Past Informs Future: Community, Sustainability and Vernacular Building Cultures in Colombia

Vernacular architecture incorporates locally available materials, the labor of local artisans, and building knowledge passed through generations. A self-directed project conducted last summer allowed me to explore traditional... [ view full abstract ]

Vernacular architecture incorporates locally available materials, the labor of local artisans, and building knowledge passed through generations. A self-directed project conducted last summer allowed me to explore traditional building techniques in Colombia, in particular earthen and ‘guadua’ bamboo buildings. For its climatic and cultural diversity, Colombia has a rich heritage of vernacular architecture. However, similar to other parts of the world, traditional buildings and building knowledge is threatened. Concrete cubes and tin roofs have come to replace the rammed earth walls that kept the interiors of houses cool during the summer. For many, vernacular has come to mean ‘poor’ and ‘backward’ architecture, but my experience showed that many architects and communities are turning back their heads back to traditional building knowledge in order to solve present day issues of sustainability.

Working alongside local builders and architects committed to rescue vernacular architecture revealed the wealth of possibilities offered by ‘simple’, local materials.  Chisel in hand and feet on the mud I learned important lessons for creating a truly sustainable, democratic, and community-oriented architecture and architecture practice. This presentation will provide an overview of this experience and why it is important.