The Hearth as a Social Category and its Significance in Vernacular Architecture
Session
Architecture and Spatial Planning
Description
Historically, the hearth served as a social marker, classifying families based on their lineage, social standing, and economic status. Beyond its practical function, the hearth played a pivotal role in shaping traditional vernacular architecture. Its design, construction materials, and outward appearance were indicative of the family's position within the community and influenced the overall aesthetic of the dwelling and accompanying structures. The enduring importance of the hearth in traditional architecture was poignantly illustrated during the war, when houses were burned by the Serbian occupiers. While the houses were destroyed, the hearths often remained intact, serving as resilient markers that guided the reconstruction efforts, ensuring the preservation of the original architectural style. However, in recent decades, these traditional criteria have been increasingly disregarded in favor of diverse, imported designs. This shift has profound psychological implications for residents, as they are confronted with ready-made hearths that often bear resemblance to religious structures, particularly Slavic Orthodox churches. This paper aims to explore this phenomenon through illustrations and insights from homeowners who have adopted such hearths.
Keywords:
hearth, tradition, war, religious objects, social category
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-15-3
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
27-10-2024 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2024.57
Recommended Citation
Cocaj, Nexhat, "The Hearth as a Social Category and its Significance in Vernacular Architecture" (2024). UBT International Conference. 11.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2024UBTIC/ASP/11
The Hearth as a Social Category and its Significance in Vernacular Architecture
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Historically, the hearth served as a social marker, classifying families based on their lineage, social standing, and economic status. Beyond its practical function, the hearth played a pivotal role in shaping traditional vernacular architecture. Its design, construction materials, and outward appearance were indicative of the family's position within the community and influenced the overall aesthetic of the dwelling and accompanying structures. The enduring importance of the hearth in traditional architecture was poignantly illustrated during the war, when houses were burned by the Serbian occupiers. While the houses were destroyed, the hearths often remained intact, serving as resilient markers that guided the reconstruction efforts, ensuring the preservation of the original architectural style. However, in recent decades, these traditional criteria have been increasingly disregarded in favor of diverse, imported designs. This shift has profound psychological implications for residents, as they are confronted with ready-made hearths that often bear resemblance to religious structures, particularly Slavic Orthodox churches. This paper aims to explore this phenomenon through illustrations and insights from homeowners who have adopted such hearths.