Vernacular architecture and sustainability: the case of India

Abstract

India is most populated country after China and where 70% of population is living in rural area which is primarily agrarian where housing affordability is problem for provision of adequate housing for all. Vernacular Rural Building is based on low investment and high maintenance where monetary transactions are minimal and high maintenance work creates regular employment for all. This is one of the important factors of economic sustainability of community. House-building in rural India is a culturally sensitive and highly ritualized process. It is a social event that involves many specialised castes, and which consolidates the ties & social relationship among neighbors. India is a huge country with so many climatic zones, with so many different people with different customs and lifestyle. Vernacular Indian housing is able to cope up with hot summer sun in Rajasthan to heavy rainfall and potential earthquakes and ground shaking in Assam to cold regions of Ladak. Modern constructions contribute to the environmental crisis through resource depletion, energy consumption, air pollution, climate change and creation of waste. Land, Water and Climate are three essential prerequisites for any agricultural production system. Modern construction methods have bad impact on agriculture product which is backbone of rural economy. In this context, the relevance of vernacular architecture is very much essential for developing countries like India. Vernacular architecture is not seen as a style, but as a system of knowledge. Due attention needs to be given by the present day planners, architects and designers so that the architecture is suitable for the climate, social and cultural aspects as well as sustainable development. Design and planning must consider sustainability (saving our mother earth) and social responsibility (saving the community) as inseparable.