Identity of vernacular settlements

Silvia Bašová

SUMMARY

Regional identity and harmony of the traditional village were enabled by the continuity of inheriting knowledge and information for many generations. At the end of the 20th century industrialisation and the modern movement caused loss of this continuity and disorientation in the rural life, separation of work and housing, town villas inspired the village architecture. Local and regional identity of rural settlements was lost, only a few traditional villages survived – they needed conservation and reconstruction. Tradition can be only a direct inspiration for architecture of regional style but in a transformed shape it can influence also other architectural styles. Revitalisation or rural settlements can have different forms, its most important elements are interest of inhabitants and finding of a new local and regional identity.

Keywords: tradition, identity, vernacular settlements, region, countryside, inspiration, village