In the contemporary debate on sustainable development, vernacular architecture is a reference that is often called upon. Its ability to embrace change and absorb the passage of time without losing the architectural idea on which it rests has made its forms intelligible, its language accessible to all. These qualities and the variety of forms that are unique to it make it a stimulating source of architectural reflection*.
We have demonstrated the importance of its contribution to the birth and development of modern architecture by investigating the architectural practice of some of its protagonists, including Mackintosh, Hoffmann, Loos, Le Corbusier, Sert, Aalto, Figini, Ponti, Rudofsky, Stirling, Abraham, the Smithsons, Venturi and Scott Brown.
The role of vernacular architecture in contemporary architectural production and contamination systems (elements, structures, materials, spatio-morphological devices, etc.) will be analysed.
Secondly, research on vernacular heritage in Switzerland will be used to develop renovation strategies that are respectful of the environment and the specific characteristics of the various cantons.
* Paola Tosolini, Linguistic contamination. Vernacular language in modern architectural practice, EPFL Thesis 4373, 2009
Project leader - team
Paola Tosolini
(HEPIA)