What is The Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa?
It’s a voluntary organisation that aims to support the study and preservation of vernacular architecture in South Africa. It’s Cape Town based, not for profit, and run by members in their spare time.
You don’t have to be an architect to join! Just be interested in your own backyard, and open to exploring things.
If you are curious about the built landscape you’ll have fun, and get to know ‘’as much about the Cape Dutch fantastic stuff as the simple things’’ according to James Walton, our founder.
Because our name is such a mouthful, we use the acronym VASSA fairly interchangeably with Vernacs.
Just so you know as you read on …
What Does Vernacular Mean?
Building in indigenous styles,constructed from locally available materials, following traditional building practice and patterns, and not architect-designed.
The Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World defines it as …
”Architecture built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies and ways of life of the cultures that produce it”.
What We Do
The Society arranges monthly talks on relevant topics, which are open to the public and are free.
We organise monthly outings to areas and buildings of interest frequently with private access, so that members are introduced to local vernacular architecture first hand.
We also arrange an annual weekend away.
Find out more
Professional Perk
Earn CPD credits by becoming a member if you are a SACAP registered professional.
VASSA is an Accredited Learning Site (ALS) validated through the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
This means you can be earn accreditation points each year while enjoying our activities and meeting like-minded peers.
Get more information
What Else We Do
PUBLICATIONS
We publish a bi-annual journal, as well as studies and surveys for the benefit of those interested. See all
WATCHDOG
We believe that protection and conservation of our architectural heritage arises from an informed understanding of how legislation works.
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