Characteristics of Traditional Architecture

Traditional architecture takes into account the styles that were popular to a region or area. The characteristics of traditional architecture used by architects and builders includes a commitment to maintaining a link to the past styles of building, reuse of materials or designing homes and building to stay consistent with the overall building design of the area. This creates a sense of continuity and connection to the past, which helps the area maintains its traditional look and feel for the residents of the community.

Where Traditional Architecture Emanates

Homes that were built in older communities create the standard for what a traditional architect seeks to maintain. Particularly those communities that are well over a century or centuries old, the homes and buildings that are constructed establish the tradition from which traditional architecture seeks to maintain. The structure of doors, windows, building heights and roofing elements are carried forward in new construction, tying the present to the past and maintaining a community’s tradition.

The Importance of Traditional Architecture

Traditional architecture is important because it maintains our link to the past. It is this link to the past that keeps us latched to the traditional buildings and styles that can be incorporated into other building designs. Utilizing traditional architecture styles and elements when building provides residents with a sense of calm and consistency throughout their community without a wild departure from their traditions and heritage.

What Constitutes Traditional Architecture

A main component of a traditional architecture style is the way in which the past building styles and present are merged together, creating a seamless transition. With traditional architecture, much deference is paid to the materials used in a building and how they function and work. Traditional style does not depart from the norm in the way that contemporary architecture does nor is it rigidly devout to form and function as in the case of modern architecture. Traditional architecture is an older way of building homes and buildings that stands the test of time and continues its link to the past, moved forward.

Can Contemporary Architecture be Traditional Architecture?

The question as to whether contemporary architecture design can be traditional architecture depends on the community itself. Traditional architecture is based on the community’s building standards and traditions. In a new community that is based solely on contemporary design then the question as to whether contemporary architecture can be traditional architecture is answered with a yes. In this example, the traditions set by the contemporary architecture are the traditional architecture for the community. What dictates traditional architecture is not necessarily what is built but how it is built and how that design and build has withstood the test of time and been carried through in other building throughout the community.

You can find examples of traditional architecture in your community or by traveling outside your area to find communities that have adopted consistent design features in their building structures.