Architecture plays a vivid role in painting the scenery of a place and provides a unique identity. The prominent attributes that contribute to its identity can be the type of construction, the materials used, the climate that influences the design, or its history. The study of various approaches and concepts related to local materials and construction techniques introduces the term Vernacular Architecture. In the regional context, it could be more sustainable to incorporate the same. A Master’s degree in Vernacular Architecture could help us understand the benefits of this style. Some of the Architecture schools that vastly or briefly educate on the vernacular concept for post-graduation are listed below.
1. Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmedabad, India
CEPT is a university situated in Ahmedabad which provides a unique program called Related Study Program (RSP) where students can learn, explore, sketch, and create reports of the various built environments in India to understand more about Vernacular Architecture. The program commenced as a drafting exercise in the 1960s but has now grown into a program with a large collection of drawings of historic buildings.
Link to their website: www.ceptarchives.org
2. University of California, Berkeley
The two-to-three years rigorous master’s degree program in the university can help develop a hands-on community outreach skill in Vernacular design or build. The professor namely Nezar Al Sayyad is well known for specializations in Traditional Dwelling and Settlements and gives a chance for students to delve into the subject.
Link to their website: grad.berkeley.edu
3. Miami University in Oxford, Ohio
There are two- and three-year professional M. Arch programs available in Architecture that focus on subjects such as Architectural Materials, Construction Methods, and Environmental Systems. The two-year programs are for students who have an undergraduate degree in Architecture and the three-year one is designed for those who don’t. Professor Thomas Dutton can be of more help for the vernacular aspect.
Link to their website: miamioh.edu
4. University of Oregon
The Master of Architecture course is 1.7 years available in two campus locations – Eugene and Portland campuses. It has two programs – Track 1 for ones who don’t hold an undergraduate degree in architecture and Track 2 for ones who do. Their curriculum mostly deals with subjects and specializations such as sustainable buildings and construction, architectural technology, housing, interior design, and urban design. In terms of Vernacular aspects, professors Kingston Heath and Howard Davis could be of help.
Link to their website: www.uoregon.edu
5. University of Kansas
The Master of Architecture at the University of Kansas is a three-year program that comprises Architecture detailing, Integrated design, and professional enrichments electives in their degree plan. A Vernacular Architecture Forum: Making Urban and Rural Landscapes on the Prairie Plains is a part of the scholarly works.
Link to their website: ku.edu
6. University of Texas, Austin
Master of Architecture First Professional in the University of Texas may not comprise the vernacular concepts in their curriculum but Professor Sergio Palleroni from the university has founded the BaSiC Initiative, a new Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices at Portland State University. This initiative could help broaden your horizons over the same.
Link to their website: soa.utexas.edu
7. University of Virginia
This university is a good fit if you would want to understand Landscape in Vernacular Architecture. The collaborative perception of both helps us find progressive approaches for design on-site context. There are fieldwork programs conducted by the University of Virginia and the Vernacular Architecture Forum. The master’s degrees offered by the university is listed below –
- Master of Architectural History
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
- Master of Urban and Environmental Planning
- Other Opportunities
Link to their website: registrar.virginia.edu
8. University of Washington
There are two and three-year programs available in Architecture that provide exposure to topics and methods of architectural education, built environments concerning environmental, technological, and socio-cultural contexts. Professor Steve Badanes at the university is well known for the subject of medieval craftsmen’s traditional styles in architecture.
Link to their website: www.washington.edu
9. Yale University
The course of study for Master of Architecture II in Yale is a two years program for students holding an undergraduate professional degree in architecture. They have a Vernacular Architecture Forum conducted every year with conversations from experts on different subjects. Professor Adam Hopfner is familiar with Yale for his design-build practice and projects.
Link to their website: www.architecture.yale.edu
10. University of Notre Dame
This University is the only one entirely dedicated to the study of classical and traditional architecture. It might not be inclined to the Vernacular concept wholly, but the Two Degrees in Three Paths of Study program is ideal for one who is devoted to the environment and community.
- Path A is a two-year Master of Architectural Design and Urbanism (M.ADU) post-professional degree
- Path B is a two-year Master of Architecture (M. Arch) professional degree
- Path C is a three-year Master of Architecture (M. Arch) professional degree in a field other than architecture
Link to their website: www.nd.edu
