Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia

Abstract In accordance with the culture and environment, vernacular architecture has provided suitable solutions. People are looking for more environmentally friendly structures in today's globalized world. To comprehend the sustainable qualities of indigenous housing tradition, thus it is impo...

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Main Authors: Ashenafi Kebede, Desalegn Amsalu, Dawit Yosef
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2024-03-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00206-5
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author Ashenafi Kebede
Desalegn Amsalu
Dawit Yosef
author_facet Ashenafi Kebede
Desalegn Amsalu
Dawit Yosef
author_sort Ashenafi Kebede
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In accordance with the culture and environment, vernacular architecture has provided suitable solutions. People are looking for more environmentally friendly structures in today's globalized world. To comprehend the sustainable qualities of indigenous housing tradition, thus it is important to look back in time. This article has used the idea of sustainable development to evaluate the worth of Gurage, an Ethiopian traditional architecture. The indigenous architecture of the Gurage communities is constructed in line with the community's history, culture, and surroundings. In light of this, the research investigates traditional houses and the socio-cultural practices of the locals that promote resilience. In order to find a scientific basis and encourage its implementation in the future, this paper analyzes the architectural expression in Gurage, holistically in light of the knowledge and experience of the local populace. Using a phenomenological research design and a qualitative research approach that involves observation, key informant interviews (20), and focused group discussions (3) with carefully chosen participants, an explanation for the vernacular architecture of the study areas was established. The outcome of the paper reveals how much the rich vernacular traditions of the study site are still relevant today in creating an environmentally and culturally sustainable settlement. It implies that the traditional building practices and cultural heritage of the Gurage people can contribute to the development of a sustainable settlement that is both environmentally friendly and culturally appropriate. By expressing concern about these issues, it highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
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spelling doaj.art-57985fe373eb420cbf0e8a093efccf0d2024-03-10T12:04:19ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842024-03-015111810.1007/s43621-024-00206-5Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, EthiopiaAshenafi Kebede0Desalegn Amsalu1Dawit Yosef2Department of Anthropology, University of GondarInstitute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa UniversityDepartment of Anthropology, University of GondarAbstract In accordance with the culture and environment, vernacular architecture has provided suitable solutions. People are looking for more environmentally friendly structures in today's globalized world. To comprehend the sustainable qualities of indigenous housing tradition, thus it is important to look back in time. This article has used the idea of sustainable development to evaluate the worth of Gurage, an Ethiopian traditional architecture. The indigenous architecture of the Gurage communities is constructed in line with the community's history, culture, and surroundings. In light of this, the research investigates traditional houses and the socio-cultural practices of the locals that promote resilience. In order to find a scientific basis and encourage its implementation in the future, this paper analyzes the architectural expression in Gurage, holistically in light of the knowledge and experience of the local populace. Using a phenomenological research design and a qualitative research approach that involves observation, key informant interviews (20), and focused group discussions (3) with carefully chosen participants, an explanation for the vernacular architecture of the study areas was established. The outcome of the paper reveals how much the rich vernacular traditions of the study site are still relevant today in creating an environmentally and culturally sustainable settlement. It implies that the traditional building practices and cultural heritage of the Gurage people can contribute to the development of a sustainable settlement that is both environmentally friendly and culturally appropriate. By expressing concern about these issues, it highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00206-5Vernacular architectureSustainabilityCultureEnvironment
spellingShingle Ashenafi Kebede
Desalegn Amsalu
Dawit Yosef
Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia
Discover Sustainability
Vernacular architecture
Sustainability
Culture
Environment
title Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia
title_full Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia
title_fullStr Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia
title_full_unstemmed Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia
title_short Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia
title_sort looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of gurage ethiopia
topic Vernacular architecture
Sustainability
Culture
Environment
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00206-5
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