When thinking about architectural design, most people tend to think first, of aesthetics and functionality. What a lot of people don’t realise is that it is also about creating environments that resonate with the people who inhabit them and the communities that surround them. One of the most significant factors shaping architectural design is the local context. This context encompasses a multitude of elements including cultural heritage, climate, geographical features, socio-economic conditions, and historical background. The enduring influence of local context in architectural design manifests itself in several crucial ways. When one looks at the growing amount of concrete and glass skyscrapers, one may say that it is untrue. However, there are many architects that focus on preserving local context as well. On the other hand, the vernacular architecture does this without even trying.
The Architects
As culturally rich and diverse as India is, the local people of each area had their own way of building their houses and their community. However, with urbanisation and the fast-paced lifestyle of people, convenience became a major priority. Thus came the use of concrete and steel which made rapid construction possible. With more durability and less maintenance as compared to stone, mud or wood, concrete buildings popped up everywhere. The same modular design was repeated in most places with little modifications and little consideration for the local climate or context.
In an attempt to revive architectural design that cares for the context, many architects have designed buildings with local context as the core focus. There are so many architects and many more projects that can be discussed but a few have been chosen to be examined. From these, we can understand what considerations are made and how various parameters can be implemented into the design of architects. From the sustainable urban interventions of Balkrishna Doshi in Ahmedabad to the thought-provoking works of Bijoy Jain, these architects exemplify a thoughtful approach that integrates cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community needs into their architectural visions. Their work not only revitalises local contexts but also inspires a broader movement towards conscientious architecture across India and beyond.
B.V. Doshi, one of the most prominent architects of India, based his philosophy on the idea that architecture should be rooted in its context and culture. We see this philosophy reflected in many of his works. Aranya Housing – a housing project that was commissioned to provide housing to the country’s economically weaker section – is an exemplary example. The township is a combination of six self-contained neighbourhoods. On a larger level, there is an aim in the design to foster community feelings and mutual interdependence. At the smaller scale, each house is customizable in where the fenestrations, balconies, etc, can be placed. There is a focus on giving each unit a unique identity that allows the inhabitant’s self-expression to be reflected. Considerations in the orientation of the building and material choices according to local climate led to low heat gains which is important in a city like Indore where there is scorching heat.
Another example of an architect that puts immense considerations into local context in their architectural designs, is Bijoy Jain. According to the Green magazine, “Jain believes in using local materials, labour and expertise and drawing from traditional skills and building techniques in all his projects”. Located in Alibag, the Utsav house makes use of a long and narrow pool inspired by local irrigation tanks to catch rainwater. The Tara House in Kashid, India makes use of the local vegetation by building around a courtyard filled with tropical vegetation. An underground pool provides solace from the hot summers of India.
The Vernacular
Vernacular architecture, by definition, means traditional architecture that is crafted from natural materials and resources and tailored to the environment, culture, and climate in the area. Most of the buildings that exist today weren’t designed by an architect or any other professional. They were constructed by the common people, the workers such as carpenters, masons, etc. People who had no professional training in architectural design. Despite that, some of the best qualities can be seen in these buildings. The best example, perhaps, of enduring local context in architectural design in India or even other parts of the world, are the tribal areas. The tribal people, with their limited resources from their surroundings, make the best use of the materials to build climate responsive structures that also reflect their culture.
For example, the Korku tribe is a tribe that is found in regions of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. These people build their houses from locally available materials like mud and thatch. They are then decorated using chalk and yellow clay. Their floor plans, with their meticulously allocated spaces for grains, deities, etc., is a reflection of their cultures and traditions.
To conclude, one can say that local context still endures in architectural design. To ensure this in the future as well, it is important to consider many aspects. One must take into consideration local materials, climate, people and their lifestyles while creating building designs. It is also important to encourage the importance of utilising local resources to the common people as well so that they may understand the values that lie within considering local materials and cultures. This can ensure that the existing practices don’t die. And maybe also inspire people to shift preferences from mundane concrete buildings.
References:
- Anon, (2023). Vernacular Architecture- Meaning, Examples And Significance. [online] Available at: https://urbandesignlab.in/vernacular-architecture-meaning-examples/#:~:text=Vernacular%20architecture%20 is [Accessed 25 June. 2024].
- Anon, (2023). Remembering The Legacy Of Renowned Architect BV Doshi. [online] Available at: https://urbandesignlab.in/remembering-the-legacy-of-renowned-architect-bv-doshi/.
- Mollard, M. (2019). Revisit: Aranya low-cost housing, Indore, Balkrishna Doshi. [online] Architectural Review. Available at: https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/revisit-aranya-low-cost-housing-indore-balkrishna-doshi.
- Scott, E. (2016). Bijoy Jain: Architecture and Lore | green magazinegreen magazine. [online] green magazine. Available at: https://greenmagazine.com.au/bijoy-jain-architecture-and-lore/ [Accessed 30 June. 2024].
- aadivartmuseum.in. (n.d.). About the Korku Tribe and the House of Korku. [online] Available at: https://aadivartmuseum.in/korku-house.html#:~:text=Layout%20of%20a%20 Korku%20House [Accessed 30 June. 2024].
