An overview of university and post-university education in vernacular architecture

Abstract

One of the premises advocated by the two European projects – VerSus / Lessons from Vernacular Heritage to Sustainable Architecture and VerSus+ / Heritage for people – is that vernacular heritage, both in its tangible and intangible components, can teach invaluable lessons and principles concerning sustainable architecture. Vernacular architecture is indeed a good example concerning sustainability, since it fully integrates cultural, social, and economical aspects, but especially constructive traditions while respecting the surrounding nature and habitat. In order to reach the full potential of these lessons and assure vernacular heritage protection and survival in this fast-paced world, a strategy for its teaching and awareness is required. University training plays a central role in this outcome, since it can raise awareness for the values of vernacular architecture in the sustainable development of cities and communities. In this sense, this chapter will present a series of good practices of university education, associated with this important challenge.