Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World

Vernacular - or traditional - architecture encompasses most of the buildings of the world. This encyclopedia is the first to show the remarkable diversity of the buildings constructed and lived in by the people of over a thousand cultures. The first of the three volumes focuses on the theories, principles and philosophy that underpin traditional architecture. Volumes 2 and 3 consider these principles within specific cultural and societal contexts. As building traditions vary widely within some countries and extend across the political boundaries of others, the encyclopedia considers vernacular architecture within its cultural rather than its national contexts. Richly illustrated with photographs, line drawings and maps, the work is also supported by a glossary, a lexicon, and the largest bibliography on the subject ever published. This work will be an inspiration and resource for architects, anthropologists, folklorists and geographers, and important for all who help shape housing and conservation policies.

"This encyclopedia is a wonderful achievement and holds a unique place in architecture, not only for the range of architecture represented, but also for the technical and contextual information about the development of vernacular architecture. It should be in every college library where students and faculty are studying architecture, sociology, geography, and anthropology." Kerie L. Nickel, Choice

The first work to show the diversity of the traditional buildings of over a thousand cultures of the world.

This multidisciplinary encyclopedia is the first ever compiled on the traditional architecture of the world. Volume 1 provides a theoretical and philosophical framework for the subject, while Volumes 2 and 3 focus on the diversity of vernacular architecture in over a thousand different cultures. Entries, written by 750 contributors from 80 countries, are illustrated with over 2,700 halftones, line drawings and maps. The work is supported by a lexicon, a glossary in seven languages two indexes, and the largest bibliography to date on the subject.