An Integrated Framework for Preservation of Hawaii Indigenous Culture: Learning from Vernacular Knowledge

Vernacular architecture represents the traditional architecture that developed over time within a particular culture or region that embodied indigenous knowledge. These buildings provide an invaluable cultural heritage, and learning from them is an important way to preserve indigenous culture. However, the negative view commonly held about indigenous knowledge in architectural theory and historical research that developed during the colonial era has not begun to change; the indigenous knowledge embedded in vernacular architecture has been ignored. This article discusses a proposed framework in which we can learn from vernacular architecture to preserve indigenous culture, including studying traditional building techniques, incorporating traditional materials and designs, adapting traditional designs to contemporary needs, involving local communities, and encouraging sustainable building practices. This proposed framework is applied to learning from Native Hawaiian architecture as a way to demonstrate its practicality and necessity. By studying the designs, materials, and techniques used in vernacular buildings, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, environmental, and social contexts in which they were created.

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