Vernacular architecture suites the basic functions of living and working. Structure is highly adaptive to these needs and the context of the site. It is for the people, of the people, and by the people. Local citizens use local materials and natural solutions to shield against climate and other needs.There will be cultural influences, such as Tipi designs or plazas of cobble stones. Local materials are frequently used, giving the entire community physical identity in the architecture.
Defense against attack is an issue that throughout history has united the community against hostile outside influences. Economics and trade are addressed in market places and business spaces. Old European cities were situated close together for increased safety and better social and economic interaction. There is great similarity and identity in materials and style in the Vernacular of these communities.
The High Style by contrast suits cultural needs of aesthetics and politics, relying less on utilitarianism. It is for the elite, for the institutional, and flashy trends in a culture. High style is commissioned by large organizations and often not a local effort. High quality materials are used without the community context in mind, and functionalism is less important.An example is the pyramids in Egypt, which though the most impressive structures ever made, serve no utilitarian purpose. They are purely religious and political structures, built to display the power and religion of the pharaoh. Religion and government have historically been a major influence in this style. Museums and corporate needs have of late become major influences.
Speculative architecture, integrated architecture, and sustainable architecture are other styles within either Vernacular or High Style.
Speculative architecture is achieved by the developer for economic profit. These are often unsuccessful and shortsighted projects that get torn down in 50 years. Integrated architecture participatory design that involves the entire community in the design process. It responds to needs of people individually and collectively, as well as the environment. But it requires a well educated public. Sustainable architecture responds to all needs in a long term way, making it the most successful architecture.
Today's "sustainable" architecture is almost never really sustainable. A living roof and a couple solar panels does not make a building sustainable.
All positive aspects of both Vernacular and High styles may be incorporated into these sub-categories, while economically sound reasoning may be used and the needs of the people met. The edifice shouldn't impede on the aesthetics of the environment or on other positive environmental influences.Modern architecture is moving to High Style. Our supposedly increased democracy should result in more Vernacular, one would think, but really the opposite is the case. All functions, from residential to governmental, are increasingly speculative and removed from local contexts. Non-functional needs take precedence and we are left with a hollow gesture toward upper class aesthetics. Like Heinrich Hübsch, we are left asking, "In which style should we build?"
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