Asian Vernacular Architecture: Heritage and Conservation
Explore the traditional architecture of Asia's local communities and learn how to preserve these valuable cultural heritage sites.
Explore the traditional architecture of Asia's local communities and learn how to preserve these valuable cultural heritage sites.
This course examines the rich tradition of vernacular architecture in Asia, focusing on everyday buildings and environments created by local communities. Through real-world examples and expert insights, students explore how climate, materials, and cultural practices influence building decisions. The curriculum covers both rural and urban settings, including informal settlements, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable conservation. Learn to appreciate the value of ordinary built environments and understand how traditional architecture can evolve while maintaining cultural significance.
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What you'll learn
Understand the concept and significance of vernacular architecture
Analyze how climate and materials influence building decisions
Examine vernacular architecture in rural and urban contexts
Evaluate informal settlements and their role in urban development
Develop strategies for sustainable conservation of vernacular heritage
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course explores the significance of vernacular architecture in Asia, focusing on how ordinary people create and adapt their built environments. Through six comprehensive modules, students learn about the influence of climate and local materials on building decisions, the characteristics of rural and urban vernacular landscapes, and the challenges of conservation. The curriculum emphasizes the cultural value of everyday architecture and its role in sustainable development. Special attention is given to informal settlements and the balance between tradition and modernity in Asian architecture.
Interpreting the Vernacular
Module 1
Climate, Building Materials, and the Vernacular
Module 2
Vernacular Landscapes and the Rural Built Environment
Module 3
The Urban Vernacular
Module 4
Informal Settlements
Module 5
Sustainable Conservation and the Future of Asia's Vernacular Architecture
Module 6
Fee Structure
Instructors
1 Course
Distinguished Scholar Leading Architectural Conservation and Heritage Preservation
David P.Y. Lung is an internationally renowned architect and educator who has made significant contributions to architectural conservation and heritage preservation in Asia. After earning his Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Master of Arts in Asian Studies from the University of Oregon, he established himself as a leading expert in vernacular architecture and cultural heritage conservation. At The University of Hong Kong (HKU), he served as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture from 2011-2013 and held the prestigious Lady Edith Kotewall Professorship in the Built Environment. His most notable achievement was founding the Architectural Conservation Programme in 2000, an innovative post-graduate degree course that has since expanded to include a bachelor's program covering building conservation and historic district preservation. Throughout his career, Professor Lung has been instrumental in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for three significant sites: the Historic City of Macao, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, and the Historic Cities in the Straits of Malacca. His dedication to heritage preservation was recognized when he was appointed chairman of Hong Kong's Antiquities Advisory Board, where he initiated numerous conservation initiatives including the landmark "Year of Heritage" program featuring 52 weekly events to promote cultural preservation. Currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Chu Hai College, he continues to influence the fields of vernacular architecture, heritage conservation, and architectural education.
1 Course
Distinguished Scholar Advancing Architectural Theory and Urban Studies
Howard Davis is a renowned professor of architecture at the University of Oregon whose work spans architectural theory, urban studies, and vernacular building traditions. After completing his education in physics at Cooper Union and Northwestern University, followed by a Master's in Architecture from UC Berkeley, he established himself as a leading voice in architectural education and research. His seminal work "The Culture of Building" earned prestigious recognition from the Association of American Publishers, examining how buildings emerge from complex systems involving architects, builders, developers, and other stakeholders. Throughout his career, Davis has held teaching positions at several prestigious institutions including UC Berkeley, Edinburgh University, and the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. His research focuses on sustainable urban development, building typology, and the relationships between architecture and contemporary city life. His latest work explores how cities' physical forms can accommodate economic needs of low-income groups and sustainable businesses. Davis's excellence in teaching and research has been recognized with multiple honors, including the ACSA Distinguished Professor Award in 2009 and the University of Oregon's Thomas F. Herman Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2011. His collaborative work with Christopher Alexander and extensive international experience in Mexico, India, and other locations has shaped his holistic approach to understanding architecture's role in society.
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