Abstract

Whilst vernacular built traditions may have a strongly regional basis the generic culture as appropriated is not as fixed in stone as the contemporary assertions appear to be. This paper will discuss the ‘traditional’ Zulu dwelling, in the light of cultural change and urbanisation, and establish the boundaries of authenticity in environments which are no longer rural, but deeply circumscribed by western imposed materials, building forms and legislations. It will question whether heritage and authenticity in this instance relates to the tangible or the intangible, and use this conclusion as a means by which architectural heritages with limited material life spans can be understood and preserved.