VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE. . . . . . .

Farheen Bano

INFLUENCES. . . . . . .
CLIMATE

One of the most significant influences on vernacular

architecture is the macro climate of the area in which the
building is constructed.

Buildings in cold climates invariably have high thermal

mass or significant amounts of insulation. They are
usually sealed in order to prevent heat loss, and
openings such as windows tend to be small or nonexistent.

Buildings in warm climates, by contrast, tend to be

constructed of lighter materials and to allow significant
cross-ventilation through openings in the fabric of the
building. Buildings for a continental climate must be able
to cope with significant variations in temperature, and
may even be altered by their occupants according to the
seasons.

Vernacular Architecture

INFLUENCES. . . . . . .
CLIMATE

Mediterranean vernacular, and that of much of the

Middle East, often includes a courtyard with a
fountain or pond; air cooled by water mist and
evaporation is drawn through the building by the
natural ventilation set up by the building form.

Similarly, Northern African vernacular often has very

high thermal mass and small windows to keep the
occupants cool, and in many cases also includes
chimneys, not for fires but to draw air through the
internal spaces.

Such specializations are not designed, but learnt by

trial and error over generations of building
construction, often existing long before the scientific
theories which explain how & why they work.

Vernacular Architecture

INFLUENCES. . . . . . .
CLIMATE

Buildings take different forms depending on

precipitation levels in the region leading to
dwellings on stilts in many regions with
frequent flooding or rainy monsoon seasons.

Flat roofs are rare in areas with high levels

of precipitation.

Similarly, areas with high winds will lead to

specialized buildings able to cope with them,
and buildings will be oriented to present
minimal area to the direction of prevailing
winds.

Climatic influences on vernacular

architecture are substantial and can be
extremely complex.

Vernacular Architecture

INFLUENCES. . . . . . .
CULTURE

The way of life of building occupants, and the way they use their shelters, is of
great influence on building forms. The size of family units, who shares which
spaces, how food is prepared and eaten, how people interact and many other
cultural considerations will affect the layout and size of dwellings.

Culture also has a great influence on the appearance of vernacular buildings, as

occupants often decorate buildings in accordance with local customs and

beliefs.
There are many cultures around the world which
include some aspect of nomadic life, and they
have all developed vernacular solutions for the
need for shelter. These all include appropriate
responses to climate and customs of their
inhabitants, including practicalities of simple
construction, and if necessary, transport.

Vernacular Architecture

INFLUENCES. . . . . . .
Permanent Dwelling

Materials used will become heavier, more solid and more durable.

They may also become more complicated and more expensive, as the capital
and labour required to construct them is a one-time cost.

Permanent dwellings often offer a greater degree of protection and shelter from
the elements. In some cases however, where dwellings are subjected to severe
weather conditions such as frequent flooding or high winds, buildings may be
deliberately "designed" to fail and be replaced, rather than requiring the
uneconomical or even impossible structures needed to withstand them.

The collapse of a relatively flimsy, lightweight structure is also less likely to

cause serious injury than a heavy structure.

Over time, dwellings' architecture may come to reflect a very specific

geographical locale

Vernacular Architecture

INFLUENCES. . . . . . .
ENVIRONMENT AND MATERIALS

The local environment and the construction materials it

can provide, govern many aspects of vernacular
architecture. Areas rich in trees will develop a wooden
vernacular, while areas without much wood may use mud
or stone.

In early California redwood water towers supporting

redwood tanks and enclosed by redwood siding (tank
houses) were part of a self-contained wind-powered
domestic water system.

In the Far East it is common to use bamboo, as it is both

plentiful and versatile. Vernacular, almost by definition, is
sustainable, and will not exhaust the local resources. If it
is not sustainable, it is not suitable for its local
context, and cannot be vernacular.

Vernacular Architecture

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE. . . . . . .

An appreciation of vernacular architecture is increasingly seen as vital in the

immediate response to disasters and the following construction of transitional
shelter if it is needed.

The value of housing displaced people in shelters which are in some way familiar
is seen to provide reassurance and comfort following often very traumatic times.
As the needs change from saving lives to providing medium to long term shelter
the construction of locally appropriate and accepted housing can be very
important.

Vernacular Architecture

CHARACTERISTICS. . . . . . .

Dwellings and structures that are built as a product of traditional customs and
practices,

Often built by the users themselves, representing a far less degree of

specialization

The structures made by empirical builders without the intervention of professional

architects.

They have emerged out of hard necessities, hard work and hard lives.

Construction methodology that natives employ to build shelters using locally

prevalent resources and conditions.

Vernacular Architecture

PURPOSE AND SCOPE. . . . . . .

Though the vernacular building may not be a perfect environmental solution, and
though its use of detail may be inconsistent, it shows the vernacular designer to be
a subtle engineer in the organization of human relations based on an established
social order.

Loss of vernacular tradition is usually associated with the creation of barriers to

direct social interaction, compartmentalization of functions within a building, and the
imposition of an external mask of symmetricality.

The study of vernacular traditions allows the architect to be more selfaware, and to
be critical of his own culture's arbitrary conventions.

It also makes him a preservationist and a social activist.

For the architect who understands vernacular traditions, patient field research can
help heal the dislocations of modern society and reconstitute some of the shared
basis for design that marked vernacular traditions.

Vernacular Architecture

BUILDING PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY AND

ARCHITECTURE PRODUCTION. . . . . . .

Is result of series of experiment over the years

It involves the transmission of knowledge

Process of building involves

Choice of site depending upon the economic criteria .e.g. agriculture , animal
husbandary , cultural criteria etc

Choice of materials depending upon availability, popular use and climatic

suitability

Dimensioning in vernacular construction usually correlate with human body. eg

units of measurements in paces, foot sizes spans fingers and thumbs

The dimensions are usually proportional

A typical construction process involves excavation for trench in case of load

bearing construction

Vernacular Architecture

BUILDING PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY AND

ARCHITECTURE PRODUCTION. . . . . . .

Use of damp proofing methods if any

Formworks of timber are used which are different shapes and sizes at different
places

Building frame work is usually load bearing wall or timber framed in case of post
and beam Construction Wooden frames are the popular roofing structure Infilling,
which is a very integral part of building construction has diversified forms at
different places depending upon the material uses etc.

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

All the vernacular architecture have techniques which are learned and applied as
the most suitable one for the particular setting

Techniques in vernacular architecture are refined over the time and are seldom
backed by scientific research.

Understanding this technique means craftsman should be able comprehend the

entire construction process as well as should have the capacity to deal with
adaptation, flexibility etc

These craftsmen should also be able to deal with differences in dimensions,

consistency of materials , forces of nature and other problems which arise during
building production

Although vernacular architecture construction everyone is expected to acquire skill

of construction there are always those people who have advanced spatial
perception frequently accompanied with advance skills

Skills of brick bonding ,Skills of carpentry and wood carving , Skills of stone
carving , stone dressing and trimming

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

Conservation techniques:

Along with other techniques dealing with wear and tear is also part of the local
building technology

Maintenance technique

Building deteriorates with age with impacts of weather. Average age of the
building depends on the type of structure , materials use and the construction
technique . in some cultures buildings technology is simple and materials
perishable which makes the life very short.

Thatch roofing
o Grass or palm in external walls
o Mud plaster in the external walls etc.

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

Roofs

Primary objective of vernacular architecture is to provide shelter and the

essence of shelter is to provide enclosed space achieved by covering

Usually vernacular architecture are modest and adequate for the housing need but
sometimes its achievements are remarkable

Flat roofs are simplest with timber beams resting on the two walls at the end. They
are usually seen on the regions where precipitation is very low

Conical roofs are constructed in areas exposed to rains. Conical roofs may be
constructed to radial poles raised on a cylindrical wall structure.

Most popular form of vernacular roof is the pitched roof sloping on two side and with
gables at each end..

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

Roofs

In these types of roofs ridge will take some load

while rafters will take the most. Such roofs are able
to carry burden of cladding such as thatch , tile or
stone necessitating the use of purlin

Pitched roofs are found where wood is plentiful

Pitched roofs sometimes have large overhangs to

protect the wall from rain and sun

Hipped roofs are popular in courtyards and with

rectangular building plans. Hipped roof allows all the
walls of the building to be built to the same height
before the construction of roof framework without the
necessity of shaping a gable and wall.

Vault roofing is also popular in the middle eastern

countries where it is hot and dry

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

Floors

Floors are either used for human or animal activity .

Could be on the ground or raised above the ground level

Usually for the ground floor treatment the upper layer of soil is
removed and filled with more stable materials and then compacted

Often in rural area floors are plastered with animal dung and clay

In some rainy areas asphalt bitumen are laid below the floor finish to act
as water proofing material

Treatment of floors relates to the aesthetic aspects, thermal

requirements , durability , ease of cleaning etc

Floor finishing

Compacted earth

Mud topped by thin layer of plaster which is smooth . plaster

could be cow dung mixed with water and sometimes clay

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

Structure and supports

Most of the vernacular buildings around the globe have clear distinction
between roof spanning systems and supporting structures.

Difference in form is further elaborated with usually distinctive use of materials

such as thatched timber framed roof and stone walls as support.

Essential difference between roof structure and the supports for the roof
depends on the distribution of gravitational forces to the supporting system.

Vertical loads are transferred from the roof to the walls to the ground.

Not all the enclosing structures acts as the supports in fact need supports. Eg:
curtain walls made of thatches and leaves which need support of the timber
posts

Usually the vernacular buildings are not more than two stories in height and a
large proportion are single storeyed only with few rooms.

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

Ventilation & lighting

In hot and humid climate vernacular architecture have devised forms in their
buildings to facilitate ventilation

Courtyard house in the hot and humid region act as the lung of the house and
is the main source of air exchange froom inside the built space to the outer free
space.

In muslim architecture use of exquisitely carved screens or lattice windows

provide privacy , at the same time permits currents of air to circulate through
the room

Similarly use of jail which could be of stone or wood or brick is also very
popular in the hotter areas of india . when a water body is placed adjacent to a
jail water will evaporate by drawing heat from the surrounding air and
perforations in a jail acts as miniature wind tunnels drawing a large volume of
air through small openings at a high speed and thus accelerate the process of
evaporative cooling

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

ventilation & lighting

In south India ventilation through the ridge vent is very popular and effective

Series of small openings are used for the provision of ventilation and lighting in
the vernacular architecture.

Wind towers or wind catchers are other type of interesting features for
ventilation

Openings are the source of lighting

Before the invention of glass, different materials such as mica , wooden

planks,etc were used

Usually in the middle eastern muslim countires houses grouped around a

courtyard have openings only towards this courtyard. While the external walls
were black and access is through small single door.

Vernacular Architecture

TECHNIQUES IN VERNACULAR BUILDINGS. . . . . . .

ventilation & lighting

In colder and temperate climates window openings function as the main source
of light and level of illumination achieved internally is dependent upon a
combination of free window opening size , surface, reflectivity and depth of the
room.

Shutters were the oldest means to regulate the brightness in the building and
they were usually made of wood.

Vernacular Architecture

FORM AND PATTERN. . . . . . .

The form of these agraharams could be understood as a derivative of a grid pattern,

with the temple forming the main focus. The row of houses (tube houses) is either
single or 2 storied with the traditional pitched roof striking a significant profile
against the sky the imageability context.

Linear in organisation, the culmination point being the temple as the early
settlements were by the priests who were Vedic scholars who attached themselves
to the religious activities.

Vernacular Architecture

FORM AND PATTERN. . . . . . .

The temple tank

forms an
interactive
community space
with the Peepal
forming another
focal element.

Vernacular Architecture

SPATIAL ORGANISATION. . . . . . .
1. The house of the Brahmins perfectly fits the laws of linear organisation with a clear
demarcation of spaces as public, semi-public and private areas.
2. The porch (thinnai) forms the semi public space a transition from the public arena
(theruvu street) to the realms of the habitable space the house.
3. The arai, is the store and the pathayam (granary) or the grain store is a take off
from the Kerala style. Primarily being an agricultural community where the Brahmins
were land owners the spatial organisation of the house reflects the occupation and
the religious relevance .The house was organized around a courtyard with rooms
around typical offshoot from the illams and tharavads of Kerala.
4. The sunken portions were classified as the thalvaram and conversely the raised
areas in the house were broadly categorized as the melvaram. The upper storeys
were the machi (on top).

Vernacular Architecture

SPATIAL ORGANISATION. . . . . . .
1. The rooms (aria) were attached to the hall which
was then followed by the kitchen (adukalai)
which finally culminated in another open space
(mittam) .
2. The affluent had the second stage
(rendaamkettu) which included a semi covered
area for the cattle and the rear yard (kollai) with
the toilets.
3. The concept of bathrooms was unheard of as
the village ponds (kulam), streams (ozhukku)
and the rivers (puzha) facilitated the purpose.
The well was located in the open space near the
kitchen or at the rear end (Kerala Iyers Trust)

Vernacular Architecture

IDENTITY. . . . . . .
1. Elements and spaces that rendered
Imageability, character and style to these
agraharams needs to be explored in the current
scenario as they are no longer evident.
2. The public wells a key community interactive
utility have been totally left have been rendered
non-functional.
3. The Vedic schools (Vedhapaatashala) have lost
its ethnic charm and the settlements are caught
in the quagmire of change.

Vernacular Architecture

LOCALLY AVAILABLE MATERIALS. . . . . . .

The first factor influencing the development of vernacular construction practices is
related to the availability of local building materials. In many areas, the locally
available resources have governed the use of the following constituent materials for
walls:
1.Earthen construction, stone and Masonry construction
2.dobe (mud blocks or whole walls)
3.asonry (stone, clay, or concrete blocks)
4.imber construction

A Toda tribal hut

Traditional home, Manali

Vernacular Architecture

House with verandah in Ettayapuram

EARTHEN CONSTRUCTION. . . . . . .
1. Good choice of building shape (preferably a
circular floor plan). In order to achieve desirable
seismic performance, it is crucial that the floor
plan be absolutely regular. If possible, it should be
symmetrical in both orthogonal directions.
2. use of timber to reinforce earthen walls. Timber
reinforcement can be added to increase ductility
and secure the connections. Timber
reinforcement must be adequately protected
against humidity and insects (such as termites in
Africa and India) in order to ensure long-term
structural integrity.
3. Use of a lightweight roof to reduce the mass on
top of the walls; a secure roof-to wall connection
is essential for satisfactory earthquake
performance.

Vernacular Architecture

STONE AND BRICK MASONRY CONSTRUCTION. . . . . . .

1. The simplest technique is based on the use of
sun-baked blocks, generally classified as
adobe, described in the previous section.
2. The use of burnt clay bricks is widespread
where wood or coal fuel is available. Clay brick
is a traditional building material used for
centuries in many parts of the world.
3.

Stone is the locally available material in some

regions. Unshaped stone blocks collected

4. in the field have also been used for housing

construction for centuries, mainly in the form of
uncourse (random) stone-rubble construction.
5. In some cases, the stones have been shaped,
usually by hand tools. Such construction is
called dressed-stone masonry.

Vernacular Architecture

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION. . . . . . .
1. Examples of traditional wooden houses are found
throughout Japan and the Russian Federation .
2. The advantages of timber housing construction Stem
from the use of timber, a lightweight and ductile building
material.
3. A critical issue in timber construction is related to the
connections (floor-beam, columnBeam or panel-beam)
and their ability to transfer the forces from one building
member to another and then down to the foundation.
4.

It should be noted that the wood is quite vulnerable to

the effects of humidity and insects. Moreover, the use of
timber construction is limited by the local availability of
suitable wood materials.

Vernacular Architecture

RONDAVEL IN CAMEROON

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE. . . . . . .
1. Adobe Brick (mud bricks)
2. Rat trap Bond
3. Cavity Wall
4. Filler Slab
The Adobe Brick (Mud Brick)
Adobe bricks (mud bricks) are made of earth with a
fairly high clay content and straw. If produced
manually the earth mix is cast in open moulds
onto the ground and then left to dry out. Adobe
bricks are only sun-dried, not kiln-fired. When
used for construction they are laid up into a wall
using an earth mortar. Before drying out, the finished
walls are smoothed down. Often a clay render is
applied as a surface coating.

Vernacular Architecture

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE. . . . . . .

Advantages of Adobe bricks fireproof,

durable yet biodegradable, non-toxic building
material which provide sufficient thermal
mass to buildings to ensure excellent thermal
performance.

low sound transmission levels through walls

and a general feeling of solidity and security.

it allows the individual units or bricks to shrink

before they are placed in the wall.

The risk of extensive shrinkage and cracking,

which would otherwise occur in soils of high clay
content in a large monolithic wall, is prevented.
Due to the production process and the nature of
clay,

Vernacular Architecture

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE. . . . . . .

Adobe bricks have good water resistance. Nevertheless it is very important to

provide adequate weather protection of the earth walls, especially in exposed
situations.

This is normally done with the provision of adequate eaves.

The small Adobe units provide great flexibility in the design and construction of
earth buildings. Adobe bricks can be easily cut for fitting and can be provided
with holes for reinforcing and services.

Many people find the pattern and texture of Adobe walls very attractive.

Vernacular Architecture

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE. . . . . . .
RAT TRAP BOND

It is bond,which probably used in vernacular contruction

Vernacular Architecture

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE. . . . . . .
Cavity Wall
Cavity wall consists of two walls with a 5cm to 8cm,cavity between them.
The outer wall also known as outer leaf, consists of a 10 cm( half brick) thick wall and
the inner wall is sufficiently thick and strong to carry the imposed load safely
the minimum thickness of the inner wall is restricted to 10cm(half brick).
The provision of a continous cavity in the wall efficiency prevents the transmission of
dampness to the inner wall
Advantages
-They are economical
-They have good sound insulation property

Vernacular Architecture

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE. . . . . . .
Filler slab

Vernacular Architecture

EARLY DWELLINGS..

Man has been on earth for hundred of thousands , perhaps million of years. But the
oldest building we know is of 12000 years ago.

The popular image of primitive people is that they lived in caves and relied on hunting
for food.

This was often true but they must have built shelters and even more permanent
dwellings from which the first settlement grew.

In colder land , early hunters build shelters with wooden frames and animal skin
covering. Where wood were scarce the used large mammoth bones as support in
their huts.

Building a house had great advantage over living in a cave. There was no escape if
confronted by a wild animal and rocks often fell from the roof crushing the inhabitants.

Vernacular Architecture

EARLY DWELLINGS..

Main frame: made up of large reeds tied

into bundles and fixed firm to the ground.
They were then bent over to join at their tips
using strips of reed twisted into the rope.

Covering : the finished arches were joined with

horizontal strips of wood .these supported the
wall material made from sections of reed
matting

Materials. The huts were made entirely from

reeds picked from marshes.

They were gathered in bundles and tied

together using rope made from twisted reed
rope

Vernacular Architecture

EARLY DWELLINGS..

Vernacular Architecture

CATAL HUYUK

Around 10,000 bc some people in the middle east began settle and cultivate crops ,
the first step towards civilization in what historians calls the neotithic revolution.

Cataly huyuk is largest and best preserved Neolithic site located in present day
Turkey.

It was crowded collection of mud walled flat roofed houses. There were no streets
because the houses were built next to each other. Each one was built on the
foundations of previous house giving the town a curious stepped look

atalhyk was composed entirely of domestic buildings, with no obvious public

buildings.

While some of the larger ones have rather ornate murals, these rooms' purpose
remains unclear.

Vernacular Architecture

CATAL HUYUK

The population of the eastern mound has been estimated at up to 10,000 people

Most were accessed by holes in the ceiling, with doors reached by ladders and
stairs. The rooftops were effectively streets. The ceiling openings also served
as the only source of ventilation, allowing smoke from the houses' open hearths and
ovens to escape.

Houses had plaster interiors characterized by squared-off timber ladders or steep

stairs. These were usually on the south wall of the room, as were cooking hearths
and ovens.

Each main room served for cooking and daily activities. The main rooms contained
raised platforms that may have been used for a range of domestic activities.

All interior walls and platforms were plastered to a smooth finish.

Ancillary rooms were used as storage, and were accessed through low openings from
main rooms.

Vernacular Architecture

CATAL HUYUK

Vernacular Architecture

APPROACHES & CONCEPTS..

1. theism & religious manifestation

2. symbolism & architectural manifestation
3. rites , rituals & cultural manifestation
4. proportion , scale , geometry & order
5. responsiveness to climatic & natural setting

Vernacular Architecture

THEISM AND RELIGIOUS MANIFESTATION.

Greek word theos meaning god

Theism in the broadest sense, is the belief that at least one deity exists.

In specific sense , it conceives of god as personal present and active in the

governance and organization of the world and universe.

Atheism is rejection of belief that there is even one deity .

Vernacular Architecture

THEISM AND RELIGIOUS MANIFESTATION.

Types:

Vernacular Architecture

SHRINES

Latin: scrinium chest or case for books or papers, Old

French: escrin "box or case

Holy or sacred place which is dedicated to a specific deity,

ancestor , hero , martyr , saint , daemon or similar figure of
awe and respect at which they are respected.

Shrines often contains idols , relics or other such objects

associated with the figure. Shrines are found in many of
worlds religions as well as in non religious settings such as
war memorials.

A shrine may become focus of cult image. Shrine can be

found in various settings such as churches , temples and
cemeteries or in the home , although portable shrines are
also found in some cultures.

Vernacular Architecture

THEISM AND RELIGIOUS MANIFESTATION.

Forms of shrines

Temples, mosque, monastery, stupa, etc

Types of shrines

Temple shrine

Household shrine

Yard shrine

Vernacular Architecture

SYMBOLISM & ARCHITECTURAL MANIFESTATION..

Recognition of symbolism in different

vernacular traditional architecture was realized
much later.

Symbolism is usually defined as something that

represents something else. Any object ,
animal , color number etc. an act as symbol.

Association between a symbol and what it

means is accepted by consensus in order to
make communication possible. Some symbols
may be graphic while other may be ritualized

Symbols acts as the culturally accepted

correspondence medium which has meaning
and has expression.

Vernacular Architecture

SYMBOLISM & ARCHITECTURAL MANIFESTATION..

Other spatial and symbolic correspondences

include the curve (feminine) and the straight line
(masculine)

Symbolism of space takes on power with

element of reflection. This reflection is
manifested in the contemplative and the study of
relationship by which a transition is made from
simple space to a place of reference.

The sense of place takes on a wholeness with

the inclusion of elements representative of
important aspects of external environment.
Domes vault and high ceilings engender a sense
of space approximating the high dome or roof.

Vernacular Architecture

RITES , RITUALS & CULTURAL MANIFESTATION

With every traditional society certain rites and rituals are connected with the building
construction.
Purification of the site
Laying the foundation
Setting the entrance door
Purification of the house.

Sacred space

Role of sacred space in vernacular architecture combines the perception of space and
that which is deemed sacred.

Certain spaces are considered sacred in vernacular architecture due to

cultural significance
religious significance

Vernacular Architecture

RITES , RITUALS & CULTURAL MANIFESTATION

In vernacular architecture, firstly the land where building is built is sacred and purified
by the priest

After the structure is built there are certain parts of the house which are more sacred
than others.

In many traditional societies this sacred function is performed by a priest or head of

the village often by the head of a household or clan.

This becomes crucial as prosperity of household will draw energy form this space.

The structure so erected whether a temple, dwelling or for other purposes , possess
the elements of temple , the womb and the protective fortress functionally and
conceptually in most vernacular architecture.

Vernacular Architecture

RITES , RITUALS & CULTURAL MANIFESTATION

Thresholds

Thresholds in terms of main entrance is very important space to maintain the sanctity
of a house

Thresholds mark the transition point in space.

It provides the sacred function of separating what once was whole into the inner/outer
and sacred/profane.

Multidimensional and multipurpose in vernacular architecture as it provides useful

distinctions partitioning and protecting symbolically functionally and energetically.

Threshold marks not only the transition points in space but often points to states of
being , existence or awareness, serving as a reminder of key events.

Essentially process related as much as being a passageway addressing the issues of

liminality boundaries.

The size and prominence of arch or gate became reflective of its divine attributes and
evocative of the power associated with the realm being entered

Vernacular Architecture

PROPORTION , SCALE & ORDER..

Frequently used in vernacular buildings as a human scale.

Scale and proportion are not the same though related

Scale is relative but proportion is mathematical relationships between dimensions.

Which can usually be expressed in terms of ratio.

Proportion is a correspondence among the measures of the members of an entire

work, and of the whole to a certain part selected as standard. From this result the
principles of symmetry. Without symmetry and proportion there can be no principles
in the design of any temple; that is, if there is no precise relation between its
members as in the case of those of a well-shaped man vitrivius

In architecture the whole is not just a building but the set and setting of the site. The
things that make a building and its site "well shaped" include the orientation of the site
and the buildings on it to the features of the grounds on which it is situated. Light,
shade, wind, elevation, choice of materials, all should relate to a standard and say
what is it that makes it what it is, and what is it that makes it not something else.

Vernacular Architecture

PROPORTION , SCALE & ORDER..

Vernacular Architecture

Decoration on vernacular architecture..

Usually the vernacular buildings are simple and do not have any decorations.

Reasons for the considerable disparity in the extent and complexity of decoration on
buildings are various. One of the reason may be the difference in the use of material.

Some materials are suitable to be decorated upon while some are not.

Decoration is also dependent upon the type of society . e.g. nomadic and
transhumant people are less likely to decorate their dwellings.

Economic status also differentiates the use of decorative elements in vernacular

architecture i.e . if poor less decoration if richer better decoration.

Usually the decoration is applied to specific parts of the building depending upon
visibility of that part, its importance on the buildings or the importance of the function
that it defines

Vernacular Architecture

Decoration on vernacular architecture..

BHUNGA HOUSES of Bhuj

Sindh, Pakistan

A traditional window of
a Bohra house in
gujrat

Vernacular Architecture

MOTIFS..

Motifs are two or three dimensional visual form which are identifiable

Motifs could be signs and symbols.

Uses of signs are to provoke a certain response once it is used.

Frequently motifs are made on the structural elements which are decorated

In buildings with clay plastered walls, motifs are usually made on the wall surface.

Motifs have been extensively used on linear surfaces such as lintels, cornices ,
beams etc,

which also provide opportunity for certain sequential narrations. Stellar motifs
constellations and different types of star shapes eg five pointed , six pointed etc.

Swastika motif- symbol of movement and revolution. It depicts four seasons and four
direction of wind. Swastika which comes from Sanskrit meaning good fortune.

Vernacular Architecture

MOTIFS

Part of the Nubian Museum in Egypt represent the Nile Valley

Vernacular Architecture

FINIALS.

The finial is an architectural device, typically carved in stone and employed

decoratively to emphasize the apex of a gable or any of various distinctive
ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure.

Smaller finials can be used as a decorative ornament on the ends of curtain rods or
applied to chairs and furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or
clocks.

Decorative finials are also commonly used to fasten lampshades, and as an

ornamental element at the end of the handles of souvenir spoons.

Architectural finials were once believed to act as a deterrent to witches on

broomsticks attempting to land on one's roof.

During the various dynasties in China, a finial was wore on the top of the hat's
civil or military officials during formal court ceremonies.

Vernacular Architecture

FINIALS.

Africa and Europe

Vernacular Architecture

FENG SHUI..

Set of principles governing the site survey ,

selection for both human habitation and burials

Its practioners analyses the site to assess

orientation, topography , landscape features
and view

Particularly , important landscape features are

local water source which is interms of location
and direction of flow and position of nearby hills
and mountains

Feng shui literally means winds and water

Vernacular Architecture

VAASTU PURUSH MANDALA..

Most indispensable tool for design in the traditional Indian science of building.

It is grid of squares ranging from the simplest form of one square to a grid of 1024
squares

Superimposed over the grid ( the mandala) is a symbolic squatted figure of the
cosmic man (purush) With his head on the north eastern square of the grid.

He is pressed down in place by divinities that reside in each square.

arranged according to their hierarchy around the central square which is ruled by
brahma , the supreme creator. Two of grids namely manduka (64squares) and
paramsayika (81 squares) in particular used for design of the house.

The mandala is then superimposed on the site choosen which is preferably a square.

The planned site which is designed using mandala possessing a multilayered ,

symbolic and a functional significance

Vernacular Architecture

VAASTU PURUSH MANDALA..

Vernacular Architecture

VAASTU PURUSH MANDALA..

The divinities of mandala have a bearing on the functions of the dwelling. For
example, the central square is ruled by brahma , the supreme creator. This is the
most important divinity in the hierarchy. So no structure is to be built on this and no
beam or column should rest on this square . It should not be damaged by digging pit
or sitting a body of water in it. A sacred basil plant is worshipped daily in this open to
sky courtyard.

The square of agni (fire) is in the southeast corner of the square. The functional
representative of the fire elements that is kitchen finds its place here.

Simple grid of squares emerges into a design solution incorporating climatic,

geographic, cultural, religious and social constraints through its controlled approach
of design evolution; it shapes a building that is composed of balanced proportion of
built and open spaces.

The vaastupurush mandala satisfies the functional needs along with promoting a
lifestyle that is truly traditional Indian.

Vernacular Architecture

VAASTU PURUSH MANDALA..

Vernacular Architecture