International Studies in Vernacular Architecture

ABOUT THE COURSE: This course titled ‘International Studies in Vernacular Architecture’ was originally conceived as a Master’s program by late Professor Paul Oliver in 1997 at Oxford Brookes University. It grew out of the work he completed as editor of the seminal 3 volume Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World published by Cambridge University Press, published in 1997. Taking the view of growing concerns on ways to study and teach World’s Vernacular traditions in Architecture education, this proposed course is an effort from the ISVA Alumni who are now in academia or architectural practice throughout the globe, wish to revitalize this field of teaching and learning. The content and structure of the original course is unique and we feel the course offers urgent and relevant approaches to the many challenges we face, from climate change to housing crises. By re-examining the subjects covered in the curriculum the next generation of students will be equipped with the vital knowledge and understanding of vernacular traditions of the world. The proposed course can be considered as elective subject by schools imparting architectural education, sociology, anthropology, and cultural geography.INTENDED AUDIENCE: For students pursuing Architecture, Planning and built environment studies; Also including Allied disciplines including Cultural Geography, Anthropology and Sociology. This course also provides an overview of the original ideology of Professor Paul Oliver’s orientation towards the vernacular Architecture course and supplements with a compendium or a guidance notes for teachers teaching Vernacular Architecture courses in different institutes across the world.PREREQUISITES: Bachelors course 1st year shall be completedINDUSTRY SUPPORT: INTACH, ICOMOS, IHCN, AGAKHAN FOUNDATION and other national International NGO’s may consider this as a value addition.

Week 1: Anthropology of Shelter Week 2:Materials and Resources Week 3:Cultural Geography Week 4:Natural Hazards