Abstract
This study analyzes the role of housing in Pichátaro, a Purépecha community in Michoacán, as an expression of their cultural identity in the context of their recent transition to self-governance. Through a mixed methodology combining ethnography and structured surveys, the study explores architectural elements that reflect community identity and how traditional and modern technologies are integrated into housing. The findings show that housing in Pichátaro is a space of negotiation between preserving Purépecha culture, adapting to contemporary demands, and affirming community autonomy. Although modern materials and technologies have been incorporated, such as industrialized construction systems and sustainable solutions, key features like the ekuarhu (central patio) and troje (granary) persist, symbolizing family and community ties. This phenomenon, which we call “vernacular modernity,” illustrates the community’s ability to integrate innovations without losing its cultural essence. Furthermore, the article highlights how housing remains fundamental to social organization and intergenerational knowledge transmission. Facing global challenges such as migration and climate change, the community has developed strategies for housing to remain a space of cultural resistance and a symbol of autonomy, offering valuable lessons for other indigenous communities in similar contexts.
Presenters
Juan Carlos Lobato ValdespinoProfesor, Posgrado, UMSNH Facultad de Arquitectura, Michoacán, Mexico Jorge Humberto Flores Romero
Profesor Investigador , Facultad de Arquitectura, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Michoacán, Mexico
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Culture, Autonomy, Architecture, Innovation, Tradition
