Houzz Forum: Is Vernacular Architecture Still Relevant?
Four industry experts throw light on the prevalence of vernacular practices and give their views on their importance today
This discussion series brings together the country’s top design professionals to voice their opinions and insights on all matters related to architecture and design.
Vernacular architecture originated as a design construct of architectural ideas, influences and styles based on local needs, construction materials available, culture and traditions. Different regions in India had their own interpretation of vernacular design. These were used for centuries till modern technology, new construction materials and aspirations for more modern-looking buildings arose. Today, the need for vernacular architecture is on the crossroads – while some practices are still fairly prevalent, like intricate jali design work, ethnic motifs seen on walls and floors, use of brick, bamboo and stone for construction, many others are now diminishing, like pitched roofs, aangans (courtyards), barsatis (rooftop rooms), the use of baked clay and terracotta for construction, and so on.
To understand which practices have still survived the test of time and to know about the future of this form of architecture, we spoke to four industry experts. Here’s what they had to say.
Vernacular architecture originated as a design construct of architectural ideas, influences and styles based on local needs, construction materials available, culture and traditions. Different regions in India had their own interpretation of vernacular design. These were used for centuries till modern technology, new construction materials and aspirations for more modern-looking buildings arose. Today, the need for vernacular architecture is on the crossroads – while some practices are still fairly prevalent, like intricate jali design work, ethnic motifs seen on walls and floors, use of brick, bamboo and stone for construction, many others are now diminishing, like pitched roofs, aangans (courtyards), barsatis (rooftop rooms), the use of baked clay and terracotta for construction, and so on.
To understand which practices have still survived the test of time and to know about the future of this form of architecture, we spoke to four industry experts. Here’s what they had to say.
Smruti Kamat
Architect,
Kamat & Rozario Architecture, Bangalore
In terms of vernacular architecture and design visuals, we don’t have much left from the past. Although a lot of people still hold on to certain styles of living and hope to have their homes reflect vernacular designs, they are always caught between aspirations of having a modern-looking home and still being in love with the old home designs. Somewhere, vernacular designs get compromised. Having said that, there are still a few clients who are open to having traditional materials and techniques used in their homes.
We would love to integrate vernacular designs back into homes. Take, for example, the way roofing is done – there are ways to construct without using reinforced concrete and steel. One can opt for a Madras roof made of wood and ‘aachikal’ (small bricks) and lime plaster. Or the use of granite, which is a very good quality igneous rock and a strong stone. You do not always need to build walls in concrete; you can easily do it with brick and mortar – after all, you don’t always need to design a home for a plane to crash into!
Find an architect to consult on eco-building
Architect,
Kamat & Rozario Architecture, Bangalore
In terms of vernacular architecture and design visuals, we don’t have much left from the past. Although a lot of people still hold on to certain styles of living and hope to have their homes reflect vernacular designs, they are always caught between aspirations of having a modern-looking home and still being in love with the old home designs. Somewhere, vernacular designs get compromised. Having said that, there are still a few clients who are open to having traditional materials and techniques used in their homes.
We would love to integrate vernacular designs back into homes. Take, for example, the way roofing is done – there are ways to construct without using reinforced concrete and steel. One can opt for a Madras roof made of wood and ‘aachikal’ (small bricks) and lime plaster. Or the use of granite, which is a very good quality igneous rock and a strong stone. You do not always need to build walls in concrete; you can easily do it with brick and mortar – after all, you don’t always need to design a home for a plane to crash into!
Find an architect to consult on eco-building
Madhav Raman
Architect,
Anagram Architects, New Delhi
In the northern region, one finds that there is rampant stone masonry work still done to protect the house from getting warm. In the East, there is an extremely high level of bamboo construction work. In fact, I consider bamboo to be among the prime materials of the future simply because it is abundantly available and it is a strong material. I think there’s a lot to be said about bringing back old-style designs to make our buildings breathe – courtyards, verandahs, barsatis and transitory spaces; these were all typologies of architecture. It’s difficult to say what practices still have relevance because so much of our architecture today is driven by urban aspirations. A lot of skill sets exist but aren’t articulated or within the framework of an organised setup. Whether it’s masonry, woodwork or stone work, there is a lot that can have a contemporary expression too, but not many experts are looking that way.
There’s a lot of wisdom embedded in our vernacular building practices. I am all for vernacular architecture; after all, centuries of knowledge must hold some value!
Take a look at these homes that strike a chord between traditional and modern styles
Architect,
Anagram Architects, New Delhi
In the northern region, one finds that there is rampant stone masonry work still done to protect the house from getting warm. In the East, there is an extremely high level of bamboo construction work. In fact, I consider bamboo to be among the prime materials of the future simply because it is abundantly available and it is a strong material. I think there’s a lot to be said about bringing back old-style designs to make our buildings breathe – courtyards, verandahs, barsatis and transitory spaces; these were all typologies of architecture. It’s difficult to say what practices still have relevance because so much of our architecture today is driven by urban aspirations. A lot of skill sets exist but aren’t articulated or within the framework of an organised setup. Whether it’s masonry, woodwork or stone work, there is a lot that can have a contemporary expression too, but not many experts are looking that way.
There’s a lot of wisdom embedded in our vernacular building practices. I am all for vernacular architecture; after all, centuries of knowledge must hold some value!
Take a look at these homes that strike a chord between traditional and modern styles
Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal
Architects,
Group DCA, New Delhi
Vernacular architecture and design in its true essence is rare today. The basic issue is the climate and combination of material and building skills. In North India, there are very few to none who follow vernacular design. However in southern India, some architects do follow these.
In our opinion, vernacular architecture is not very relevant in today’s time and age. It will not cater to today’s needs. The need of the hour is to use local materials and crafts, and integrate modern technology. Thus, contextual architecture and design that would entail the usage of local materials, local crafts and artisans, craftsmanship integrated with modern technology to create contemporary designs and buildings which adhere to today’s needs and sensibilities, is the approach forward. A successful example of vernacular design and architecture is Dilli Haat, New Delhi.
Read more:
50 of the Best Indian Homes on Houzz
6 Floors That Keep You Rooted in India
Tell us:
Have you built your home using vernacular designs and materials? Share images and tell us why you chose this style in Comments below.
Architects,
Group DCA, New Delhi
Vernacular architecture and design in its true essence is rare today. The basic issue is the climate and combination of material and building skills. In North India, there are very few to none who follow vernacular design. However in southern India, some architects do follow these.
In our opinion, vernacular architecture is not very relevant in today’s time and age. It will not cater to today’s needs. The need of the hour is to use local materials and crafts, and integrate modern technology. Thus, contextual architecture and design that would entail the usage of local materials, local crafts and artisans, craftsmanship integrated with modern technology to create contemporary designs and buildings which adhere to today’s needs and sensibilities, is the approach forward. A successful example of vernacular design and architecture is Dilli Haat, New Delhi.
Read more:
50 of the Best Indian Homes on Houzz
6 Floors That Keep You Rooted in India
Tell us:
Have you built your home using vernacular designs and materials? Share images and tell us why you chose this style in Comments below.
Architects,
M:OFA, New Delhi
When we look at a geographical area, the architecture developed is mostly a reflection of its surroundings; it is more of a dialogue that occurs between the culture, landscape, people and the available material resources. It is the language of the natives, which can also be defined as ‘a way of life’ within their available resources. One might call it vernacular, with the spread of modern materials after industrial revolution, as what was ‘the way of life’ then, is missing now.
Vernacular practice or technology is the traditional knowledge that is transferred down generations by means of oral traditions and guilds. These traditions, which have always survived and flourished under their patrons, are disappearing with the loss of patronage. There are enormous numbers of vernacular practices in our multi-cultured country. There are diverse practices in lime such as Chettinad plaster, araaish, khamira, and so on, which are under-utilised in modern construction and remain within the closed purview of heritage conservation.
Vernacular design elements we love