Eco-Vernacular

It is not enough that we understand and incorporate the institutional knowledge embedded within traditional vernacular and regionalist precedents. In the context of the current environmental crisis, we must engage the natural world as a restorative and celebratory act, not simply as a matter of stewardship. As such, “good” architecture manifests the ancient principles and traditional precepts that comprise our conventional sense of vernacular, and is enhanced by current science and appropriate technology, as well as concepts such as biophilic and regenerative design. In a real sense, just as vernacular has always reflected local and regional cultural values through architectural expression, we believe that this approach (as opposed to purely “green”) has more validity within today’s cultural dialogue focused on the energy crisis, climate change and general ecological overshoot.