Architecture and Urban Design have been manipulated in the service of politics.
Government buildings serve as symbols of
the state, much can be learnt about a political practices by observing closely of what it builds.
What actually Vernacular Architecture suppose to be :
A collective notion
Developed throughout generations
Influenced by several factors which is:
- Local materials and resources
- Climatic
- Geographical conditions
- Local rules system
Apolitical - Not interested or involved in politics
More about Stability, homogeneity, and similarity
A static building form; it fits perfectly
"Vernacular architecture as a static building
form, which cannot be improved as it fits its context perfectly, and that its
origins of building-form and method have often been forgotten"
(based on Rudofsky's (1964) "Architecture
without Architects")
What actually Vernacular Architecture has become :
Uses local building details in a cliché way
Simply tries to visualise an image without
really attempting to ‘understand’ the native techniques and their architectural
heritage
Functions to calm our image of a radically
changed ‘developing world’
Hides the transformations that have occurred
De-politicizes the political
impact that architecture could have
Most obvious example :
Work of Renzo Piano
Hotel resorts duplicating local style and traditional building method
(sources are from : Architecture and
Identity & The Vernacular: or Towards a new Brutalism )
