+
+
+ Vernacular architecture is building done outside any academic
+ tradition, and without professional guidance. It is not a particular
+ architectural movement or style, but rather a broad category,
+ encompassing a wide range and variety of building types, with
+ differing methods of construction, from around the world, both
+ historical and extant and classical and modern. Vernacular
+ architecture constitutes 95% of the world's built environment, as
+ estimated in 1995 by Amos Rapoport, as measured against the small
+ percentage of new buildings every year designed by architects and
+ built by engineers.
+
+
+ This type of architecture usually serves immediate, local needs, is
+ constrained by the materials available in its particular region and
+ reflects local traditions and cultural practices. The study of
+ vernacular architecture does not examine formally schooled
+ architects, but instead that of the design skills and tradition of
+ local builders, who were rarely given any attribution for the work.
+ More recently, vernacular architecture has been examined by
+ designers and the building industry in an effort to be more energy
+ conscious with contemporary design and construction—part of a
+ broader interest in sustainable design.
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+