LESSONS FROM TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS
TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS
Koti Banal Architecture: A Vernacular Heritage
● Key Features of Koti Banal Architecture
1. Material Usage
2. Structural Characteristics
3. Open Courtyards and Verandahs
4. Ornamental Wooden Details
5. Compact Design
● Climatic Relevance of Koti Banal Architecture
1. Thermal Comfort
2. Protection Against Heavy Precipitation
3. Earthquake Resilience
4. Ventilation and Natural Lighting
5. Sustainable Resource Usage
● Relevance in Modern Times
1. Adaptability to Climate
2. Disaster Resilience
3. Sustainable Construction
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Preservation
TRADITIONAL BUILDING PREVIOUS YEAR
Impact of Technological Development on Traditional Architecture in India
1. Material Shifts
2. Loss of Regional Identity
3. Climate Responsiveness
4. Sustainability
5. Construction Speed and Cost
6. Loss of Craftsmanship
7. Urbanization and Standardization
8. Cultural Disconnect
9. Loss of Natural Ventilation
10. Increased Dependency on Non-Renewable Resources
11. Impact on Community Living
12. Aesthetic Disconnect
Salient Features to Differentiate Between Vernacular and Traditional Architecture in the
Indian Context
● Definition
● Design Origin
● Materials Used
● Construction Method
● Cultural Influence
● Functionality
● Climate Adaptation
● Aesthetic Style
● Community Involvement
● Longevity and Adaptability
● Examples in India
● Architectural Planning
Role of Architects in Conserving Traditional Building Styles in Modern Times
1. Adapting Traditional Designs to Modern Needs
2. Incorporating Local Materials and Techniques
3. Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity
4. Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings
5. Promoting Sustainable Building Practices
6. Education and Advocacy
7. Innovation in Design
8. Regulating and Protecting Traditional Architecture
9. Community Involvement in Conservation
10. Designing for Resilience and Longevity
Vernacular Architecture and Sustainability in India’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Movement
1. Promoting Local Materials and Resources
2. Reducing Carbon Footprint and Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices
3. Empowering Local Craftsmanship and Skill Development
4. Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change
5. Encouraging Decentralized and Rural Development
6. Cost-Effective and Affordable Housing
7. Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions
8. Cultural and Heritage Preservation
9. Waste Reduction and Circular Economy
10. Fostering Innovation in Sustainable Design
Vernacular Architecture and Its Relevance According to Climatic Conditions of a Region
1. Hot and Arid Climates: Rajasthan
● Materials Used: Sandstone, mud, and clay
● Design Features:
○ Thick walls for insulation
○ Central courtyards for airflow
○ Jharokhas (overhanging windows) for shade and ventilation
○ Stepwells (baoris) for water storage and cooling
● Relevance:
○ Insulates interiors from extreme heat
○ Maintains a cool microclimate with passive cooling techniques
2. Hot and Humid Climates: Kerala
● Materials Used: Wood, clay tiles, bamboo, coconut palm
● Design Features:
○ Sloping roofs to drain heavy rainfall
○ Open verandas for cross-ventilation
○ Raised platforms to prevent waterlogging
○ Central courtyards for natural light and air circulation
● Relevance:
○ Protects homes from water damage
○ Ensures cooling and ventilation in a humid environment
3. Cold and Mountainous Climates: Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
● Materials Used: Timber, stone, mud, slate
● Design Features:
○ Sloped roofs to prevent snow accumulation
○ Stone foundations for insulation
○ Wooden interiors for warmth
○ Small windows to minimize heat loss
○ Compact designs to conserve heat
● Relevance:
○ Provides insulation and warmth in extreme cold
○ Protects structures from heavy snowfall
4. Coastal Climates: Goa
● Materials Used: Laterite stone, wood, tiles, terracotta
● Design Features:
○ Wide verandas for shade and air circulation
○ High ceilings and large windows for ventilation
○ Pitched roofs to handle heavy monsoons
○ Courtyards for light and airflow
● Relevance:
○ Reduces indoor humidity
○ Allows efficient drainage of rainwater
5. Tropical Wet and Dry Climates: Tamil Nadu
● Materials Used: Brick, stone, wood, terracotta
● Design Features:
○ Central courtyards for ventilation and natural light
○ Thick walls to reduce heat penetration
○ High ceilings to keep living spaces cool
○ Large windows and ventilated roofs for airflow
● Relevance:
○ Enhances passive cooling
○ Reduces dependence on artificial cooling systems
The Development in Construction Technology and Its Threat to Traditional and
Vernacular Architecture
1. Use of Modern Materials Over Traditional Ones
2. Loss of Cultural Identity and Local Craftsmanship
3. Environmental Impact and Sustainability
4. Incompatibility with Local Climate
5. Loss of Adaptability to Natural Disasters
6. Overlooking Social and Cultural Aspects
7. Rapid Urbanization and Loss of Traditional Spaces
8. Decreased Longevity and Durability
Comparison of Traditional and Modern Building Techniques in the Context of India
● Materials
● Roofing
● Foundations
● Construction Method
● Insulation
● Orientation
● Ventilation
● Sustainability
● Adaptability to Climate
● Structural Stability
● Cost
● Aesthetic Design
Sustainable Architecture in India: Methods and Examples
1. Use of Local and Natural Materials
2. Passive Design Strategies
3. Rainwater Harvesting
4. Solar Energy Utilization
5. Vernacular Building Techniques
6. Green Roofs and Walls
7. Energy-Efficient Lighting and Ventilation
8. Building Orientation and Shading
9. Recycling and Reuse of Materials
10. Low-Impact Construction Methods
Application of Vernacular Architecture in PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana)
1. Use of Local Materials
2. Climate-Responsive Design
3. Low-Cost Construction Techniques
4. Sustainable Building Practices
5. Cultural Relevance
6. Community Involvement in Construction
7. Adaptation of Existing Vernacular Models
8. Affordable and Scalable Solutions
9. Self-Sustaining Communities
10. Improved Health and Well-being
Architects Practicing Modern Architecture While Adopting Vernacular Techniques
1. Local Materials
2. Climate-Responsive Design
3. Traditional Building Forms
4. Water Management
5. Passive Solar Design
6. Low-Cost Construction
7. Community-Centered Design
8. Local Craftsmanship
9. Topography Adaptation
10. Natural Landscaping
11. Energy-Efficient Technologies
12. Cultural Preservation
Integrating Modern Services into Traditional Buildings
1. Assess Heritage Value
2. Retain Aesthetic
3. Non-Invasive Integration
4. Minimal Impact Technologies
5. Adapt to Existing Infrastructure
6. Energy Efficiency
7. Sustainability
8. Respect Original Layout
9. Traditional Techniques for Modern Needs
10. Compliance with Codes
11. Discreet Elements
12. Regular Maintenance
Reasons for the Decline of Traditional Architectural Styles
1. Urbanization and Industrialization
2. Technological Advancements
3. Colonial Influence
4. Globalization
5. Economic Factors
6. Lack of Awareness and Education
7. Government Policies
8. Climate and Environmental Changes
9. Cultural Shifts
10. Increased Population and Demand for Housing
11. Urban Planning and Zoning Laws
12. Neglect and Lack of Maintenance
Importance and Relevance of Traditional Architecture in Modern Times
1. Cultural and Historical Preservation
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
3. Climate-Responsive Design
4. Use of Local Materials
5. Energy Efficiency
6. Aesthetic Value and Craftsmanship
7. Social and Community-Centric Design
8. Durability and Longevity
9. Adaptability and Flexibility
10. Cost-Effectiveness
11. Resilience in Natural Disasters
Theories and Philosophies of Vernacular Architecture
1. Cultural and Environmental Context
2. Sustainability
3. Climate-Responsive Design
4. Cultural Identity
5. Cost-Effectiveness
6. Resilience
7. Human-Centered Design
8. Integration with Nature
9. Material Efficiency
10. Adaptability
Determinants of Vernacular Architecture
1. Climate
2. Topography and Geography
3. Cultural and Social Practices
4. Material Availability
5. Technology and Craftsmanship
6. Economic Factors
7. Religious Beliefs
8. Sociopolitical Influences
9. Functionality and Utility
10. Sustainability and Environmental Sensitivity
