Vernacular Settlements Research Articles

Comparative evolution of vernacular settlements among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka ethnic groups in Lingnan

ABSTRACT Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka are three major ethnic groups in southern China that exhibit distinct characteristics despite their close geographical and cultural ties. This study employs an analysis of historical documents, architectural documentation, interviews, and observations to examine common settlement patterns and unique evolutionary mechanisms. The findings indicate that all three groups commonly feature a “tanghengshi” architectural prototype, rooted in Central Plains cultural heritage. Both Teochew and Hakka communities have consistently preserved this traditional structure. In contrast, Cantonese settlements have transitioned toward a “binglieshi” layout, characterized by the decline of horizontal houses and a reorientation of architectural elements. This study also investigates how large “tanghengshi” residences and smaller “binglieshi” dwellings may mutually transform. These adaptations in settlement form respond to Lingnan’s geographical and climatic conditions, influenced by social organization, Central Plains culture, and external factors. This research significantly advances our understanding of the relationships among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka settlements and provides valuable insights for future restoration efforts.

Social Injustice Inflicted by Spatial Changes in Vernacular Settings: An Analysis of Published Literature

It is well known that every kind of development has the tendancy to produce spatial disparity or spatial justice. However, usually, it is the demand-driven, rural, non-agricultural transitional area development considered the prime cause of concern for policy planners. Indeed, this is an area where spatial justice needs to be ensured so that development is just for all and not lopsided for any single stakeholder. For example, there is a need to ensure that fair allocation of land development rights rests with the village dwellers. Usually, the market is biased in favour of allocating premium land of the vernacular settlements to expand the city for new city dwellers who wish to get new parcels of land for developing housing. Plan-led spatial changes without corrective mediation between villagers and the city dwellers also lead to bias decision-making. Transition from rural sprawl to urban compactness suggests institutional change need be adopted in governance so that socio-spatial justice for villagers is incorporated into an integrated city. In this context, this paper examines the current knolwdge reflected through academic narratives of social injustice inflicted by spatial change. This paper presents the concept of spatial justice as an umbrella term encompassing all political, social, economic, and environmental forms. Gentrification and peri-urbanization are two spatial changes that do injustice to certain social groups. The paper employs both quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques. It conducts primarily a document survey, analysing published research related to development and social and spatial justics issues. The documents discussing the role of planning in achieving spatial justice until 2023 are examined. The paper reveals that while formal planning often marginalizes vernacular settlements, participatory and communitydriven planning processes show potential for addressing issues of spatial injustice. The paper concludes that the investigation into spatial justice within vernacular settlements must account for unique socio-cultural, environmental, and economic dynamics.

Characteristics of the Vernacular Settlements of the Krowe Community: Insights from the Romanduru Village, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Traditional settlements are often associated with residences that still hold customary and cultural values that are closely related to the beliefs or religions of a particular community rooted in a particular place beyond historical determinations. Such is the case of the traditional settlement of the Ata Krowe community in Romanduru Village, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The Ata Krowe community speaks the Sikka language and lives in the mountains. This research examines the characteristics of the settlement of the Ata Krowe community in Romanduru village. It employs a cultural landscape approach. Findings show that the Ata Krowe community in Romanduru village has a centralized settlement concept and consists of several components including watu mahang, wisung wangar, wua mahe, and Ai Tali. The paper concludes that, as an old village, Romanduru village has a distinctive residential pattern: a sedentary concept based on the presence of springs. The existence of Romanduru village is inseparable from the existence of the Buang Baling clan, which is a tribe/clan that opened the land first and is honored as Tana Pu'an.

Erosion of Rivers and their Impact on Land Ownership of Vernacular Settlements: Insights from Two Settlements Near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Iraq

It is usual for human settlements to rise along the river banks because rivers provide water: the major source of sustenance of communities. However, riverbank erosion along rivers has huge implication for these settlements that border them. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq causes land loss that impacts adjacent properties and land ownership rights. This study examines such erosion and land submersion in two locations in Iraq: along the Euphrates in Ramadi and the Tigris in Baiji. The research employs historical maps and multi-temporal satellite data from 1968-2022. The GIS analysis quantified erosion areas and compared changes to cadastral records to determine direct impacts to property boundaries and land rights. The results identified significant conversion of privately held waterfront land into nonusable flooded river channels, amounting to billions in loss of value. Owners forfeited all functional land access without current provisions for relocations or erosion mitigation planning. The research concludes that intensifying hydrologic shifts could exponentially increase economic disruption for vulnerable property holders without integrated monitoring tools and policy responses to the dynamic river morphologies.

Cartographic Narratives of Human Settlements: The Origin and Transformations of 'Pete' in Petta Area of Bangalore, India

Bangalore Petta, also referred to as Bangalore Pete or City Market area has garnered considerable attention from urban researchers across numerous dimensions. The name "Pete" has been a recurring identifier across diverse cultures and languages, yet its origin remains enigmatic. These dimensions encompass the spectrum from morphology to perception and from visual to sensory, allowing for the exploration of diverse characteristics within this historical part of the city. Examining these settlements through various lenses is necessary to understand the significance of multiple dimensions of the city and Cartography, though a predominant tool for assessment, seldom explored in this context. Delving into the study of one of Bangalore’s oldest vernacular settlements through Cartography can unearth the visual and geographical aspects that reveals the historical layers, linguistic roots, and cultural stories woven into the fabric of the area. This method allows the tracing of the evolution of place names and uncover the narratives that have shaped the region's identity over time, offering a deeper understanding of the etymology that defines its character. Through maps, insights can be gained into how the landscape has been interpreted, inhabited, and transformed, enriching our appreciation of the area's rich and multifaceted history. Utilizing mapping tools and through analysis of these maps, the study provided visual representations of the name's dispersal, including its shifts in morphology taking into consideration the sociocultural contexts, trade routes, and historical events that have contributed to the diffusion of the name. Comparative analysis of linguistic structures reveals the relationships between different iterations of the name, “Pette”, once a prominent commercial center which has evolved significantly over time. Its transformation reflects the influence of surrounding developments and shifts in urbanism.

Exploring Community Engagement: Neighbourhood Infrastructure Evolution in Sentani's Vernacular Settlements

Exploring Community Engagement: Neighbourhood Infrastructure Evolution in Sentani's Vernacular Settlements

Conserving Continuously Evolving Cultural Landscapes of Vernacular Settlements: Insights from the Village Nirmand, Himachal Pradesh, India

Hill settlements have emerged and evolved respecting the given condition of Nature. The elements of the settlement pattern reflect the tenets responding to the socio-cultural-geographical context. The scientific and technological adaptations, innovations, and creations address culture-specific physical and psychological needs. The historical hill settlement of village Nirmand in Himachal Pradesh, India exhibits components of its origin and evolution. The settlement pattern, neighbourhood clusters, and house forms of the village are filled with religious significance, sensitivity towards local materials, technology, climateresponsive solutions, and architectural details. The living indigenous settlements have sustained and evolved over many years. However, with rapid urbanisation and changes in living patterns, the settlement is losing its value. The paper investigates ways to retain the authenticity and integrity associated with indigenous living hill settlements against the changing dynamics. This research employs the empirical research method. Before the field visit, secondary data collection was conducted to establish historical background. The fieldwork has been conducted periodically to understand patterns of change in the settlement. The research method involves an ethnographic approach to decipher the socio-cultural attributes of the community. During the field visit, the documentation of architectural components, mapping of neighbourhoods, community interaction, stakeholders' consultation, and visual documentation were conducted. The collected data has been analysed further to synthesise findings. Findings indicate that the patterns of change have accelerated due to urbanisation. The expansion of the settlement away from its centre, and the increase in the use of modern materials and construction techniques are threatening the authenticity of the settlement. The research concludes that the dynamics of issues both, natural and man-made are threatening the values associated with the settlement. Unless urgent actions with sensitivity toward Nature, culture, and community are undertaken, the settlement might lose its integrity.

Visual Arts in the Vernacular Settlements: Aesthetic Values and Significance of Beliefs in the Komburongo Ritual Tool in Sabah, Malaysia

Visual Arts in the Vernacular Settlements: Aesthetic Values and Significance of Beliefs in the Komburongo Ritual Tool in Sabah, Malaysia

Unravelling the Meanings of Vernacular Settlements Through Linguistic Threads: Echoes of Ngapak Dialect in Indonesia

Unravelling the Meanings of Vernacular Settlements Through Linguistic Threads: Echoes of Ngapak Dialect in Indonesia

Heritage in Transition: Vernacular Architectural Patterns in Rural Iran

The transition from vernacular architectural patterns to current architecture in rural Iran has led to various socio-cultural and environmental problems in the last decade. This study explores the nature of this transition, which has been overlooked in the studies of vernacular architecture in Iran. Furthermore, this article contributes to the ongoing academic debate on the decline and transformation of vernacular architectural patterns in the context of modernization. It analyzes the forces behind the decline and rise of vernacular settlements in a case study area, the Salami region of the Khaf district in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province, by exploring how it is possible to reinterpret vernacular architectural patterns in the context of current architecture to utilize the new developments in rural Iran not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for improvement. To this end, this article explores vernacular architectural patterns in a case study area in Iran, supported by socio-cultural aspects and the environmental conditions of the region. This study conducts architectural and anthropological fieldwork on three vernacular houses in a case study area and uses participant observation and informal interview methods to understand the people and their interaction with their built environment. The findings of this article thus contradict previous studies on learning from vernacular architecture by shedding light on vernacular architecture in Iran as a system by demonstrating the inextricable links between different vernacular architectural patterns. Therefore, this study argues that to draw lessons from vernacular architectural patterns for current architecture in rural Iran, it is necessary to limit its communication concerning people’s contemporary needs but not to neglect this communication completely.

Employing Creative Tourism to Produce City Branding Derived from Vernacular Settlements: A Review

Employing Creative Tourism to Produce City Branding Derived from Vernacular Settlements: A Review

Significant Historical Buildings in Vernacular Settlements: Changing Characteristics of Achmad Noe'man's Mosques in Indonesia

Significant Historical Buildings in Vernacular Settlements: Changing Characteristics of Achmad Noe'man's Mosques in Indonesia

Urbanization and the Emergence of Small Towns: Rural Urban Transformations and the Formation of Urban Vernacular Settlements in East Kazakhstan

Urbanization and the Emergence of Small Towns: Rural Urban Transformations and the Formation of Urban Vernacular Settlements in East Kazakhstan

The Hindu Icon God Shiva as a Visual Communication of Interactions between the Hindus and the Buddhists at the Borobudur Temple in Indonesia

In vernacular settlements, it is a common practice to venerate religious icons. The figure of the God Shiva Mahadeva is one of the icons of Hinduism generally venerated in India. Interestingly, this figure is carved on the relief of the Buddhist temple, Borobudur in Indonesia. The visualization shows that the figure is God Shivam and its presence can be interpreted as a form of visual communication representing the interactions between the Hindu and Buddhist communities living in the surrounding vernacular settlements of the Borobudur temple. This article reviews the art historiography and raises several research questions regarding the visualization of Hindu icons in this Buddhist temple. The study examines the visualization of the figure of God Shiva in one of the relief panels of the Borobudur temple. The paper employs a case study method. It produces visual comparisons of approaches to artistic practice and art history delineated through the characteristics of the visual elements of God Shiva in the 104 Gandavyuha relief panels. Data was collected through photo documentation, visits to the Borobudur temple, photograph tracing, making lithography, and comparing visual findings with published literature. This is to ensure the accuracy of the visualization and investigate Hindu-Buddhist interactions in Java in the 8th—9th centuries. It concludes that the figure carved on panel 104 in the second gallery of the Gandavyuha reliefs is God Shiva, a Hindu icon as per the Gandavyuha Sutra text where God Shiva is mentioned as a spiritual guide who has carried out dharma as a bodhisattva.

Transformations of the Vernacular Settlements: Demographic Changes in the Villages in Kazakhstan from 1945-1955

Human settlements are an outcome of people occupying land. In the 1940s and 1950s, a pivotal era unfolded in the demographic landscape of Kazakhstani lands. his period was shaped by the policies of the Soviet government, particularly during the Second World War, which saw the mass deportation of various Soviet people, along with those captured during the war, to Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Consequently, this period witnessed the establishment of numerous settlements and villages across Kazakhstan, along with an unprecedented demographic transformation within its rural population. This article delves into the demographic history of Kazakhstan's rural population from 1945 to 1955 and transformation of its landscape. The study employs a multifaceted approach, intertwining analyses of demography, social life, and migration processes prevalent during this period. Employing contemporary historical scholarship, the research investigates the nuanced interplay of various factors that shaped the demographic landscape of rural Kazakhstan during this time. It reveals a tapestry of intersecting influences that reshaped the social fabric of the region and the settlements. Through an analysis of demographic trends and migration patterns, it elucidates the profound impact of historical events and government policies on the rural people of Kazakhstan during the post-war era. By contextualizing demographic shifts within the broader socio-political frameworks, the research reveals the significance of rural population dynamics in deciphering the larger narrative of Kazakhstan's historical trajectory of human settlements.

Influence of Spatial Context on the Technique of Crafting the Rapai Pase Musical Instrument in the Vernacular Settlements of North Aceh, Indonesia

Influence of Spatial Context on the Technique of Crafting the Rapai Pase Musical Instrument in the Vernacular Settlements of North Aceh, Indonesia

QUALITY ENHANCEMENT OF THE STREET CORRIDOR TO SUPPORT TOURISM BASED ON URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT IN PEMUDA STREET, MAGELANG CITY

Pemuda Street is a corridor in the Magelang Chinatown area, known as one of the shopping centers in Magelang City. This area is generally a commerce and service area consisting of shops, healthcare facilities, and banking services. Despite its dominance by various economic opportunities and claims to be a Chinatown area, it requires a suitable area identity. Problems arise from various perspectives, such as pedestrian facilities being limited to pedestrians with unattractive visual appeal that fails to represent the distinctive characteristics of Chinatown. Consequently, motorcycle riders tend to utilize pedestrians more than walkers. Furthermore, most shops have experienced a decrease in visitors, influencing the economic earnings of the area. The Pemuda Street corridor aims to be planned using the design thinking method, adapting the concept of complete streets with elaboration from the concepts of commercial street, shared street, urban tourism, and vernacular settlement, to address various issues. The planning process begins with problem analysis and literature review to manifest the ideal planning concept. It concludes with creating a master plan design for the area summarized in textual explanations, two-dimensional images, and three-dimensional frameworks. The results of this research is apply the "complete street" planning concept can become the basis for designs that focus on functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, social needs, environmental harmony, and economic progress while respecting the historical values of the area Chinatown in Magelang City.

Vernacular Architecture of a Rural Magar Settlement of Nepal: The Case of Taka, Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality, East Rukum

The vernacular settlement of the Magar community in the Taka village of East Rukum are still lively, and represent the society, cultural and history of the place, which reflects the sustainable living pattern of a rural community. This study of Taka village clearly defines the geography, settlement pattern, community groups, settlement cluster, social structure, construction of dwelling and rituals. It further identifies the dwelling types and construction technology on the basis of three features: i. representation of each community, ii. Representation of each locality, and iii. Representation of variation in house form. The settlement pattern and dwelling form in a way represent the characteristics of social structure and life style in the sharing of spaces of the dwelling environment. The dwelling form, building materials and construction technology blends with the terrain profile and climate creating a harmonious settlement pattern with nature and society. There is also community awareness on the conservation of Taka rural settlement heritage which is the positive sign on maintaining the identity of the community and place.

Legal Protection for Traditional Knowledge in the Vernacular Settlements: The Role of Government in Safeguarding the Siak’s Weaving Art in Riau, Indonesia

Legal Protection for Traditional Knowledge in the Vernacular Settlements: The Role of Government in Safeguarding the Siak’s Weaving Art in Riau, Indonesia

Local Wisdom of Vernacular Settlements: Natural Disaster Mitigation Values in the Nyi Roro Kidul Folklore of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Local Wisdom of Vernacular Settlements: Natural Disaster Mitigation Values in the Nyi Roro Kidul Folklore of Yogyakarta, Indonesia