Abstract

The idea of Vernacular Design is commonly associated with native or domestic features where local commodities can emerge as a spontaneous response to people’s daily life. However these expressions are not sitting solely in the domain of local design, but also exist in a symbiotic relationship with global commoditization. This paper will show that it is important to understand these expressions not just as creative acts that reinforce local development, habits and beliefs, but that they also express culture as interpreted through the eyes of designers in a competitive global market. This paper reflects on the current literature and through two case studies in Chile and Australia, demonstrates the relationship between the artifact produced and the identity of the locale. In doing so this paper argues that this holistic approach allows for a more a mature design ethos in the fine balance of the vernacular design identity, and that of being part of a global village.