The interaction of space with time and culture shapes architecture. Traditional architecture embodies a narrative-filled resilience, adaptability, and deep connection to the environment. “Architecture is not about space but about time,” said Artist Vito Acconci. This observation is crucial in understanding how traditional architectural styles have stood the test of time, surviving centuries of social, environmental, and technological changes.
At a time when the world is grappling with climate change, urban sprawl, and environmental degradation, the endurance shown in traditional architecture carries teachings for emerging architects today. The fusion of sustainable practices with flexibility and honouring natural ecosystems, in construction methods, illustrates how history can shape a more eco-friendly and harmonious tomorrow.
Traditional architectural structures are meticulously crafted to withstand disasters and changing conditions over time by utilising locally sourced materials and construction methods tailored to suit the specific climate and surroundings. Traditional architecture embodies sustainable design principles in many ways, which modern architects are only now beginning to rediscover.
Vernacular Architecture of India
The architecture of India reflects the diversity of its culture and landscapes, across regions such as the arid Rajasthan and coastal Kerala, with its humid climate conditions influencing traditional building styles over time. In the same way, Nalukettus in Kerala, with its slanting roofs and airy inner yards can withstand monsoons by facilitating efficient rainwater runoff and encouraging natural airflow. The traditional focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency, such as rainwater harvesting systems in stepwells or the use of biodegradable materials, is also something modern architects often overlook, especially in high-tech developments.
These buildings are sturdy as they are constructed using materials found in the immediate ecosystem to minimise environmental harm. They respond to the climate, employing passive cooling techniques long before the advent of air conditioning. For instance, “Nalukettu” architecture utilises courtyards, for light and ventilation along with creating spatial flow—a feature modern sustainable architecture seeks to replicate through passive design.
The central courtyard also served as a communal heart where families gathered, ceremonies took place, and nature—sun, rain, and wind—was welcomed into the home. This closeness to the elements made life more attuned to natural cycles, fostering a profound respect for the environment. In contrast, many modern buildings isolate inhabitants from their surroundings, turning homes into boxes disconnected from nature. Traditional architecture recognized that buildings should breathe, live, and adapt just like the people within them. This approach created not just functional spaces but emotional sanctuaries, where design was a reflection of life’s ebb and flow, seamlessly integrated with the earth beneath and the sky above.
In the Sundarbans region, prone to frequent floods and cyclones, traditional architecture has adapted to an amphibious lifestyle. Stilt houses, floating platforms, and portable residences are typical in this region. These floating communities showcase how traditional architecture can adapt to weather conditions providing lessons for coastal and flood-prone areas worldwide today.
Additionally, traditional architecture emphasises community-centric design. Homes, temples, and public spaces were designed with the needs of the entire community in mind, fostering interaction, cohesion, and social connectivity. In contrast, modern urban planning can be isolating, prioritising individualism over community living. Lastly, the longevity and adaptability of traditional structures—many of which have survived for centuries—highlight how timeless design principles can far outlast modern architecture, where trends and commercial interests often drive decisions over long-term sustainability.
Relevance for the Young Architects of Today
The importance of architects in today’s world is evident amidst modernization trends where they are attracted to new materials and technological progressions more than ever before. Despite this fascination with innovation in architectural design, it is crucial to remember the timeless value of sustainability as a principle rather than just a fad. As noted by the architect B.V Doshi of India, architectural designs should be influenced by the lifestyle, climate, and environment rather than blindly imitating foreign concepts.
Traditional architecture embodies the principles of “slow design”—design that takes time to evolve, is thoughtful, and considers the long-term impact on communities and ecosystems. This stands in stark contrast to the current trend of fast, disposable architecture, where structures are often built without consideration for durability or the environment.
For young architects, the task is to bridge the wisdom of traditional practices with contemporary innovations. As we shape the cities of tomorrow, we must keep in mind that architecture is not just about designing for the present; it is about building a sustainable, resilient future. The past offers rich insights, and by learning from the resilience of traditional architecture, we can create structures that not only stand the test of time but also foster a harmonious coexistence, between mankind and nature.
Bibliography:
- stirworld. Available at: https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-temple-towns-new-house-embraces-the-traditional-nalukettu-architecture-of-kerala (Accessed: September 2024).
- wordpress. Available at: https://architecteffect.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/indian-architecture/ (Accessed: September 2024).
- tour de sundarbans. Available at: https://tourdesundarbans.com/sundarbans-eco-village-where-conservation-meets-community/ (Accessed: September 2024).