COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: VERNICULAR ARCHITECTURE

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 518	D	8	3	0	0	3	6

Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Elective
Classroom and Meeting Time:
Course Description:	-
Course Objectives:	The objective is to instill sensitivity towards the less explored field that is concerned with Architectural building traditions/practices that are cost effective, ecologically sensible and culturally relevant. Students acquire a working vocabulary that can help them describe vernacular architecture in meaningful ways. The course introduces grass root principles of indigenous architecture that has evolved over time in response to environment, climate, culture, economy and basic human needs. The course covers variations in built forms and their environmental performance across different climatic and geographical regions of India and cases studies of adaptations of vernacular architecture in contemporary buildings.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction to Vernacular Architecture
2	Definitions and theories, Categories, Contextual responsiveness: Climatic, Geographical, Anthropological and Cultural influences
3	Typical building materials, Built form & elements of Vernacular Architecture
4	Construction techniques & environmental performance of Vernacular Buildings
5	Settlement Pattern, Dwelling Typology, Symbolism
6	Sustainable building materials and construction techniques
7	Midterm exam
8	traditional houses
9	Vernacular approaches in masonry construction
10	Vernacular approaches in wood buildings
11	Vernacular Landscapes
12	Public Buildings
13	student presentations 1
14	student presentations 2

Prerequisite(s):
Textbook:	1. Brunskill, R. W. (1987). Illustrated Handbook of Vernacular Architecture. Castle Rock : Faber & Faber. 2. Oliver, P. (1997). Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World. Cambridge : CambridgeUniversity Press.
Other References:
Laboratory Work:	not necessarily
Computer Usage:	not necessarily
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Understanding of the key issues concerning vernacular architecture
2	Understanding how residential architecture reflects and reinforces local culture as an adaptation within a specific ecosystem and climate
3	At the end of the course, the student will be able to “read” the buildings and understand their age; their original function; and how simple buildings can express a community’s history
4	Understanding of how vernacular architecture studies relate to the Western and other architectural canons
5	Understanding of Local Materials and Ability to identify and use natural building materials

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively	5
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards	5
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process	5
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work	5
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design	3
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites	3
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team	5
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them	5
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition	5
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects	5
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.	5
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment	5
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects	5

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	2	5
Midterm Exam(s)	1	20
Presentation	1	10
Term Paper	1	30
Final Exam	1	30
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	4	64
Mid-terms	1	2	2
Assignments	2	7	14
Final examination	1	2	2
Other	1	20	20
Total Work Load:			150
Total Work Load/25(h):			6
ECTS Credit of the Course:			6