Abstract This article investigates the notion of the ‘contemporary vernacular’ in the visual arts and how this is invented or developed in response to certain national imperatives, as delineated in Hobsbawm & Ranger (1983), Fine (2004) and Bowe (1993). It then examines the sociopolitical factors that give rise to the need for the invention of the ‘contemporary vernacular’ and the characteristics of such ‘vernacular’ arts, and clarifies this theoretical explanation briefly in relation to two historical examples, viz. the Russian matrioshka doll and the products of Morris & Co., the Victorian craft company belonging to William Morris. It then examines three examples of contemporary South African crafts, namely Ardmore Ceramic Art, Kaross embroideries and the Mapula project. The works produced by these initiatives show stylistic characteristics that reveal a developing South African ‘contemporary vernacular’ and, furthermore, in their modes of production, correlate with the social, political and economic characteristics of ‘vernacular’ arts in a number of countries.

This thesis aims to create an architecture that adapts and integrates modern sustainable building solutions with Cambodian vernacular architecture to improve the quality of dwelling in rural fishing communities in Cambodia. The design draws upon local culture, materials and building methods to develop community facilities that will aid the rural population in preserving natural resources. The ultimate goal is to advance sustainable development, socially, economically and architecturally. The site is located in the small stilt fishing commune of Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. The program is an N.G.O.- supported Education Exchange Center that focuses on mobilizing environmental education to adjacent lake communities in order to sustainably manage rapidly depleting fish stocks in the lake.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 118-119).

The Gujarat earthquake of 2001 caused widespread devastation to livelihoods and the built environment, demolishing or badly damaging in excess of 400,000 buildings in the Kutch region as well as killing upwards of 15,000 people. This research examines the work of Hunnarsh?l?, an urban development and architecture firm based in Bhuj, Gujarat, India who, in response to the immediate and long-term needs apparent in the aftermath of the earthquake, proposed an owner-driven redevelopment strategy which sought to promote the socio-cultural needs of the ‘users’ as embodied in the artefacts and processes of the vernacular traditions common to the communities, as essentially empowering and therefore critical to the long-term sustainability of any reconstruction work. Hunnarsh?l?’s approach is an illustration of the coproduction of housing, leading to what is termed here as ‘synthetic vernacular architecture’. The thesis explores the potential of the coproduction of housing as an alternative model for architectural development for disadvantaged individuals and groups, with the potential for broader application in other contexts. Using three settlements on which Hunnarsh?l? worked as case studies, this research examines the efficacy of such an approach through both artefacts and processes of production as found in the field through a qualitative methodological approach based on ethnographic and design analysis methods. The research indicates that whilst there are distinct and problematic issues raised by an approach such as that used by Hunnarsh?l? in the context of Kutch, their approach is an illustration of the coproduction of housing, Such an approach has not been investigated to any significant degree in terms of its potential as a means of making culturally resonant architecture and therefore as a strategy of empowerment. This it is felt is an oversight which this research seeks to remedy.

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Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 113-114). / The design and building process of Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer is explored for its relationship to vernacular design. The vehicle for this exploration is 'Fonthill,' the home of Dr. Mercer constructed by him in 1908. Complete measured drawings of Fonthill and cylindrical perspective photography were used to document the existing building. Analysis includes excerpts from Mercer's design and construction drawings, design model and design notebook. Discussion and analysis center around the design and bu{lding strategies that contributed to the character or 'sense of place' of Fonthill. The appendices include discussion of measuring and drawing methods employed in producing the measured drawings, and discussion of cylindrical perspective photography techniques utilizing a pinhole camera. / by Kurt Frederick Eichenberger. / M.Arch.