Community Engagement in Open-Air Museums for Documenting Vernacular Architecture:

A Comparative Case Study of Bokrijk and Makumbusho

Abstract

This paper explores how open-air museums use community engagement to preserve and transmit knowledge of vernacular architecture, and how these practices can inform architectural education. Drawing on qualitative data from two case studies, Bokrijk Open-Air Museum (Belgium) and Makumbusho Village Museum (Tanzania), the study compares institutional strategies for involving local communities, documenting building traditions, and supporting heritage-based learning. The findings reveal contrasting approaches. Bokrijk emphasises research-driven restoration, supported by government funding, where conservation is visible to the public and serves as a “living lab” for students and visitors. In contrast, Makumbusho emphasises grassroots co-creation, involving elders, artisans, and community members in maintaining traditional houses with indigenous techniques. Despite structural differences, both museums prioritise community knowledge, cultural relevance, and hands-on learning. The study demonstrates that open-air museums can bridge vernacular heritage and architectural pedagogy, offering lessons for sustainability, contextual design, and climate-resilient construction.