ABSTRACT
This chapter speculates on the culture of a new global vernacular architecture, extrapolating from cultural shifts that have been underway for several decades. The roles of architect, engineer, manufacturer, builder, and the housing “consumer” can be expected to change. The design and technical development of the VUC will take place within the manufacturing enterprise, while intermodal modular architecture as a design practice will remain situated within the traditional architectural firm.
The VUC as a standardized “operating system” can accept third-party “apps” offering limitless component variations. Through Principle #12: Differentiation within Standards, the apartment buyer of modest means will be presented with new choices – finding it possible to be involved, say, in the customizing of a yet-to-be-built urban apartment. Influencers on social media platforms will re-shape the relationships among architects, developers, clients, and the intermodal modular enterprise. Access to global markets will offer new economic opportunities for architects as “app developers”, especially for those in small practices.
At the same time, there is a critical distinction between everyday architecture – the global vernacular – and atelier architecture, the singular works that architects create for public and cultural institutions. The creative interplay between those two modes of practice will invigorate both.
