Browsing by Subject "Vernacular Architecture"
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Item Restricted Adaptive Reuse in Interior Spaces Through Vernacular Architecture, the Revitalization of Ex-convents in the State of Oaxaca Mexico(2022) Edgar Mauricio Castillo Guerrero; Goodwin, Amara; Köknar, Sait Ali; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: This thesis focuses on the revitalization of a historical monument, specifically the ex-convent of Cuilapan de Guerrero in Oaxaca, Mexico, through the integration of vernacular architecture and adaptive reuse. The research question driving this study is: How can Vernacular Architecture and Adaptive Reuse be applied in an interior space to revitalize a historical monument? The thesis explores the challenges faced by historical buildings in Oaxaca, particularly due to limited funds for maintenance and restoration. By analyzing the concept of adaptive reuse and studying examples of successful architectural interventions, the study aims to propose a functional architectonic program that benefits both the ex-convent and the local community. The methodology involves qualitative research, including literature review, site visits, and analysis of case studies. The findings will inform the design process, considering the local culture, materials, and construction techniques to create a space that activates tourism and the local economy while preserving the historical identity of the site. Keywords: Vernacular architecture, adaptive reuse, historical buildings, interior design, revitalization, Oaxaca, MexicoItem Restricted Cultural Heritage in Neglect : the Domestic Interior of Vernacular Architecture in Rural Spain(2023) Nerea Contreras Benito; Goodwin, Amara; Martín, Javier; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The increasing neglect and decay of domestic vernacular architecture in rural areas of western Spain, particularly in the province of Salamanca, pose a significant threat to cultural heritage and local identity. This thesis aims to explore the potential of interior design strategies in the preservation of the cultural, historical, and architectural values embodied in these vernacular structures. Focused on the 19th and early 20th-century houses in Salamanca, the study confronts the challenges brought about by depopulation, globalization, and changing lifestyles. By employing a range of research methods-including literature reviews, typological analyses, and case studies-the work seeks to identify ways of adapting these vernacular interiors to modern needs without erasing their historical and cultural significance. The ultimate goal is to prevent further loss of cultural heritage, offer alternatives to urban living, and safeguard architectural diversity. Keywords: Vernacular Architecture, Interior Design, Cultural Heritage, Rural Spain, Salamanca, Depopulation, Globalization, Preservation Strategies, Modern Adaptation, Architectural DiversityItem Restricted Examining the Role of Nature in Traditional Japanese Architecture and Its Relevance for Contemporary Design(2022) Lina Fee Drewalowski; Martín, Javier; Tubles, John; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: This thesis examines the relationship between design and nature in the context of vernacular architecture, with a focus on traditional Japanese architecture. The aim is to understand how nature influences design and to identify elements that can be beneficial for contemporary architecture. The research explores the building elements, materials, spatial methods, and underlying philosophy of Japanese design, with the intention of integrating these elements into future design practices. While sustainability is not the main focus, it is closely related to the correlation between design and nature and serves as an incentive for the study. The thesis is structured into five chapters, relying on secondary qualitative research and case studies to support the findings. The research concludes by highlighting the relevance of the information gathered for designing with and for nature in the future. Keywords: design, nature, vernacular architecture, traditional Japanese architecture, sustainability, contemporary architectureItem Restricted Learning from Mediterranean Vernacular Building Techniques to Help Create Better Sustainable Solutions in Contemporary Architecture and Design(2023) Leon Hertle; Martín, Javier; Tubles, John; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: As climate change looms as an insidious threat, the pivotal moment beckons to harness local resources and evolve construction paradigms that eschew environmental exploitation and global transportation of materials. The narrative of sustainability, often misused for corporate greenwashing, demands a sincere introspection across professions to foster tangible change. Vernacular architecture emerges as a poignant template, embodying generations of evolved techniques harmonized with local climate and resources, offering a pathway to mitigate global warming impacts. This thesis navigates the confluence of vernacular wisdom and modern architectural uniformity, probing the potential synergy that could redefine sustainable construction. Amidst the ubiquity of concrete, the hallmark of modern construction yet a significant source of greenhouse emissions, the discourse explores the resurgence of sustainable materials like Mycelium and the rekindling of age-old vernacular techniques. The investigation transcends a mere replication of traditional methods, advocating for a nuanced amalgamation of vernacular insights with modern technology to foster accessible and sustainable architectural solutions. By delving into the essence of vernacular architecture as the "building of and by the people" and juxtaposing it against the often detached modern design practices, the thesis seeks to elucidate a middle ground where the past informs the present, propelling a sustainable architectural narrative that is both accessible and environmentally congruent. Keywords: Climate Change, Vernacular Architecture, Modern Architecture, Sustainable Construction, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Local Resources, MyceliumPublication Restricted Reviving Yutopia(2025) Dusica Mitrovic; Dr. Sally Stone; Interior Architecture/Interior Design (MA) (Two-Year); Berlin International University of Applied SciencesThis thesis explores the cultural and architectural significance of abandoned socialist-era hotels in the former Yugoslav region through the frameworks of vernacular architecture and critical regionalism. These buildings, once symbols of modernity and collective ambition, now stand as contested sites where memory, identity, and material decay intersect. By analyzing their layered histories and examining selected case studies, the research investigates how architectural identity in Yugoslavia was shaped by the tension between international modernist ideals and regional vernacular traditions. Vernacular architecture, rooted in local material practices and cultural rituals, provides a lens to reconsider how interiors embody place and community. Critical regionalism offers a complementary perspective, advocating for designs that resist placeless globalization by grounding themselves in tectonic and cultural specificity. Together, these concepts highlight the importance of materiality and symbolism in shaping spatial experiences that are both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. The study introduces the notion of Yutopia as a critical lens to reinterpret Yugoslav architectural monuments, utopian aspirations that have become fragmented through abandonment, yet still hold potential for renewal. Through comparative analysis of regional and global precedents, this thesis argues for an approach to interior architecture that honors vernacular heritage while engaging critically with modernity. The findings contribute to broader discussions on cultural continuity, architectural identity, and the role of design in negotiating between history and the present.