Vernacular architecture

By Dr. Kumudhavalli Sasidhar, Professor & Dr. D. Jayanthi, Professor, Faculty of Architecture, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Chennai. | Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute (Deemed to be University)

Learners enrolled: 1078

Vernacular architecture is architecture for the local needs using local materials and construction techniques expressing culture and local traditions. The aim of the course is to study the various vernacular architecture forms in the various regions of India.

The objectives of the course are, to provide an overview of vernacular architecture of India and to study the various approaches and concepts in the study of vernacular architecture, to study how the vernacular architectural forms are dictated by geography, climate and socio cultural factors.

The outcome of the course will help the participants to understand how the contexts of a region have an impact on vernacular architectural forms. The participants will be exposed to various traditional materials and construction techniques used in vernacular architectural forms.

The course will help the participants acquire knowledge on traditional materials and construction techniques which can be used in the design of built spaces in the modern context. By understanding the impact of context of a region over architectural forms and expressions will lead to sensible and context specific and sensitive design solutions.

Students of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Interior design, Anthropology, cultural studies, Sociology, Archaeology, Ethnic studies, Heritage studies and conservation and any design stream will be benefited from this course. Professionals in all the above streams may also be benefited.

Summary

Course Status :	Completed
Course Type :	Elective
Duration :	8 weeks
Category :	Architecture and Planning
Credit Points :	3
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	26 Aug 2019
End Date :	18 Oct 2019
Exam Date :	16 Nov 2019 IST

Note: This exam date is subjected to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

WEEK 1:

Definition and Classification of Vernacular Architecture. Vernacular architecture as a process – Survey and Methods of study of vernacular architecture. Cultural and contextual responsiveness of vernacular architecture: an overview.

WEEK 2:

Different approaches and concepts to the study of vernacular architecture: an over view – Aesthetic, Architectural and anthropological studies in detail.

WEEK 3 :

Forms spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism, colour, art, materials of construction and construction technique of the vernacular architecture - Havelis of Rajasthan

WEEK 4 :

Forms spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism, colour, art, materials of construction and construction technique of the vernacular architecture in the cases of Deserts of Kutch and Havelis of Bohra Muslims. House boats of Kashmir.

WEEK 5 :

Forms, spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism, art, colour, materials of construction and construction technique- Kerala: Houses of the Nairs and Namboothris. Koothambalam, and Padmanabhapuram Palace.

WEEK 6 :

Forms, spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism, art, colour, materials of construction and construction technique - Chettinadu Houses and Agraharams.

WEEK 7 :

Colonial influences on the Traditional Goan houses - Evolution of the Bungalow from the traditional bangla, Settlement pattern and house typologies in Pondicherry.

WEEK 8 :

Victoria Villas – Planning principles and materials and methods of construction - Cochin.

Books and references

1. Paul Oliver, Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the world, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

2. Dr. Ashalatha Thampuran, Traditional Architectural Forms of Malabar Coast, Vastuvidyapratishthanam Academic Centre, 2001

3. V.S. Pramar, Haveli – Wooden Houses and Mansions of Gujarat, Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, 1989.

4. Kulbushanshan Jain and Minakshi Jain – Mud Architecture of the Indian Desert, Aadi Centre, Ahmadabad 1992.

5. G.H.R. Tillotsum – The tradition of Indian Architecture Continuity, Controversy – Change since 1850, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1989.

6. Carmen Kagal, VISTARA-The Architecture of India, Pub:The Festival of India, 1986.

7. S. Muthiah and others: The Chettiar Heritage; Chettiar Heritage 2000. 6. Weber (W) &Yannas (S); Lessons from Vernacular Architecture; Routledge; 2014.

Instructor bio

Dr. Kumudhavalli Sasidhar is a Professor and coordinator of Centre for Architectural Anthropology at Faculty of Architecture, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Chennai. She has 25 years of teaching and research experience in Architecture and Architectural Anthropology.

She did her under graduation, Post graduation and Ph.D from School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University Chennai. She has many publications to her credentials and she has been invited as a resource person from many reputed Architecture schools. Her research interests are Vernacular Architecture, Heritage and Cultural studies and Architecture Anthropology.

Dr. D. Jayanthi is a Professor and coordinator of Centre for Architectural Anthropology at Faculty of Architecture, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Chennai. She has 24 years of teaching and research experience in Architecture and Conservation and Heritage Studies.

She did her B.Arch, M.Arch and Ph.D from School of Architecture and Planning Anna University Chennai. She has many publications in National and International Journals. She has been invited as resource persons from reputed Architecture schools. Her research interests are Vernacular Architecture, Heritage and Cultural studies.

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. If you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted in person at any of the designated exam centers.

• The exam is optional, for a fee.

• Date of exam :16th November, 2019

30% for in course Assessment & 70% of end-term Proctored Exam