A country’s vernacular or traditional architecture indeed fulfills this specific purpose. Traditional arts and crafts thrived on architecture, and some people continue to practice them. Craftsmanship and traditions that are dying should be preserved for future generations to observe and learn from. Homeowners have also begun to recognize the distinction between traditional and modern techniques. They have begun to see that functionality should not be sacrificed for beauty, and that site-responsive buildings are the way of the future. Recognizing functional qualities in many styles and being able to combine important aesthetic components in designs is where the architecture community needs to go.
Vernacular Architecture | Modern Techniques
In simple words, vernacular means domestic practice in the area. It would be related to any practice from language to art. Vernacular architecture is a type of local or regional construction that makes use of indigenous components and resources from the region in which the structure is located. As vernacular architecture is created by the native and local people, the homes are simpler and less decisive than other types of buildings. They have a homely and contextual connection.
The evolution of vernacular architecture is centered on the functions that the building type must serve. In general, the design evolves with time, becoming increasingly sophisticated and fitted to the situations in which it exists.
For instance, when we discuss vernacular in Tamil Nadu, the first thing that springs to mind is the Chettinad house, which is the ancestral home of the merchants of the period. The home is mostly made of wood, which is also what the merchants traded with back then. These dwellings are currently common in various Tamil Nadu areas. These homes are normally reserved for the highest crust of society.
Why is vernacular architecture important?
- Cost-effective: Builders employ low-cost materials and a functional design. Materials were often inexpensive and supplied locally. The design was meant to prioritize functionality over beauty.
- Contextual: Local technology, social conditions, and culture are frequently embodied in homes. Some common themes will emerge among vernacular architecture in a specific area. The theme could refer to comparable materials utilized or similar design styles, which can be a mash-up of various international designs. In densely populated places, you may also notice residences clustered closer together or apartment buildings. Some homes may have religious customs. Homes for lower-income inhabitants would be smaller and less elaborate.
- Climate responsive: The design is climate-appropriate. When arranging windows, for example, builders may take into account the orientation of the home. Specific materials may be utilized to aid in the winter season, for example.
- Orientation: Different building orientations generate favorable thermal conditions in the building.
- Easy Material Availability: Because vernacular architecture is built with locally available materials, the materials utilized in this architecture differ from location to place. However, common building materials include adobe, rammed earth, mud bricks, thatch, cob, bamboo, stone, clay, timber, compressed brick blocks, clay-fly ash burnt bricks, and so on. It is protected in response to the environment, culturally interacts with its surroundings, and uses locally accessible materials.
Modern techniques in Vernacular Architecture | Modern Techniques
Nature, like design, strives for balance. Contemporary vernacular architecture attempts to balance the benefits of contemporary and vernacular structures. The dynamic and inventive design concept of the region collides with the historic and practical design concept of the region in this design.
Vernacular strategies must be used in modern architecture the modern world, where architectural design for dwellings is incorporated as a vernacular style in contemporary forms. Many aspects of sustainable architecture and design are based on allusions to vernacular architecture.
At a large level, technologies like jails, fountains, water to cool building textiles, and so on add sustainable qualities.
- Climatic Responsive Design – The benefit of climate responsive design is visible over time in lower utility and maintenance costs. A badly planned structure that does not account for environmental or vernacular considerations may end up costing the occupier more resources than a correctly designed building. In a hot, arid area, for example, a structure with wide windows on the south façade would lose most of its air conditioning efforts to the sun, ultimately raising the cost of electricity. A structure can ideally attain net zero energy use and be completely self-sufficient by incorporating vernacular principles into modern design.
- Material Optimization – The life cycle of the structure is determined by the materials employed in its construction. Based on their potential for recycling and disposal, materials that are more expensive, require more energy, and use more resources during production, can be employed to achieve more benefits. Vernacular materials are easily accessible and have lower labour and procurement costs.
- Design elements with a vernacular contemporary touch result in a modern contemporary building. Environmentally concerned passive habitats include step-wells, a traditional method of cooling, and jaali skins, which filter air and light while providing privacy.
Conclusions
Architecture has evolved and will continue to do so. Designs that are genuine to the land will be preserved, and existing architectural components can be modified to meet our changing demands. This way, the unique character of a location can be preserved while meeting the needs of the users. It is necessary to create a typology that incorporates both vernacular and contemporary buildings. It is critical to construct a typology that takes into account both vernacular and contemporary architecture. People should become aware of the functionality and genuine purpose of a structure rather than impulsively following fads.
When possible, use local resources to reduce the requirement for goods to be transported from other places. Finally, we ensure that we understand and respect the local architectural vernacular while creating solutions that address modern needs.
References:
- The Spruce. What Is Vernacular Architecture? [online] Available at: <https://www.thespruce.com/vernacular-architecture-4801653>
- GharPedia. Vernacular Architecture… Accommodating Local Culture. [online] Available at: <https://gharpedia.com/blog/importance-of-vernacular-architecture-in-india/>
- GrgStudio. Contemporary Vernacular Architecture. [online] Available at: <https://grdesignstudio.com/index.php/2020/09/09/contemporary-vernacular-architecture/>
