First is the study of architecture itself. At the material and labor level of operations Architecture is simply programming or planning what will be, before it occurs.
This is why we call them the “specifier” class now. In trad building you learn by specifying your own labor first. then you practice by testing that labor and performance before a jury of elders.
In this way trad building is much like solo climbing. A mountaineer would be disregarded if they stayed at base camp and simply specified the efforts of sherpas on the mountain. We would not allow them to take credit for the ascent. Yet the entire field of professional architecture is built on this premise..
Buildings require planning and labor to occur. They do not require a specifier class however. The specifier class requires itself.
So what is required? Well, start by setting off a task model. Here is an example of a task model:
Build a 1000 year lifespan “Roman” floor 10×10 encased within 2 wythe bonded wall. Record total calories in and man hours. Derive a ratio to describe the building as total calories over expected lifespan. Translate to modern price per square ft metrics.
Ingredients: quicklime; brick, earth, gravel
Tools: typical pre industrial methods and tools with power assist practically applied where process is not effected.
Trad Building 