RICHARDSON, Vicky 1968-

PERSONAL: Born 1968. Education: University of Westminster, degree in architecture.

ADDRESSES: Agent—c/o Author Mail, Watson-Guptill Publications, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.

CAREER: Royal Institute of British Architects Journal, deputy editor.

WRITINGS:

New Vernacular Architecture, Watson-Guptill (New York, NY), 2001.

Contributor to periodicals, including Bauwelt and World Architecture.

SIDELIGHTS: Vicky Richardson, who received her architectural training at the University of Westminster in London, is the author of New Vernacular Architecture, an examination of the possibilities available to architecture after modernism. "Global blanding," generally seen as a byproduct of modernism, is the worldwide standardization and distribution of images and designs. This homogenized manner of building design generally does not make use of local materials, traditions, or needs. The new vernacular in architecture is seen as a response to this style.

The book has thirty-seven case studies built around six themes: tradition, technology, landscape, regionalism, civics, and identity. There are many photos, drawings, and plans, plus an index. Richardson introduces each theme with a brief explanatory essay. The response to the modernism that spawned global blanding, new vernacular architecture, looks again at traditional designs, materials and methods of building. It is not an attempt at restoration, but a reinterpretation for modern times of some of the old ways of building.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

periodicals

Architectural Review, March 2002, Bobby Open, review of New Vernacular Architecture, p. 97.

Building Design, November 30, 2001, Catherine Croft, review of New Vernacular Architecture, p. 18.

Choice, March, 2002, R. P. Meden, review of New Vernacular Architecture, p. 1229.

Library Journal, April 1, 2002, Peter Kaufman, review of New Vernacular Architecture, p. 104.

online

British Council Web site,http://www.britishcouncil.org/ (June 17, 2002).

Institute of Ideas Web site,http://www.instituteofideas.com/ (June 17, 2002).*