lecture theatre is detached from design

studio and real buildings

Engaging and stimulating

Aims of World Architecture Module

First year students at Welsh School of
Architecture

Vernacular buildings as learning

environments

Intuitive understanding from early

experience

Vernacular as a model for teaching

sustainable design
Comprehensible
Passive strategies
Integral to form, orientation &
materiality

Module Outline: St. Fagans: Museum of

Welsh Life
Week-long block course

Open-air museum exhibiting various

vernacular buildings form across Wales

Daily themes:
Site & Climate
Structure & Materials
Thermal Environment
Visual Environment
Acoustic Environment

Module Outline: St. Fagans Week

Subject specialist demonstration

Small group observation, measuring,

analysis

Individual notebook

World Architecture Lecture Series

World vernacular architecture

Culture, Gravity & Wind, Function & Use,

Materials, Settlement, Refinement

Relates building technology to other design

issues

Model and Design Week

Week-long design exercise

Apply new skills and understanding to

design

Develop and draw a model based on

understanding of vernacular

Apply model to small design

Course Outcomes
Intuitive understanding that can be applied
to design

Encourages passive strategies at concept

design stage

Site & climate, built form and people are

integrated through design

Practical architectural skills

Realistic designs informed by experience

The Vernacular as a Model

Vernacular Architecture in the Twenty-First
Century: Theory, Education and Practice
Conference: Oxford, December 2005
Vernacular Design as a Model System,
Amos Rapoport

Conclusions
Employ vernacular buildings to address
challenges of teaching sustainable design
Integrated design approach: site and
climate, sustainable building design and
human comfort
Lessons intuitively applied to design
Wider use of vernacular as a source of
information and inspiration in architectural
education
Vernacular architecture can contribute to
future of built environment as a model for
sustainable design

Conclusions
Employ vernacular buildings to address
challenges of teaching sustainable design
Integrated design approach: site and
climate, sustainable building design and
human comfort
Lessons intuitively applied to design
Wider use of vernacular as a source of
information and inspiration in architectural
education
Vernacular architecture can contribute to
future of built environment as a model for
sustainable design