Vernacular Architecture as a Design Paradigm for Sustainability and Identity: The Case of Ladakh, India

Osama Nasir¹ and Mohammad Arif Kamal^2,

¹Department of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

²Architecture Section, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

Cite this paper:
Osama Nasir and Mohammad Arif Kamal. Vernacular Architecture as a Design Paradigm for Sustainability and Identity: The Case of Ladakh, India. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2021; 9(6):219-231. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-9-6-2

Abstract

As a concept, the term ‘Vernacular Architecture’ is mainly known for its utilization of nearby materials, labors, and culture. The vernacular architecture is practically and casually continuing the legacy of the region. For a quite few years, architects are embracing regionalism and the knowledge of traditional buildings as a result of the increased strain brought by ongoing worldwide ecological issues, stating that these structures are energy efficient and extremely sustainable. The interest for economical and sustainable structures, results in the increments in numerous designers to unravel the universe of vernacular design all throughout the planet, so to combine conventional viewpoints with current methods. Ladakh is one of the world's most hostile environments for human survival. Located in India's far north, the region sees sub-zero temperatures in the winter. Despite the harsh surroundings, humanity has continued to live in the area for generations. The native inhabitants have devised a highly efficient and climatically sensitive vernacular architecture thanks to their ancient indigenous understanding of building construction. This paper seeks to rethink vernacular architecture as a philosophy thusly intends to clarify the cultural values, identical architectural designs, and stereotypical patterns by exploring sustainability as a reason for identity in culture and architecture. A research database is created by compiling a large number of studies from original sources. The research analyses the supportability, capability of sustainability of vernacular architecture in the region through comparative study in order to develop basic principles as guidelines for recreating societal traits and expose the identity of contemporary architecture in the world.

Keywords:
vernacular architecture sustainability climatic design culture identity Ladakh India

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