Refurbishment, vernacular architecture and invented traditions: the case of the Empordanet (Catalonia)

ABSTRACT

In the recent past, processes of urbanisation related to gentrification have been observed in some rural areas. This article analyses the role of the rehabilitation of vernacular architecture and mainly addresses social groups with high levels of income in the territorial dynamics of the Empordanet in Catalonia (Spain). This case is particularly relevant for two reasons. On the one hand, the Empordanet is under particularly intense and socially selective pressure because of its proximity to Barcelona. On the other hand, this demand for housing is partially related to the reclamation of a kind of tradition associated with a component of strong regional identity. This article explores the various ways in which tradition is reclaimed, recovered, and reinvented, insisting particularly on agents’ behaviours framed in the broader context of governmentality. This is done through a pluralistic research methodology based on the dialogue between architecture and the social sciences. One of its main conclusions is that the rehabilitation of vernacular rural buildings generates a type of housing completely different from traditional constructions in its conception, functionality, design, materials, and construction processes. Furthermore, rehabilitation is closely associated with the generation of a new form of tradition.

KEYWORDS:

• Vernacular architecture
• rural gentrification
• traditional knowledge
• expert systems

Highlights

1. In some cases, the refurbishment of vernacular architecture is associated with the activation of some cultural circuits related to the recovery of certain forms of tradition with a strong discursive component.

2. The refurbishment of vernacular architecture often acts as an essential element in socially differentiated processes of peri-urbanisation, contributing to generating specific forms of gentrification. In this sense, it can be also related to the existence of forms of territorial and environmental protection.

3. The refurbishment is far from maintaining pristine architectural forms. On the contrary, it is aimed at reinventing and reinterpreting existing traditions.

4. The refurbishment does not invalidate many of the global construction logics but only makes them invisible.

5. Traditional knowledge is not always recovered, nor are local actors always empowered.

6. The element of invented tradition of refurbishment has a major impact on the structure, uses, materials and construction techniques of traditional buildings.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mónica Alcindor

Mónica Alcindor is a teacher and researcher, part of the permanent staff of the Escola Superior Gallaecia.

Daniel Coq-Huelva

Daniel Coq-Huelva is a teacher and researcher, part of the permanent staff of Faculty of Economics and Bussiness Administration and of the Agrarian Engineering School of the University of Seville.