Vernacular Building - Influence of Human Surroundings on Buildings - Essay Example

Sometimes referred to as “architecture without architects,” it is the most comprehensively used style of building used throughout the world today (Arboleda 2006).

In older styles, such as Gothic, Romanesque, or Renaissance, these are more evident of times gone by, periods of architecture which are no longer built. Yet some of these influences are reflected in the current-day buildings and consequently, are considered vernacular. Therefore, it is easy to claim that vernacular is a combination of styles, without the influence of anyone particular architect or stylist (Arboleda 2006). Vernacular architecture is considered to be crafted by the builder, according to the desires of the owner who may also be the builder too.

Over time, buildings such as these, when created through trial and error in first processes, become perfected and then reflect the style of the society or environment within which it resides. Rather than pursuing the aesthetic quality or some egotistical vision of a particular artist/architect, the vernacular building is more about accomplishing the factors of function and ecological assimilation and also providing the comfort of living at the same time (Ladd 2003). Local materials are used as well as local workers and this also provides a sense of the place has grown from the ‘roots’ of the local social environment.

The vernacular building can also be representative of local observances such as a church and its flock of worshipers and provide a remembrance of the religion through how it is built, according to the belief structure of those who will use it. The local populace in older times were craftsmen who utilized functional skills in preparing materials and in the creation of an infrastructure which was to provide a functional, well-built building, created to withstand much of nature’s harsh storms and other events, commiserate with that local population and environment (Ladd 2003).

In America, log cabins are considered to be the early American style, consistent with the early settlers who built their homes using the trees around them. Today’s pre-packaged version in whatever wood choice you want represents that stereo-typed tradition of the early days without the hassle of having to cut it down yourself. Of course, you could do it that way if you own the land you plan to build on and have the physical energy to do so. While the vernacular building was representative of times gone by, including historical references, today’s version is more about sustainability, technological advances in building processes, and referencing the social and natural environment around the location (Arboleda 2006).

The vernacular building is created to provide the necessities of life such as shelter, warmth, and a place to cook and eat food. It is created to suit the owner and to also meld within the local social infrastructure. Apartment buildings are a type of vernacular building in that they are built, not necessarily with a particular style, but to suit the basic needs of anyone renting an apartment there. The basics include the main room, bedroom(s), bathroom(s), and kitchen.