VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF COMPOSITE CLIMATE

Location
Built in Built by Latitude Longitude Altitude

Fatehpur Sikri, (26 miles from Agra)

1571 A.D. (abandoned in 1585 A.D.) Moghul Emperor, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) 27o 10' N 78o 02' E 169 m

Climatic Zone
Temperature Summer day time Summer night time Winter day time Winter night time Summer relative humidity Annual Rainfall Sky condition Summer Solar Radiation Wind Flora & Fauna

Composite
Seasonally Hot-Dry, Warm-Humid And Cold 41.5o C 25o C 22.8o C 6o C 13-30% 679.2 mm Clear 8.836 kW/sq.m high in May & June Flat, trees Massive construction in red sandstone Flat stone slab with lime concrete Dome (double dome) Marble Large openings Intricate marble screens protected by overhangs, in winter these stone screens were covered by beautiful, brightly coloured, woven carpets to block cold winds

Building Construction
Wall Roof Interior Openings

NATURAL COOLING SYSTEMS

Reduction of heat transmission to the interior

Town Layout Open planning with courtyard, terraces, landscaping Orientation to catch summer winds and to take advantage of water body temperature Built Form Open-terraces/courtyard-Verandah-Room Square plan (2-3 storey) Open plan Dome system helps the sun rays to reflect rather than to retain the heat from the sun interior collects the hot air in the uppermost part and escapes Wind pavilions on terraces (Chattrie) Sun control structural projections sunshade (Chujjas) add horizontality pierced sandstone screens (glare screening, privacy and ventilation) pavilions balconies Massive stone construction for roofs and walls to protect the interior of the building from the extreme temperature differences of day and night. Stone has the property of retaining temperature.

Increase of Heat Loss

cross-ventilation through well-placed openings and screens

Passive Systems
Earth coupling Evaporative cooling: fountains, cascades, waterfalls and pools, landscaped Gardens. A continuous flow of water was created which was carried by aqueducts from the cool river beds into interior courts of the building excellent irrigation system

Human Adaptation
Organization of activities : summer & winter spaces Use of tent on the terraces

EXEMPLAR BUILDINGS DIWAN-I-KHAS (Hall of Private Audience) Open plan Light and airy Deep shaded corridor all around (solar control & pretreatment of air) Thick red sandstone PANCH MAHAL (5 Storey Palace) Good air circulation in evening when entertainment occured in the courtyard below around the orchestra platform MIRIAMS & BIRBALS HOUSE (Prime Minister) Massive red sandstone to conserve heat in winter and resist solar and thermal radiation in summer Verandah around drawing room for shade and social activities in the evenings and during temperate seasons Openings for ventilation in the evening Dome roof with high ceiling Double dome for insulation Pierced sandstone screens Sun shade devices Indigenous: Originating in or characterizing a particular region. Use of native materials, cultural and climate expression in buildings and communities Vernacular: Architecture of the people, using both native and imported materials, expressing climate and culture.