The Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World 2nd Edition presents, in six volumes, 2 million words, and 3,000 illustrated entries, the definitive resource for the study of the world's vernacular and traditional building cultures. This is a fully revised and expanded new edition of Paul Oliver's classic 1997 work - moving from three volumes to six, updated throughout, and with over 30 percent entirely new material. A major development in the field of vernacular architecture studies, this new edition reflects the considerable growth in research in the field since the first edition, and its expanded, newly-comprehensive geographical scope captures two decades concerted effort to document and understand the world's fast-disappearing traditional building cultures. The majority of the world's population still live, work, and worship in vernacular buildings - locally-specific forms of architecture which are rooted in community, place and tradition. This encyclopedia reveals the remarkable diversity, richness, and ingenuity of those buildings and their significance in the global story of architecture. The first two volumes focus on the theories, principals and philosophy that underpin the study of vernacular architecture, capturing the most up-to-date theoretical approaches and exploring general architectural and cultural themes such as symbolism and decoration, materials and technologies, environment and sustainability. The following four volumes then cover in detail the buildings of over 1,000 different cultures across the globe - arranged geographically with each volume representing one of four major global regions. Rich with photographs, drawings, diagrams and maps, entries detail social, cultural, and environmental factors alongside the architectural works of each culture.

International and interdisciplinary in approach, this monumental work will be an inspiration and unrivalled resource for architects, anthropologists, folklorists, geographers, art historians, builders, and planners, as well as anyone involved in heritage conservation, regeneration, energy efficient building, development and sustainability. Generously illustrated with photographs, line drawings, plans and maps, it is also supported by a multi-lingual lexicon, a glossary, and comprehensive bibliography.