Teaching Vernacular construction: a practical experience with earth in the training of architects in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Abstract

In Colombia, several higher education institutions have incorporated the exploration of vernacular architecture practices and concepts into their architecture programs. In this case, the University of Santo Tomás, Bucaramanga campus, through its Architecture program, developed the Earth Construction Workshop, designed for students in their third to ninth semesters. This pedagogical experience focused on the techniques of rammed earth and adobe, as traditional construction systems rooted in the Santander region. Using a qualitative, descriptive approach, this article seeks to analyze the main strengths of this classroom experience. Five methodological phases of the training process were implemented, ranging from a conceptual approach to earth construction in Colombia to the exploration of regional and national experiences, and culminating in direct on-site practice with techniques such as adobe and rammed earth. These stages allow combining theory and experimentation, promoting comprehensive learning. Finally, the sustainability of the results opens the door to the applicability of these practices in the classroom. In conclusion, the need to strengthen this type of experience as a pedagogical strategy that integrates local knowledge into the training of future architects is identified.