Abstract:
The paper is based on overview of vernacular
architecture of Greater Mumbai. There are
numerous vernacular settlements in Greater
Mumbai. Their territory can be distinguished
in different parts according to the peculiar
socio-cultural and economical elements
acquired during the centuries and to the
natural aspects that make each place unique.
Nowadays the old settlements are mostly
abandoned and new houses are not
responsive to local conditions leading to
destruction of ecological balance and
affecting the environment of the place.
The aim of the paper is to analyze the main
characters of the vernacular architecture in
the old settlement named Gorai pointing out
both the typological and the technological
aspects (local material! and construction
processes), focusing on their environmental
sustainability. Energy density of vernacular
house and contemporary house is compared.
Due to the complexity of the size, structure
and construction of various houses,
comparison of the main components of each
building, instead of taking the house as a
whole is preferred. Data and conclusions are
the result of quantitative analysis. A house is
composed of three main components: roof,
wall, and floor. This analysis gives the general
understanding of the embodied energy and
ecological value of our vernacular
architectural heritage and need to search for
a more sustainable method of development.
Through re-assessing our traditional dwellings
under an ecological perspective, we
appreciate the wisdom embodied in the
vernacular architecture in its relation to
nature and its distinct advantage in low
energy architecture.
