Community and Culture in Architectural Aesthetics
Start Date
8-11-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
8-11-2017 5:30 PM
Abstract
Architecture is a language that expresses values of time, space, and social relationships in societies. This research examines the influence of migrants and globalization on the vernacular indigenous architecture in the Quilloac community in Cañar city, Ecuador. I undertook an analysis of residential architecture, both vernacular and modern residences, to understand how it reflects changes in the values of the inhabitants and their culture. This analysis demonstrates a change in cultural landscapes and it helps understand a process for design to support culture resiliency. This research included semi-structured interviews that were conducted to understand perspectives from residents and architects from the region, and an analysis about the use of space and process for designing residences to understand the traditional building process in Quilloac. The field work showed new interpretations of residential designs, and how migration was influencing the form, use and the process that Cañari people are using. The residents suggested that modernity is desirable for aesthetics and building practices that are aligned with western ideals of property, but it is undesirable for comfort and usability of spaces. Also, the traditions and values associated with building a home in Quilloac reflected a deeper community shared knowledge about kinship and society. However, this is being challenged with modern residences replacing the vernacular landscape. This research showed how traditional processes of planning and growing as a community, and the values behind it, are being lost. The poster will show landscape, modern and vernacular residential photos, a map of the Cañari community where the study was conducted, community values for the process of residential building, and the current challenges.
Community and Culture in Architectural Aesthetics
Architecture is a language that expresses values of time, space, and social relationships in societies. This research examines the influence of migrants and globalization on the vernacular indigenous architecture in the Quilloac community in Cañar city, Ecuador. I undertook an analysis of residential architecture, both vernacular and modern residences, to understand how it reflects changes in the values of the inhabitants and their culture. This analysis demonstrates a change in cultural landscapes and it helps understand a process for design to support culture resiliency. This research included semi-structured interviews that were conducted to understand perspectives from residents and architects from the region, and an analysis about the use of space and process for designing residences to understand the traditional building process in Quilloac. The field work showed new interpretations of residential designs, and how migration was influencing the form, use and the process that Cañari people are using. The residents suggested that modernity is desirable for aesthetics and building practices that are aligned with western ideals of property, but it is undesirable for comfort and usability of spaces. Also, the traditions and values associated with building a home in Quilloac reflected a deeper community shared knowledge about kinship and society. However, this is being challenged with modern residences replacing the vernacular landscape. This research showed how traditional processes of planning and growing as a community, and the values behind it, are being lost. The poster will show landscape, modern and vernacular residential photos, a map of the Cañari community where the study was conducted, community values for the process of residential building, and the current challenges.
