Study of Vernacular and Regional Architecture

Study of Vernacular and Regional Architecture

1. UNIT II STUDY OF VERNACULAR/REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE

2. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE Vernacular architecture refers to a style of building that is designed based on local needs, available materials, and cultural traditions, without the influence of professional architects. It evolves organically over time, reflecting the climate, geography, and way of life of a particular region. This type of architecture is often sustainable, using locally sourced materials and techniques suited to the environment. Only 10% of the buildings we live and work in are designed by architects, while 90% of the world's architecture falls under vernacular.

3. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE The term Vernacular is derived from the Latin word Vernaculus , meaning "domestic, native, indigenous”. Verna – Native/Home-born slave Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it exists. It is an INDIGENOUS architecture with a specific time or place (REGION) (not imported or copied from elsewhere). It is most often used applied in residential buildings. 2

4. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE The more recent book Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World published in 1997 by Paul Oliver of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development, argued that “vernacular architecture, given the insights it gives into the issue of environmental adaptation, will be necessary in the future to ensure sustainability in both cultural and economic terms beyond the short term." Oliver also offers the following simple definition of vernacular architecture: ”the architecture of the people, and by the people, but not for the people.“

5. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE The Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World defines vernacular architecture as: “...comprising the dwellings and all other buildings of the people. Related to their environmental contexts and available resources, they are customarily owned- or community-built, utilizing traditional technologies.” All forms of vernacular architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies, and ways of life of the cultures that produce them.......” Christopher Alexander , in his book A Pattern Language , attempted to identify adaptive features of traditional architecture that apply across cultures.

6. CONCEPTS - vernacular architecture The factor that could have influenced the house form are: Physical factors: Climate, building materials, construction technology, site conditions, defense(security), economy etc., Socio-cultural factors: Religion, family and inter relations between individual members, believes etc., However some experts believe that any one factor might have played the lead role In determining the house form.

7. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CLIMATE AND THE NEED FOR SHELTER The primitive man’s prime concern was to protect himself from the harsh effects of climatic elements – the sun, rain, wind and snow etc. This had prompted him to build the earlier shelters. It is believed that as the time passed the early men learnt more about the climatic elements by the way of observation. It is also assumed that they improved their shelters by adopting the method of trail and error.

8. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CLIMATE AND THE NEED FOR SHELTER It is further believed that with the passage of time due importance were given to other important requirements such as protection against wild animals and safety for food stuff they had gathered and their equipment used for hunting gathering cultivation etc. As the society grew and the culture developed this house form further evolved to accommodate the need of the time and society. But climate was given the greatest importance always and hence the form of shelter was determined by the climate and all other factors served as modifying elements.

9. The first person to put forward this theory was Abbe Marc Antoine Laugier (head of a French monastery). In the year 1753 he published his essay entitled “ Essai Sur I’architecture ” in French. In this essay he essentially wrote about: “Universal natural architecture”.  In this article he discusses about his concept of Primodial primitive hut – the first hut ever to be built.  CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

10. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

11. According to Laugier  the beginning in architecture was made with the construction of this primitive hut. He also asserted that this form was used for various purposes including residences and formed the basis for classical as well as gothic structures later. Those who believe in this theory assert that early house form originated from natural material and natural structural system. Forms develop as people learn to master more complex building techniques and all forms are part of a progressive development in a series of almost inevitable steps. Tree shades to caves to windbreaks to circular huts to rectangular huts to residences in various forms which are in turn derived from the various materials and techniques available. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

12. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

13. Site condition is   one factor play a vital role in deciding the form of the traditional residences. But an in-depth study is required to find out whether the site condition acts as a determining factor or modifying factor. Sites with extreme constraints: FLOOD PRONE AREAS: EARTH QUAKE PRONE AREAS HILLY TERRAIN COMPACT SETTLEMENTS Hence it is clear that sites with extreme constraints determines the form of the residences built on them. But in all other cases the site condition acts as a modifier. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

14. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

15. FLOOD PRONE AREAS: CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

16. FLOOD PRONE AREAS: CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

17. B. EARTH QUAKE PRONE AREAS CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

18. B. EARTH QUAKE PRONE AREAS CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

19. C. HILLY TERRAIN CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

20. COMPACT SETTLEMENTS CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF SITE CONDITION

21. The earliest houses   originated as shelters (structures providing protection against climatic elements). But with the evolution of culture it becomes more than a shelter accommodating users rituals and reflecting his believes, values and aspirations. In other words the residence had become a social unit of space. Nowadays many experts believe that it is the culture of people that play a lead role in determining the form a particular vernacular style / building. This is not to deny the impact of climate of the place and the building materials available there. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

22. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

23. The experts believe that people of a place understand the climate and the possible use of materials very soon. Tackling the climate and using the materials appropriately become the part and parcel of the life style of the people and they become an aspect of the peoples culture very soon. That is in many communities people follow a set of practices for the construction of their residences which is considered to be part of the culture or cultural identity. These practices give due importance to the climate and building materials of the place. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

24. Traditional buildings and settlements are visible expression of the relative importance attached to different aspects of life and varying ways of perceiving reality. What is reflected in the form of traditional residence is the collective understanding of life and environment. People believed in religion. Many aspects of the life are directed by the religion. This is symbolically reflected in the house in many ways.  CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

25. ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVITY SPACES The activity spaces   of the house are organized following a pattern. In the traditional houses of Tamilnadu the activity spaces are arranged along the central axis. The spaces are organized in an hierarchical pattern based on the privacy requirement. The activity that requires greatest degree of privacy is placed at the rear end of the house symbolizing the users life style. Traditional houses of Tamilnadu - spaces are organized in three domains CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

26. SEMI PUBLIC DOMAIN The thinnai is an area where the passers by and the inmates of the house interact. This space also serves as a buffer space between the public space – the road and the private space – the koodam of the house. Thinnai symbolizes the residents intention to interact with the outsiders . CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

27. THE PRIVATE DOMAIN Koodam – Courtyard and the space around the courtyard are treated as the private domain. The inmates of the house interact and relax here. This is the multipurpose area of the house. The presence of courtyard makes the space naturally lit through the day. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

28. THE WOMEN DOMAIN The women take care of cooking hence it becomes their domain. This area is spacious and separated from the rest of the house. Apart from accommodating cooking activities this area provides private space for the women of the house. This symbolizes the status of the women folk of the house CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

29. RELIGIOUS BELIEF Religious belief is symbolically expressed by placing the religious symbols at the most prominent place-above the main door way. Pooja room or space of worship oriented to face the most auspicious direction. Religious belief is also expressed through color engravings on the main door frame. Decorations on the building elements such as columns, beams, facias also represent the religious belief. CONCEPTS DETERMINING FORM OF BUILDINGS CONCEPT OF CULTURE

30. APPROACHES TO VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE Aesthetical – Relates to quality, values etc., Anthropological – relationship between family and social structure Architectural – reveals indication of architectural elements. Behavioural – relates to the behavioural pattern in relation to the built-up structure and their personal community Conservational – to evaluate the potential of traditional, historical buildings for reuse. Historical - examines various influencing forces using documentary records.

31. APPROACHES TO VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE Spatial - behavioural  and anthropological organization –articulation of spaces and volume. Ecological – focuses on habitat as part of total environmental systems. Developmental – to relate architecture and organizational principles and bring technology and analysis to vernacular buildings. Structural – theories disclosing the functions and meaning of structures.

32. AESTHETIC APPROACH ETHNOGRAPHIC – to understand the aesthetic dimensions in the culture of the builders and users of traditional architecture THE RESPONSIVE – Appreciation of the structure. Aesthetic approach is the effective aspect of communication. UTILITARIAN – Historical, Religious, and Social relation that becomes a point of reference in buildings. AESTHETIC – Appearance and occupation contain aesthetic potential.

33. AESTHETIC APPROACH

34. ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH The scientific study of the origin, the behaviour , and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans. Family system Life style Customs and attitudes Economic activity Caste ANTHROPOLOGY is the branch of science which deals with the study of culture or society. Buildings as cultural artefacts reveal the relationship of dwellings to family, social structure etc., but anthropology deals with functionalism.

35. ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH In investigating the influence of physical and social factors such as Climatologically Ecological conditions Available materials Technological knowledge Local form of economy - The actual impact of the houses depends on local perceptions – what is considered to be a basic need by a given society The limited impact of physical and economic conditions leads to the influence of sociocultural factors Built forms are closely interrelated with behavioral patterns and cultural values.

36. ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH Local form of economy - The actual impact of the houses depends on local perceptions – what is considered to be a basic need by a given society. The limited impact of physical and economic conditions leads to the influence of sociocultural factors Built forms are closely interrelated with behavioural patterns and cultural values.   Cultural influence in the form originated through symbolic conception, i.e , notions of the right order of relationship within the social cosmic universe can play an active role in the building of the house. Objective: a place to live Subjective: Climate, materials etc., Aesthetic: Social and cultural

37. ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH

38. ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH Technological and organizational principles are bringing techniques of analysis to vernacular buildings. It had a significant and continuing influence on architectural practice The types of architecture derived from vernacular sources can be broadly classified as follows Architecture as an iconic picturesque evocation of symbolic identity Architecture as determined by climate, material or function Architecture as embodiment of experimental emotional sensory and spiritual characters.

39. Iconic Evocation of Symbolic Identity Architects whose work is an iconic and picturesque evocation of symbolic identity often share assumptions with folklorists and preservationists who view the vernacular architecture in terms of regional types. These types are seen as pure and wholesome and are contrasted with imported architectures which are bought of as unsuited to local needs, conditions, identity. The focus of research based on these assumptions is to discover locally derived pure forms without impurities of distant influences. A picturesque archetype of the vernacular is constructed through various categorization of few aspects of a buildings such as the plan and most common features of the elevation, decorative details or shape of the openings. ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

40. Scholarly documentation identifies details which act as symbols which reproduced and which lend authenticity to a new architecture Regional architecture typologies were constructed in the belief of that vernacular architecture reflects the character and soul of a group people . In the last decades of the 20th century, pictures interpretation of the vernacular have occurred in many parts of the world – “FOLKLORISTICS” CLIMATIC, MATERIAL AND FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS Vernacular architecture's aesthetic success was presumed to be the result of superbly rational response to locally available materials, climate and requirements to use. Modernist architects approach vernacular architecture focused only on those aspects of which supported ideological positions. ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

41. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Open planning Non – symmetrical composition Complete spatial articulation in plan The goal of experimental approach is to show the quality of habitation, to create places where inhabitants will feel at home. The qualities that show the art of dwelling can be learned from vernacular architecture without mimicking vernacular prototypes. The experiential approach to vernacular architecture requires an interpretation of vernacular through the poetic sensibility of the architect. ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

42. STUDY OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE Systematic methods in the study of Vernacular Architecture includes: IDENTIFY SITE - The scope of any study must be defined clearly. Geographical area of the study should be demarcated clearly. BUILDING TYPES – Typologies in the study area to be carefully analyzed. Study starts with the analysis of a single residential unit, then to the buildings in the community, cultural and industrial use. PERIOD OF STUDY - The time of study influences the character of the buildings. For eg: The period of study has a significant impact on the built form, architectural style etc.

43. STUDY OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE A complete Vernacular study includes operations at three levels: EXTENSIVE RECORDING - A systematic method of recording relevant details in a superficial way. It is basically the reconnaissance survey including the visual impacts. INTENSIVE RECORDING – Survey of selected examples from extensive recording based on Typologies and its significance in the study area. DOCUMENTARY STUDY – includes the historic survey, archaeological survey, documentary evidences such as title deeds, revenue departments etc.

44. STUDY OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE EXTENSIVE RECORDING Extensive recording involves speedy collection of survey materials in the field. It intends to collect basic architectural information as revealed in the exterior of the buildings. PROCEDURE: Define survey area / boundaries for the study Assemble all relevant survey materials ( maps, field notebooks, measuring tapes, pen, butter sheets etc ). Decide on the relevant period of the study to identify their impacts. Decide on typologies – Individual, group / cluster etc Identify the buildings - house no, address etc Study the materials usage and classifications Identify the construction methods adopted such as stone masonry, brick masonry, mud construction etc. Photographs and sketches to explain the architectural style.

45. STUDY OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE INTENSIVE RECORDING During the extensive recording, certain building types / forms may be repetitive or resemble certain period or depict certain economic level of the society. Such typologies are selected for intensive study through the preparation of measured drawings in a systematic way. It involves two distinct procedures namely measuring and drawing. PROCEDURE: Prepare schematic plans, elevations, sections etc. Enlarged details to depict the method of construction Sectional elevation through staircases to provide the overall height, floor to ceiling height etc. Dimensions of selected details and photographs Compilation of survey data to prepare drawings

46. STUDY OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE DRAWING: Preparation of scaled drawings to a suitable scale. Suitable size of sheets are finalized with a appropriate title block with the drawing number Date of drawing drawn, north point, scale etc. Enlarged details to a suitable scale Appropriate lettering and dimensioning of drawings. DOCUMENTARY INVESTIGATION: Title deeds of property Taluk Offices / Revenue departments Taxation records History, literature Archaeological survey