Abstract
This white paper explores the contemporary practice of Traditional Architecture, a type of Architectural design that spans 7,000 years and encompasses many different styles of design and building. The defining attributes of Traditional Architecture, how Traditional Architecture is different from Vernacular Architecture, and current Architectural events in Philadelphia will be covered. This document also provides many resources and organizations to explore Traditional Architecture further.
What is Traditional Architecture?
Recently, the above rendering was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer as a possible Architectural project near 30th Street Station. Are there alternatives to this vision?
Although Traditional Architecture is widely recognized by the general public, there are many misconceptions about what Traditional Architecture is and what role it plays in the modern world:
· Many people confuse “Traditional Architecture” with “Vernacular Architecture.” This paper will define these clearly as well as describing the Architect’s role in both these kinds of Architecture.
· Some people believe that Traditional Architecture is something that was built historically but either is not or cannot be built any longer. I will be dispelling these myths by showing some new construction Traditional Architectural buildings completed within the past five years.
· A few people believe that Traditional Architecture is overly conservative and that the designs that result from this type of Architecture are simply recreations of the past or not innovative designs. This paper will show how Traditional Architecture, with its 5,000 year history, is very innovative and diverse.
Background: Architecture, Clients, and Style
What is Architecture?
Throughout human history, people have been designing and building structures and spaces. However, a more precise definition of the field of Architecture is required. Architecture is the result of building artificial, habitable interior and exterior spaces that are durable, useful, and attractive. Architects are the "Master Builders" who conceive of, design, manage construction for, and maintain landscapes, buildings, and even cities for their clients. Today, a practicing Architect must also have a professional degree (a 5 year Bachelors in Architecture or 3 year Masters in Architecture), complete approximately 3,000 hours of Architectural Experience Hours with a Registered Architect, and pass six separate Architectural Registration Exams on different topics within a 5 year window. See NCARB for more information.
Who Are Clients?
Clients are the people or organizations who commission and pay Architects for new or renovated Architectural projects.
What is Architectural Style?
Architectural Style encompasses the different types and sizes of characteristics shared in common between spaces of similar times, regions, cultures, or geography. Architectural style falls into three broad categories:
· Vernacular Architecture is Architecture designed, built, and maintained by ordinary people using local materials without the aid of Architects or other professionals. This style began in 40,000 BC and continues to this day.
The Gallus Oratory, Citadel of Uchisar, and the Derinkuyu Underground City are some examples of Historic Vernacular Architecture.
Log Cabins in North America and the Trulli in Apulia, Italy are some examples of Contemporary Vernacular Architecture.
· Traditional Architecture is a diverse range of Architectural problem solving, innovations, and aesthetics that are passed down by and added to by generations of Architects. This style began around 5,000 BC and continues to be handed down, practiced, and improved upon today. Almost every style that was not Vernacular Architecture fell into this category until around 1900.
The Inman Admissions Welcome Center (built 2015), and the Philadelphia Mormon Temple (built 2016) are two recent examples of contemporary, new construction Traditional Architecture.
· Modernist Architecture (1900 - 1980) and Post-Modernist Architecture (1980 - Present) Modernism was a new Architectural movement that sought to totally divorce itself from the past through the elimination of all traditional elements. Many Modernists claimed to reject "style" itself, so some consider this to be a "non-style" in Architecture. Post-Modernist Architecture is a synthesis of toned down Modernist philosophies relabeled as "sustainable" but an overall rejection of Traditional Architecture.
l Traditional Architecture includes a wide range of styles including Classical Architecture, Islamic Architecture, Chinese Architecture, Japanese Architecture, Gothic, and many others. According to the Institute of Traditional Architecture, there are nine guiding principals that can be observed across traditional style buildings and spaces:
l Traditional Architecture uses a range of subdivisions to make spaces more human scale
l Traditional Architecture uses mass or symmetry to create balance
l There are focal points and mechanisms that guide the viewer to observe them
l Window and Door openings are obvious and form vertical rectangular shapes
l Load bearing components are aligned vertically
l The base of a building has the most bulk and the building gradually becomes lighter as it gets taller
l Balconies project from the surface of buildings
l The joints between and endings of materials and different surfaces are emphasized and anchored together
l Buildings built within a close proximity relate to one another.
The Future of Traditional Architecture
Please see this great interactive map developed by several people interested in Traditional Architecture:
This interactive map shows the location of 542 different new construction Traditional Architecture projects around the world from 1970 to present. This is only a small survey of the massive number of contemporary Traditional Architecture projects.
Most importantly, regular people can play a role in what kinds of cities and buildings we live, work, and learn in.
Become an Architectural Activist
There are many ways that members of the general public can become involved in the architectural developments around them. To weigh in on projects like the Brandywine Towers, people can visit the Philadelphia Design Review Board. This organizational body ultimately decides what can and can not be built in Philadelphia (There are usually similar government organizations wherever you live). This organization is required to hold public hearings on architectural proposals. Additionally, the public can lobby members of this board.
There are also many groups and organizations committed to the progress and preservation of contemporary Traditional Architecture that people can join and engage with, such as:
There are also great volunteer opportunities available with:
About the Author
From building architectural models with wood blocks as a child, to visiting Taiwan, China, Israel, and countries in Europe, to serving in a community service program, Architecture is a lifetime passion for William Ross. He is currently studying Architecture in Philadelphia.
References
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French, Hilary. Architecture: A Crash Course. Watson-Guptill Publications, 1998.
“INTBAU Is a Global Network Promoting Traditional Building, Architecture, and Urbanism.” INTBAU, https://www.intbau.org/.
“Inman Admissions Welcome Center.” Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP, http://www.ramsa.com/projects/project/inman-admissions-welcome-center.
Jutras, Joseph. Institute of Traditional Architecture, http://www.institute-of-traditional-architecture.org/.
“National Architectural Accrediting Board.” National Architectural Accrediting Board, 15 Aug. 2019, https://www.naab.org/
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Pollio, Vitruvius Vitruvius: The Ten Books on Architecture. M. H. Morgan. Harvard University Press, 1914.
Saffron, Inga. “Is Philadelphia Ready for a Big Red Skyscraper at Schuylkill Yards?: Inga Saffron.” Https://www.inquirer.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 22 Aug. 2019, https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/schuylkill-yards-philadelphia-brandywine-pau-architecture-color-skyscrapers-tower-20190821.html.
Sitte, Camilo. Der Städtebau: City Planning According to Artistic Principles. 1889.
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