Vernacular architecture

the simplest form of addressing human needs, is seemingly forgotten in modern architecture.

BY-
KARAN BAJWA 18/14
HARMAHTAB BAL 14/14
DAMAN DHALIWAL 10/14
 QUESTION No - 5
Discuss the importance of vernacular architecture in contemporary
times. Give examples to illustrate your answer.

Architects are embracing regionalism and cultural building tradi-

tions, given that these structures have proven to be energy efficient
and altogether sustainable. In this time of rapid technological ad-
vancement and urbanization, there is still much to be learned from
the traditional knowledge of vernacular construction. These low-tech
methods of creating housing, which is perfectly adapted to its locale,
are brilliant, for the reason that these are the principles, which are
more often ignored by prevailing architects.
Vernacular architecture origi-
nated when mankind was forced to
make use of the natural resources
around him, and provide himself shel-
ter and comfort which is responsive to
the climate, a shield from the ele-
ments. It is a pure reaction to an indi-
vidual person’s or society’s building
needs, and has allowed man, even
before the architect, to construct
shelter according to his circumstance.
Such simple traditions have long been
regarded as backward, and have been
replaced by half-digested, largely in-
appropriate architectural values.
 The humanistic desire to be culturally connected to ones surroundings is reflected in a harmonious architecture, a
typology which can be identified with a specific region. This sociologic facet of architecture is present in a material,
a color scheme, an architectural genre, a spatial language or form that carries through the urban framework. The
way human settlements are structured in modernity has been vastly unsystematic; current architecture exists on a
singular basis, unfocused on the connectivity of a community as a whole.

Vernacular architecture adheres to basic

green architectural principles of energy
efficiency and utilizing materials and
resources in close proximity to the site.
These structures capitalize on the
native knowledge of how buildings can
be effectively designed as well as how
to take advantage of local materials and
resources. Even in an age where materi-
als are available well beyond our region,
it is essential to take into account the
embodied energy lost in the transporta-
tion of these goods to the construction
site.
 if anything is to be taken from vernacular architecture, it provides a vital connection be-
tween humans and the environment. It re-establishes us in our particular part of the world
and forces us to think in terms of pure survival – architecture before the architect. These
structures present a climate-responsive approach to dwelling and are natural and resource
conscious solutions to a regional housing need. The benefits of vernacular architecture have
been realized throughout the large part of history, diminished during the modern era, and
are now making a return among green architecture and architects. In order to progress in
the future of architecture and sustainable building, we must first gain knowledge of the past
and employ these strategies as a well-balanced, methodical whole to achieve optimum
energy efficiency.
Sustainability in Indian settlements is static and is based on the living practices. India has got diversified climatic,
topological and vast socio conditions due to which each region has its own unique identity with climate base
responsive building designs and its knowledge in the form of vernacular architecture. This traditional wisdom of
building human habitats is known to be tested by time for its sustainability in various settlements, through plan-
ning, orientation, materials and architectural practices evolved from long time due to socio, economic and envi-
ronmental factors.
Factors results in two levels i.e. macro and micro level. Macro level broadly focuses on planning & architecture
aspects. Micro level describes art,architectural details and socio practice affecting built habitat. Trained design-
ers of modern era have mostly ignored it. The study of local vernacular architecture and lessons about climate
responsive planning, techniques can be helpful to generate an approach towards green building design
 EXAMPLES

BHONGA, GUJARAT

ARANYA HOUSING, INDORE

 Banni and the rest of the Kutch where bhungas are built used to be rich
pasture land. Animal husbandry and leather works are still main occupa-
tions of the people. As an additional economical activity, embroidery and
wood carving are highly evolved in the region. The main reason for evolu-
tion of these crafts is perhaps the ample amount of time available to
people to develop the aesthetic sense. This is reflected in their crafts with
 “They are not houses but homes where a happy community lives. That is what finally matters.”
Aranya Low Cost Housing accommodates over 80,000 individuals through a system of houses, court-
yards and a labyrinth of internal pathways.
 Aranya, 6 kilometres from Indore, will eventually house a total population of 60,000 in 6500 dwellings, on a net planning
area of 85 hectares. The master plan, prepared by the Vastu-Shilpa Foundation in 1983, is designed around a central spine
comprising the business district. Six sectors, each with populations of 7000-12,000, lie to the east and west of the spine
and are diagonally bisected by linear parks. Ten houses, each with a courtyard at the back, form a cluster that opens onto
a street. Internal streets and squares are paved. Septic tanks are provided for each group of twenty houses, and electricity
and water are available throughout. The site plan accommodates and integrates a variety of income groups. The poorest
are located in the middle of each of the six sectors, while the better off obtain plots along the peripheries of each sector
and the central spine. Payment schemes, and a series of site and service options, reflect the financial resources of this
mixed community. Eighty demonstration houses, designed by architect Balkrishna V. Doshi, display a wide variety of possi-
bilities, ranging from one room shelters to relatively spacious houses. Most of the income groups buy only a house plot.
Available to the poorest, in addition to the plot itself, are a concrete plinth, a service core, and a room. The down pay-
ment is based on the average income of the family, the loan balance being paid in monthly instalments. Brick, stone, and
concrete are available locally, but owners are free to use any material they choose for house construction and decoration.
The jury found Aranya to be an innovative sites-and-services project that is particularly noteworthy for its effort to inte-
grate families within a range of poor-to-modest incomes.