Inspired by BIO27 Super Vernaculars, the Royal Academy of Arts together with MAO hosted a special Super Vernacular study day to further explore the ideas developed as part of the biennial and generate lively discussion around the value of the vernacular for architecture and design. BIO27 Super Vernaculars – Design for a Regenerative Future, explored a growing and ambitious movement that takes inspiration from vernacular architecture and design traditions to shape a more resilient and equitable future.

The study day was attended by a group of invited renowned researchers and practitioners from around the world with an interest in the subject. Hosted by Vicky Richardson, Head of Architecture at the RA, and Jane Withers, curator of BIO27, the day was divided into sections with three so-called provocateurs sparking discussion on different aspects of the super vernacular principles.

Paloma Gormley, founding director of Material Cultures, kicked off the first section on what practices and materials are emerging from vernacular knowledge, and what are the challenges they face in order to have regenerative architecture and design work in practice. The second section was introduced by Janja Šušnjar, architect, co-founder of Robida and BIO27 Production Platform member, which explored the possibilities of constructing a new hyper localism, where Super Vernaculars can create agency and catalyse communities. The third provocateur was Beatrice Leanza, curator and director of MUDAC, Lausanne, sparking a lively discussion on the potentials of Super Vernaculars to shape our futures and how to engage practitioners and citizens to utilise its regenerative practices.

In the following weeks a special report of the discussions and key notes will be made available to the public in a free downloadable format!

The study day was concluded with a special event that saw the first public presentation of BIO27 Super Vernaculars catalogue, which marks the final chapter of this year’s biennial. The catalogue, edited by Jane Withers and Ajda Bračič, serves as a handbook and a platform that defines, examines and presents the Super Vernaculars approach. It will soon be available in the MAO museum and online shop as well as distributed internationally by IdeaBooks.