Understanding and Managing the Constructive Characteristics of Vernacular Architecture Two raw earth dwellings

Abstract

In this paper a methodology will be presented to investigate and document the constructive characteristics of two raw earth houses: artifacts that belong to the vernacular architecture. The comprehension, analysis and documentation of these architectures presents several problems mainly linked to the impossibility of using a predefined method, because the difficulties relating to each artifact and its characteristics, to particular geographic, cultural and social situations, are unique. To understand and document the constructive features it was decided to realize a three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the two artifacts, using 3D modeling software. Subsequently several graphic works have been elaborated (technological breakdown, sheets with detailed information about the materials, used constructive techniques, etc), useful in managing a recovery or maintenance project.