Interaction Among Social, Cultural and Environmental Factors in Vernacular Settlements. The Case of Korogonianika, in Lakonia, Greece

Abstract

According to literature, the term vernacular architecture describes the type of architecture that is aligned with local environmental, socio-economic and cultural circumstances, constructed during the pre-industrial era (Petronotis, 1980). In most of the cases, vernacular architecture involves structures made by local residents. The usage of local materials and the adjustment to the local climate conditions are the two main factors that contribute to the sustainability of vernacular settlements (Lejeune,2010). In most of the cases, vernacular settlements reflect an ongoing interaction among socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors. The selected case study, a village in the Prefecture of Eastern Mani, belongs to the regional administrative area of Peloponnese. It could be described as a typical case study of the vernacular settlements of southern Greece. This Peninsula includes 40 dispersed vernacular settlements protected by national legislation Law ΦΕΚ 594/Δ/78. This law enforces specific morphological rules and regulations. Archaeological findings in the area reveal settlements that date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic Era (Chapin, et.al. 2014). Moreover, pertinent literature stresses the The article presents the main findings of a research focusing on the unique attributes of vernacular architectural heritage of Southern Greece. The analysis of the interaction between social, cultural and environmental factors, is based on literature review and field work. This interaction is portrayed through the use of a pilot case study, the village Korogonianika which is a typical and representative example for all vernacular settlements of eastern Mani. Field work involves original cartographic depiction, photos, drawings as well as participant observation and interviews.