Vernacular Architecture – Correlation Between Cultural Expressions and Sustainable Built Forms

Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology p-ISSN: 2349-8404; e-ISSN: 2349-879X; Volume 5, Issue 6; July-September, 2018, pp. 364-370 © Krishi Sanskriti Publications http://www.krishisanskriti.org/Publication.html

Vernacular Architecture – Correlation between Cultural Expressions and Sustainable Built Forms

Ar. Bhagyalaxmi Madapur1 and Dr. Mamatha P Raj2 1Associate Professor, B M S College of Architecture, Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore, Karnataka, India 2Director & Professor, B M S College of Architecture, Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore, Karnataka, India E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract—"Vernacular architecture is folk building in response to actual needs, fitted into environment by people who knew no better 1. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE – TANGIBLE than to fit them with native feeling”- Frank L Wright EXPRESSION OF A COMMUNITY Architecture of built forms of a region with strong identity and unique contextual setting engages a culture's deepest social values The term vernacular is derived from the Latin vernaculus, and expresses them in specific forms and diverse meaning 'indigenous, native'; from verna, meaning 'native techniques/materials. In this context, vernacular architecture refers slave'. So, it means 'native science of building'. The term, to those built forms conceived by inhabitants in an unceremonious vernacular architecture generally refers to the informal way using indigenous insights, understandings and perceived notion of methodologies. Vernacular architecture generates built forms that construction of buildings using traditional methods by native are reflections of the place evolving over a time to resonate the people. environmental, cultural and historical context in which it exists. In contrast to formal architecture, the building acquaintance in Several confines such as access to difficult terrains, climatic vernacular architecture is often transferred by native challenges, limited technical advancement and resources prompted the indigenous society to evolve creative built forms by employing ethnicities and is thus based on knowledge achieved by trial innovative building techniques and resourceful usage of materials. and error and often handed down through the generations Thus vernacular architecture is the manifestation of a system which rather than deliberated knowledge only. is holistically (ecological-social-economical) sustainable while being Vernacular architecture consists of buildings or landscapes culturally adaptive. Although, 85% of the world's architecture is vernacular, vernacular that endorses rootedness of the place and embraces the architecture still occupies a marginal position in the contemporary promise of achieving a compatible and sustainable relationship world. Vernacular architecture continues to be associated with a between nature and the human built environment. nostalgic longing being limited to sentimental regionalism. Relatively, there seems to be fringe interest in the culturally relevant Considering social expressions of culture, vernacular and holistically sustainable attributes of the built forms generated by environments clearly respond to the largest connection vernacular builders who are exceptionally knowledgeable, proficient systems, family structures, roles, status quo, social networks, and skilled. etc. Using vivid analysis of vernacular architecture of Bhutan set in a unique context, this paper attempts to illustrate the correlation Vernacular architecture stems from the belief that architecture between cultural expressions and sustainability of built forms. is a balanced combination of common sense and logical Further, the paper deliberates on evolving locally sensitive knowledge. Vernacular architecture is influenced by a great strategies, generative concepts, and methodologies at various scales range of different aspects of human behavior and environment, by which contemporary challenges pertaining to cultural identity and leading to differing approaches, significant building forms and sustainability of built forms can be addressed. structural systems for almost all the contextual settings.

Keywords: Vernacular Architecture, Culture, Sustainable, Built 1.2 Cultural expression and sustainability of built forms forms, Contemporary challenges. Built forms, like poems and rituals, realize culture. Different cultures and their practices shape landscapes. Built form and its functionality are greatly influenced by socio-cultural requirement. Vernacular Architecture – Correlation between Cultural Expressions and Sustainable Built Forms 365

Culture has a great influence on the appearance of vernacular ‘High Value Low Impact’ policy are yielding the multifold buildings. The lifestyle of the residents has a huge impact on growth. The ‘High Value Low Impact’ policy being an the forms of buildings while influencing their appropriate expression of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH) spatial usage, layout and unit sizes. accentuates that economic growth should not be trailed at the expense of environment and unique culture. Categories of vernacular architecture:

 Domestic vernacular  Countryside (mainly farming)  Urban (mainly commerce)  Agricultural  Industrial- Buildings with industrial related activities such as wind and watermill, corn, lime kilns, potteries, etc.  Religious- structures such as temples, churches, mosques, etc.

Factors influencing vernacular architecture: Figure 1: Model highlighting the topographical features &  Culture and symbolism: Socio-cultural forces may include related built forms of Bhutan religious beliefs, family structure, and social organization, means of livelihood and social relations between or 2.1. Climatic Context varying needs of genders or different age groups. Wide variations in temperature and the intensity of rainfall  Religion- Anti-physical determinism (neglecting material even between adjoining valleys is the most characteristic factors)- attributes form of houses to religious beliefs; feature of Bhutan's climate owing to its topographical features. raised on stilts or underground can also be attributed to Ranging from hot and humid tropical conditions in the south religion. to alpine type in the snows and the ice on the mighty Himalaya in the north, the climate of Bhutan defies any  Climatic and Geological aspects: Their imperatives as descriptions of altitude, sunlight, rainfall, wind velocity, etc. determinants of form for shelter. presenting unique set of physical and environmental conditions.  Defense - compact settlement patterns as a form resulting from defense needs. Bhutanese settlements are often compact clusters/hamlets of group of houses as a mutual protection against the prevailing  Economics - Exerts constraints on structure development, climatic conditions. Trees around these act as wind buffers. but does not account for house form. The virgin environment of the Bhutan owing to its  Technology adopted and local resources and materials geographical settings has bestowed it as one of the world's used. sensitive biodiversity land with more than 70% of the forest in 2. BHUTAN – A BUDDHIST KINGDOM the country preserved through the focused efforts of its government and environmental organizations. Through Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge rigorous enforcement of several polices such as Structure is a country extending over a small geographical area and Plans, Local Area Plans and Development Control relatively trivial number of population. Bhutan is one of the Regulations, Bhutan government is attempting to address the few countries where traditional living is way of current life adverse impacts of urbanization on its ecology, culture and and not a nostalgic past. People, most of them practicing traditional architecture of built forms. Mayana Buddhism with humble lifestyle live in harmony with 2.2. Bhutanese Cultural Heritage Mother Nature. Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan and has its roots in the old Tibetan language. It literally means Bhutan's culture is distinctive in the world escorting the ‘the language spoken in the Dzongs and administrative centers sovereignty of a nation and is visible in the everyday life of of all the districts'. the inhabitants. Buddhism has been the principal contributor for Bhutan's spiritual and cultural legacy. Several sacred Majority of Bhutanese are self-sufficient with primarily monuments, monasteries, stupas, religious institutions prayer agriculture being the main economic activity along with wheels and prayer flags dominate the cultural landscape. cottage industries specializing in weaving, handicrafts along People wear traditional woven attire, 'Gho' for men and 'Kira' with the growing intensely scrutinized eco-tourism heralding for women that suits the climate and culture of everyday life.

Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology p-ISSN: 2349-8404; e-ISSN: 2349-879X; Volume 5, Issue 6; July-September, 2018 366 Ar. Bhagyalaxmi Madapur and Dr. Mamatha P Raj

Bhutan’s colorful and spiritual festivals, unique arts /crafts and Degree of uniformity - Although there is a clear commonality, fine architecture lend Bhutan a unique cultural setting. each region has its own architectural vocabulary and character differences adhering to the availability of workmanship, Culture is always interwoven with built forms. As Bhutan techniques and construction materials. rises in a new era of development, it faces the challenges of keeping its vernacular architecture culturally relevant and Bhutanese vernacular architecture conveys the following: sustainable through exclusive measures..  Prompted quality 3. VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE - ANONYMOUS  Human scale ARCHITECTURE OF BHUTAN  Views Buddhism, the predominant religion and the rich culture are finely integrated into all the aspects of the country's  Visual richness architecture and built forms.  Features heightening social interaction Bhutanese architecture is not merely an assembly of structural elements on a site but it precisely echoes the socio-cultural Just as unique as Bhutanese culture, its architecture has also aspects. been with the unique identities. The striking built forms have stemmed from natural needs and purposes without giving Traditional Bhutanese architecture has attained a distinguished undue importance to non-utilitarian aesthetics (Refer Table:2). character through informed interpretations and varied responses of different dimensions expressing strong cultural sensitivity and symbolic metaphors. The architecture of the built forms is impressive and splendid with its visible symbolism; the spiritual and material, the organic and geometrical. Most of the living monuments of the Bhutan stand out exclusively not only because of its aesthetic qualities but also for the timeless sustainability quotient prevalent as on date. Prime characteristics of traditional art of buildings in Bhutan which are closely interwoven with the rich culture (Refer Table:1): Table 1: Prime characteristics of traditional art of buildings in Bhutan Sl. Characteristic Attributes No. Religion is closely associated with everyday Figure 2: Splendid view of Taschichho Dzong life and subsequently to the culture of sculpting a building. Architecture strongly 1 Spiritualism influences the senses due to its expressiveness and purity. Native artisans and builders aspire to connect each minute detail with religiously symbolic metaphors. Bhutanese art of building various structures 2 Timelessness has relatively remained unaltered for centuries. The accomplished and experienced builders who have genuine mastery over the traditional techniques pass it on to the subsequent generation. Most of the architectural masterpieces do not bare any visible records of the architect, workmen and artists who helped to build them as the Bhutanese believe that the 3 Anonymity craftsmanship is not a form of personal expression but the reflection of shared values and traditions. Few famous Figure 3: Sketches highlighting different built form typologies monuments have preserved the holy scripts describing master builders along with the

history.

Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology p-ISSN: 2349-8404; e-ISSN: 2349-879X; Volume 5, Issue 6; July-September, 2018 Vernacular Architecture – Correlation between Cultural Expressions and Sustainable Built Forms 367

Table 2: Prominent components of Bhutanese vernacular Internal arrangement and revelation on the architecture inherently interwoven with the cultural heritage exterior façade The sophisticated nail free structural Sl. Component Description system of roof construction gives the No. illusion of floating roof above the Each built form typology has its own Detailing structure. 1 Concept character depending on its physical and 4 Ex: Roof Roof features and associated elements (embodies environmental setting. Landscape form is signify hierarchical order and one's status cultural the basic element directing in making in society. background, informed choices about the site selection, Several roof forms and structures such as geographical access route, positioning and the alignment Chenkhep (lean-to-roof), hip roof & gable location) of building while taking careful note of roof. These roofing structures assist in astrological perception and belief system. achieving economical and climatically Main parameters considered: Place, time, appropriate roofing structure while context and user group. providing protection to timber members. Certain motifs adorning the walls are Roof features are Jabzhi, Jamthog and believed to bring in prosperity. Lung-go and Sertog, Gyaltshen and Building masters mentally bare the Gungdhar are associated elements. These conception of the entire structure and are roof forms need prior permission from 2 Planning and famous for working without building plans Bhutan Building Rules which enforces design but by following the traditional techniques strict guidance. conferred vocally. This helps in bringing Shambarnang - This is the space between in the established architectural character the roof and the building. Traditionally it is which is both aesthetically pleasing and made spacious to dry the winter crops. highly functional aptly suiting the Cantilever and Chain bridges represent everyday life rituals. 5 Zam : Cantilever technical genius of Bhutan. Low window sills support most of the and Chain Cantilever bridges- These ancient bridges floor based daily activities. bridges supporting transportation across difficult Bhutanese not only have the privilege of terrains are combinations of massive, building the most sustainable structures interlocking wooden structures forming a but also have the frill of building them in a single bridge. most economical way owing to several home grown and time tested unique techniques and methodologies. The traditional typologies and architecture of built forms in Each significant stage of construction is Bhutan are deeply associated with Tibetian Buddhism. strongly associated with specific cultural Different typologies: 3 Construction gestures and rituals. Techniques Bhutanese structures typically at altitudes  Majestic and strategically positioned fortress monasteries of 1000 to 3000 meters have exposed (Dzongs) timber framed structure (post-beam) assembled with a system of pegs. Building  Dramatically located temples (Ihakhang) materials (soil, stone, and wood) are sourced locally in the most ethical way.  Monasteries (Gompa) Number of buildings with multiple floors built in wood is apt testimonials to the  Clusters of village farm houses (Gung chim) profound knowledge inherited by native  Religious and votive structures such as Buddhist Stupas builders. Zhu- This is a timber bracket shaped like a (Chorten) bow and reduces the length of a beam to  Prayer walls (Mani) increase the load bearing capacity. The Zhu is designed by maintaining shape and  Different types of spirit houses (Lukhang and Tsenkang) proportion strictly and in correlation with adjacent architectural elements.  Cantilever and chain bridges (Zam). Walls facing the wind direction are built with either rammed earth or stone masonry elevating up to top floor levels. Traditionally kitchens have no chimneys and smoke escapes through windows with

thick layer of soot collecting on wooden frames which protects it from boring insects.

Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology p-ISSN: 2349-8404; e-ISSN: 2349-879X; Volume 5, Issue 6; July-September, 2018 368 Ar. Bhagyalaxmi Madapur and Dr. Mamatha P Raj

Table 3: Vernacular Architecture of Bhutan: Correlation between cultural expressions, architectural sustainable features of built forms Sl. Cultura Symbolic Typologies Physical Setting Architectural and sustainable features of built forms No l setting attributions . -Stupas Steep ridges Temples dominate Bhutan's natural landscape serving as the religious centers, (Chorten) Mid-mountain a place for employment and congregation space for socio-cultural events. -Temples zones These can be part of Dzongs, monasteries or even a standalone structure. 1 Religio Sacred (Lhakhangs) Broad flood Temples are surrounded by courtyard lined with rows of prayer wheels, is us -Prayer plain valleys used for festivities and communal events. walls (Mani) Monasteries Steep ridges Monasteries just like temples are fine examples of exquisite architectural (Gompas) Mid-mountain skills and splendid craftsmanship and are invariably found literally zones everywhere across Bhutan. These are solitary places where monks live and 2 Spiritua Religious Broad flood receive spiritual training. Saints and Lamas supervised their construction. l Secular plain valleys Mani walls, Chortens and prayer flags are prominent features. Often built Administrati with rammed earth, stone and wood their interior walls are painted in bright ve colors and symbols. Dukhangs in monasteries are large rooms devoted for communal ceremonies and co-habiting. The Driglam Namzha codifies the traditional rules of the Dzong construction. Dzongs were constructed strategically on a ridge to serve mainly two purposes; protection from attack and be the seat of central authority for administration, religion and culture. Most Dzongs have monasteries for monks with physical separation between monastic section and administrative Fortress Steep ridges Steep ridges section. 3 Security monasteries Mid- overlooking a The square or oblong Dzong encloses a large courtyard with tall temple (Dzongs) mountain valley or (Utse) in center. used as zones confluence of Main features: headquarters Strategical rivers Kemar, a red band permitted only on Dzongs and Monasteries signifies the for the civil outlook Strategical religious importance. & monastic points outlook points. Massive stone walls slightly leaning inwards and intricate woodwork. administratio Roofs have gentle slope and are raised high above the top floor forming n broad eaves. Broad flood A courtyard encompasses most of the buildings. The main element is the Palaces and plain valleys. central structure which is usually has the space for the master and a praying 4 Majesty Pride mansions Mid-mountain space on the upper floor. Elaborate and intricate wood work with bright for elite of zones. colors is the prominent features. the society Residences and farmhouse serves as a shelter for family, religious space, domestic livestock, a place for weaving and other household activities. Residences Broad flood The landscape is part of the house by means of open or semi-covered and plain valleys. courtyard used for various purposes. Dignity & Farmhouses Mid-mountain Most of the houses have two or three stories with each floor allocated for 5 Shelter Sustenance (Gung zones. unique purpose. chim) for Most of the routine activities are carried out on the ground and subsequent common floor. Whereas the top most floor is reserved for sacred religious rituals. people

Figure 4: Model showing the spatial Organization in Figure 5: Sketch of Taschichho Dzong depicting the Taschichho Dzong architectural elements

Figure 6: Façade details Figure 9: Façade showing details of different styles of windows

Figure 10: Spaces surrounding an internal courtyard in Dzong

Figure 7: Absorbing view of the Tigers Nest emphasizing the built form in harmony with nature

Figure 11: Bell Tower details

4. WAY FORWARD: FINDING SOLUTIONS BY COLLABORATING WITH NATURE

Although there have been sweeping changes in all the spheres Figure 8: Sketches emphasizing culturally significant of Bhutan, it still continues to uphold and preserve its identity architectural elements owing to revered attitudes towards its architectural expressions of built forms. Bhutan’s balanced view of the impact of different aspects on built forms is commendable. It aptly resonates the supremacy of culture and climate in determining

Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology p-ISSN: 2349-8404; e-ISSN: 2349-879X; Volume 5, Issue 6; July-September, 2018 370 Ar. Bhagyalaxmi Madapur and Dr. Mamatha P Raj

the form of a structure. Bhutan through its initiatives 5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS recognizes the native architecture as a way to build economically and aesthetically. We would like to thank and acknowledge the support of a team of students from V semester B. Arch (2014-19 batch), 4.1 Vernacular design as a prototypical scheme BMS College of Architecture, Bull Temple Road, Bengaluru. At the most intangible level vernacular design creates specific REFERENCES types of environments, which can be conceptualized as organizations of connotation, space, time, and implication. [1] Ahmad, Omair (2013). The Kingdom at the Centre of the World: The relationship between vernacular and other types of A Journey into Bhutan. Aleph Book Company, p.231. environments needs to be dealt in co-relation. Neither can be [2] Frampton, Kenneth. Critical Regionalism: modern architecture fully analyzed or understood in isolation; they contrast and and cultural identity in modern architecture: a critical history,pp 313 Thames and Hudson. reinforce each other. [3] Asquith, Lindsay & Vellinga, Marcel. Vernacular Architecture in It is desirable to analyze the built forms along with systems of the Twenty-First Century: Theory, Education and Practice,p1, settings within which activities take place. These together Taylor & Francis, London and New York, 2006. form cultural landscape which comprises features making the [4] Introduction to Traditional Architecture by PWD, Royal whole of material culture the domain. An outstanding feature Government of Bhutan. of vernacular architecture is the use of local building materials [5] Zeppa, Jamie (2000). Beyond the sky and the earth: A journey for construction that makes better use of passive energy and into Bhutan, Penguin, p.303. no mechanized energy is required to maintain the structure. In other words, vernacular architecture provides the inhabitants with a comfortable living environment using the limited technical resources available while having minimum impact on the natural environment. There is a need to guide the contemporary built forms towards cultural expressions and sustainability through tangible initiatives and proposals for applying vernacular knowledge and wisdom to inspire innovations in environmental and socio-economically sustainable design and planning. Bhutanese architecture and the sustainable features of built forms are the strong cultural manifestation of unique tradition demonstrating the merits of living in harmony with nature.

Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology p-ISSN: 2349-8404; e-ISSN: 2349-879X; Volume 5, Issue 6; July-September, 2018