The Vernacular Architecture Discourse in the Age of Environmental Awakening, 1939–1972
Doctoral Research – Vasileios Chanis
UNIL-Fondation Sophie Afenduli
The thesis examines a central topic in architectural theory: the evolving relationship between « contemporary » and « traditional » architecture in the aftermath of World War II. While the immediate postwar period was dominated by the International Style as the prevailing architectural paradigm, it also witnessed a surge of scholarly interest in traditional buildings and settlements. This intellectual shift led to the emergence of a substantial body of architectural literature that placed vernacular architecture at the forefront of professional and academic discourse. Though vernacular influences existed in pre-war architecture, they were often framed within an abstract myth of origins. In contrast, postwar interpretations of the vernacular became closely linked to the emerging notion of « environment »—long before its present-day associations with sustainability. This discourse, forming part of what can be called « environmental awakening, » sought to address growing concerns over pollution, rapid urban development, the disappearance of historic cities, and uncontrolled urban sprawl.
The study investigates this critical transformation through an analysis of architectural books published between 1939 and the early 1970s. By revisiting the broader architectural discourse of this period, the research defines what is termed the « vernacular architecture discourse. » The method involves examining the representation of vernacular architecture in interpretive books, focusing not only on textual analysis but also on drawings and photographs. These books are studied both as carriers of architectural knowledge and as designed objects that influence discourse. The research is based on over 100 titles retrieved from archives, all in English, given the dominant influence of the Anglo-Saxon cultural sphere in Western architectural thought during this period.
Finally, this research has two primary objectives. First, it seeks to critically reconstruct the architectural discourse of the time by incorporating contemporary scholarly perspectives. This is achieved through an interdisciplinary methodology that integrates architectural history, digital humanities, phenomenological philosophy, and the architectural analysis of specific case studies of projects by architects actively engaged in this discourse. Second, the study aims to produce an operational appendix for scholarly use, summarizing the archival findings, tracing the evolution of architectural publications, and mapping the shifting interpretations of the vernacular.