Versus. Heritage for tomorrow. Vernacular Knowledge for Sustainable Architecture

Vernacular architecture represents a great resource that has considerable potential to define principles for sustainable design and contemporary architecture. Traditional architecture and its methods and strategies are undervalued and unemployed in new construction. Nevertheless, very important princi- ples and components can be learned from this heritage, to be applied nowadays, in sustainable archi- tecture. The project’sVerSus main aim is to gain knowledge from the fundamental lessons and principles of the vernacular architecture and to explore new ways of integrating those principles into modern sustainable building.
The project intends to provide knowledge of the determining factors for a project to be considered eco- logical and sustainable, seeking architectural solutions in equilibrium with the natural surroundings and the climate; to consider the natural features and mechanisms to be implemented in a building, and its surroundings, for a greater energy e ciency; to develop skills for the application of the acquired knowledge in future projects that are more integrated and in consonance with the environment. Finally, the research project aims to encourage a wider European intercultural dialogue, through the launch of a network of experts and institutions working in the field, with established research and with overreach strategies.