Vernacular-style buildings are closely related to the local identity in each region. So, what are the characteristics of vernacular architecture in various parts of the world?

Architecture Influenced by Climate
Vernacular is strongly influenced by the climate of the area where the building is built. For example, buildings in cold climates are more closed with small window designs or none. Meanwhile, buildings in warm climates are built with lightweight materials and have large ventilation sizes. The climate can make building structures more complex. Just look at the structure of buildings in the Middle East which often have a yard in the middle of the house with a small pool to cool the air. This simple thing is not designed by architects but from the experience of several generations.

Lifestyle and Culture Influence Building Forms
The lifestyle of the community and the way the building is used also affect the shape of the building. The number of family members, how to make food, how to interact, and other habits will greatly affect the layout and size of the home building.

In East Africa, for example, where the community has a polygamous custom, there are separate houses for different wives or separate homes for adult sons so that they do not share the same house with their daughters. This separating structure regulates the social interaction and privacy of each family member.

Culture will also affect the decoration of vernacular buildings. Local people will decorate buildings according to local customs and beliefs. Like the Toraja traditional house with many carvings and symbols on the walls, indicates the social status of the occupant.

Building Materials
Vernacular buildings usually use building materials from the surrounding environment. Areas with lots of trees will use wood as their main material. Meanwhile, areas without wood use mud or stone as their building materials. For example, Japan uses bamboo to build buildings because Japan has abundant bamboo. The vernacular style is very environmentally friendly and never uses natural materials excessively.

–sh