Sustaining culture through architecture : how can local, vernacular architectural principles be adapted to contemporary design in a village in Guyana

Authors

Davina Peters Bittner, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Major/Program

Architecture

First Advisor's Name

Nathaniel Belcher

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Camillo Rosales

Third Advisor's Name

Gray Read

Date of Defense

4-1-2005

Abstract

This thesis explores how architecture can adapt local vernacular design principles to contemporary building design in a rural setting. Vernacular buildings in Guyana present a unique and coherent set of design principles developed in response to climatic and cultural conditions. The concept of “habitus” proposed by philosopher Pierre Bourdieu describing the evolving nature of social culture was used to interpret Guyanese local buildings. These principles were then applied to the design of a Women’s Center in the village of Port Mourant on the east coast of Guyana. The design specifically interpreted the “bottom-house” of local Guyanese architecture, an inherently flexible transitional outdoor space beneath raised buildings.

The design of the Women’s Center demonstrates how contemporary architectural design can respond to climatic requirements, local preferences and societal needs to support the local culture.

Identifier

FI14051160

Recommended Citation

Bittner, Davina Peters, "Sustaining culture through architecture : how can local, vernacular architectural principles be adapted to contemporary design in a village in Guyana" (2005). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1585.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1585