Transformation of konso vernacular houses
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Date
2015-02
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Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
Vernacular Architecture is about buildings that are built by available resources within a traditional technological context. It also refers to the workmanship of the indigenous housing experts and the dwellers. Vernacular houses are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies and ways of life of the cultures that produce them. Konso, the study area, is one of the Woredas of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People Regional State (SNNPRS) in Ethiopia, is one of the areas in Ethiopia where vernacular architecture is practiced abundantly. Five walled villages have been identified in order to study the expressions of vernacular architecture in Konso. The general objective of the study is to analyze the characteristics and transformation of the original Konso vernacular houses. The study identifies the characteristics of Konso vernacular houses from the point of view of space, function and building material. Besides, the study indicates the reasons for transformation. The study employed case study method where the data collection tools were interviews, focused group discussions and personal observation. In doing so, the study took in to account two case areas found closer to and far from the woreda’s town. The target groups were selected from different walled villages. The first case study was based on information from three walled villages, whereas the second case presents the data from two villages. And, the data gathered for the study was analyzed qualitatively using pictures, tables and maps. The analysis and findings clearly indicate that the Konso vernacular houses were transformed partially (including the hybrid type) and totally to the extent of bringing about new cultural dynamics that challenges old power relations in the society
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Konso vernacular houses