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-Rahulxavier T (2nd Year)

Like other major emerging economies, India has experienced accelerated urbanization. There is a shift of population to the urban area, resulting in a hike in population density. It is challenging to provide shelter to such a large population without endangering the environment. Our focus in this issue is on traditional craft techniques and construction techniques that can be used to address emerging issues.

The cover story for this issue features Architect Anupama Kundoo, whose buildings utilize handmade materials and support sustainability and affordable structures. Case studies about the solar village of Dharnai in Bihar and the self-sufÞcient village community of Govardhan in Maharashtra are included in this work.

Additionally, we have included articles on timbercrete, innovation with birdhouse roof tiles, and highlighted other articles like Streets of India, Vernacular Architecture, Light & Architecture, and a section comprising of the upcoming competitions.

-Sandra Raveendran (4th Year)

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-Roshani Kumari (2nd Year)

© Max Creasy

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V E R N A C U L A R A R C H I T E C T U R E 12

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The building tells us a lot about the place it’s set in and is a reßection of culture during the period it was built and the resources it has access to. Conveying wisdom from ancestors to present and future generations would display a deep respect for nature, the environment, and traditional culture.

“VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE”, “Verna” means native and “architecture” is to design building, is the simplest form of addressing human needs. It was originated when mankind was forced to make use of natural resources around them, and provide themselves shelter and comfort which is responsive to the climate, a shield from the element.

Vernacular architecture is primitive to a speciÞc time and place and not replicated.

The design evolves, becoming more reÞned and tailors to the contexts in which it exists, including: 1. The availability of resources, skilled workforce.

2. Local technology.

3. Climate: The amount of sunshine, humidity, rain, wind, temperature proÞle.

4. Local culture: A way of life of occupants greatly inßuences the building forms, can include the size of families, the way building is used, the social condition, local customs, religious values.

5. Environment: It is located near water, woodland, desert, or mountainous terrain.

6. Economic conditions.

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7. Historical inßuences.

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A desire for cultural connection to one’s surroundings is reßected in harmonious architecture.

This becomes an implementation for strengthening the bond between the population and its geographic location. It coheres to green architecture principles of energy efÞciency and utilizing materials and resources near the site.

‘Vernacular’ was commonly used in the 1800s, a time when western colonial power was exploring the new worlds that were being discovered. During the 20th century, eminent architects such as Adolf Loos, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd Wright began to praise enthusiastically the virtue of vernacular architecture.

styles, construction techniques, and habits in which design and building are combined.

Hence, it is essential to encourage new approaches to vernacular architecture, to promote the emergence of an improved built environment. Vernacular architecture worldwide has emphasized the importance of a climate-conscious approach to building design, offering evidence that humans can live in harmony with nature, conÞrming the need to preserve its values for the future generation.

-Annu Akanksha (2nd Year)

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Nomadic accommodation and traditional buildings represent vernacular architecture, for example, Wada housing in Maharashtra, Bhonga housing in Gujarat, Toda Tribal Hut in Nilgiri mountains, etc. Architects and designers are investing their time and resources to unravel the world of vernacular around the world. The clear evidence of increasing interest in vernacular architecture among the coterie can be seen, due to the expansion of pressure brought by recent global environmental issues.

Structures like igloos or tents- the folk structures that developed over thousands of years allow people to survive easily in the most critical climate condition. Examples show that vernacular architecture is the product of building culture- a complex system of people, relationships, beliefs, aesthetic 13

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-Pritam Kumar Bhowmick (2ndYear) 18

BATCH OF 2 0 1 5

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© crocus

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“Everyone likes birds.

What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?”

-Nature historian David Attenborough 20

W

ith the increasing population and urbanization, most of us are unaware of the fact that animal ecosystem is being disturb. According to the study by UN, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban area. This has resulted in forced displacement in the ecosystem. Animals are Þnding ways to Þt in the urban spaces. This has not just affected terrestrial, aquatic life but has also largely affected aerial habitat.

With the shrinking bird population in urban spaces, a Dutch product design agency Klaas Kuiken came up with a creative idea to create a roof tile that doubles up as bird nest. The agency consulted the Dutch Bird AssociationVogelbescherming to pitch-in the idea of birdhouse rooftile. The idea of the tile was taken from the bird creating nest in the rooftops of the house in urban spaces. Klaas Kuiken harnessed bird’s behavior and created an archetypal house, ensuring proper ventilation and a safe place where birds would naturally nestle.

The birdhouse is composed of a wooden slate framed with a screen which creates a comb-like barrier so birds cannot pass through, placed directly under the rooftile, this component ensures that they are unable to reach the entire covering of a building, while also making it easy to clean after the breeding period is over.

The bird nest tile manufactured by the Hitit Terra Company were tested by Afyon Nature Conservation. These tiles were designed according to demand and varieties of species of the bird. They manufactures 4-5 different types of tile for different bird species. The design of the bird nest tile was convenient and easy to install. This tile manufactured by the company could easy replace the standard roof tile.

The bird house design offers more places in which our feathered friends may rest and feed within the city.

Creating a shared ecosystem for coexistence of birds as well as human beings for a better tomorrow.

-Nutan Nimje (3rd Year)

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A Turkish Company “Hitit Terra” overtook the idea of birdhouse rooftile. The idea of the roof tile is to provide a nesting place for the birds, and also to protect them from potential predators. The bird house traces can be found back in the Ottoman Empire in the Turkish history. People would built elaborate miniature palaces for birds for nesting.

They believed building a bird nest is a symbol to grant good deeds.

The founder of company Hitit Terra, Cengiz Basaranhıncal and Ali Arslan, mentioned that the main inspiration of the bird nest tile came from a design on social media. While the bird nest tile available online were on a higher end in the local market, thus not everyone could afford them. So they started manufacturing their own tile.

© goodshomedesign

© klaaskuikenshop

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TIMBERCRETE ©

-Balangouda Mahantesh Patil (2nd Year)

What is Timbercrete?

Timbercrete is an eco-friendly building material that is more advantageous over clay and concrete bricks. Its overall performance and environmental beneÞts are excellent whether used as bricks, blocks, panels, or pavers.This product may be molded or pressed into a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. It is suitable for residential, industrial, and commercial buildings, as well as landscaping and other uses.

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Why Timbercrete?

© QingJun Qian

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• Traps carbon which in the future will affect as a greenhouse gas.

• Has a signiÞcantly lower embodied energy than clay burnt bricks.

• Has a higher insulation value (R) than the traditional solid masonry bricks blocks and panels.

• Can store thermal energy and release it slowly.

• Has better resilience and improved breaking load resistance than unreinforced clay and concrete products.

• Can be made in a variety of different colors sizes and shapes.

• It is Þre resistant as well as Freeze-Thaw proof.

• It is cost-effective and visually pleasing.

• Lighter in weight than concrete or clay.

• Can be nailed and screwed into just like timber, but retains all the advantages of conventional masonry.

What is it made up of?

Timber-Crete is made up of timber waste such as sawdust or recycled timber from discarded pallets and the like.

We use the excess sawmill waste which would otherwise be burnt and may affect the environment by pollution. It contains timber waste, cement, binders, sand, and a few other materials.

© Peter Lockerbie

Is it Eco-friendly?

© theownerbuildernetwork.co

Yes, it’s highly ecofriendly.

Its major constituent is recycled timber waste. It acts as a carbon trap and has lower embodied energy as it takes comparatively less energy to manufacture 1m2 of wall area than other traditional methods. Timbercrete homes are more energy efÞcient by their high insulation qualities.

How is its Performance?

In comparison to conventional bricks, Timbercrete has improved acoustic and thermal insulation qualities. It also has unique resilience and a good load-bearing capacity, and also allows us to nail or screw into it like timber. It is Bullet-proof. As the blocks are generally larger and lighter, it helps in construction is easier and faster. Its dry density can be altered to suit speciÞc requirements.

Is it Thermally EfÞcient?

It has a superior thermal dynamic when comparing it with traditional building materials such as clay and concrete, because of the cellulose content in Timbercrete. It has a much higher insulation value or lower conductivity than concrete or clay. Timber is lighter (less dense) than clay or concrete, kilo for kilo has a much higher thermal mass (speciÞc heat) or the ability to store absorbed thermal energy.

What are applications of timbercrete?

• • • • • • •

Rammed earth structures.

Acoustic barriers for highways.

Cladding panels.

Prefab wall panels.

Fire resistant lift shafts for multi-story buildings.

Bullet-proof structures for the military.

Low-cost reconstruction housing after man-made and natural disasters.

© theownerbuildernetwork.co

How many loads can it sustain?

It has a good loadbearing capacity and Load-bearing typically ranges from 5 MPA through to 15 MPA or potentially greater if necessary.

Is it Durable?

When exposed to extreme weather conditions, the color will not fade and the bricks, blocks, panels, and pavers will not wear away. It's termite- and rotresistant, as well as bulletproof, and it is designed to last for generations.

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-Yashaswi Harsh (2nd Year)

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-Sandra Raveendran (4th Year) 25

The Streetscape of India: Local Outlook “Streets, and their culture, lie at the heart of public life in contemporary India.

Especially in those many cities where urban housing is crowded and uncomfortable, and where the weather is never too cold, streets are where much of life is lived.”

- Sociologist Arjun Appadurai

© Sayan Raha

The streets of India are truly the melting pot of its culture.

They are the intermediate space between one’s public and private life. They are not only served as a space for circulation and recreational activity, but also as a canvas for public expression and gatherings in carnivals as well as riots. In India, streets recreate stages on which the choreographies of the public forms a rhythmic individuality of a locality.

In buzzing cities of India, time spent by people in public spaces is an important part of their life. Streets and chowks (squares) have traditionally a prime function according to the Indian setup. Roaming around with friends, eating street foods, haggling with vendors, gathering at tea stalls and having an exchange of ideas are some common acts that one can see on the Indian streets. Due to the diverse culture, still in many parts of India, streets for women are their outdoor world. They interact with the world through the windows and doors of their house, whereas at the same time it has been seen that in some parts, women spend their days gossiping and sorting pulses, cutting vegetables in front of their homes on the street-sides.

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© creativebrandsmag.com © JZA Photography

© Ankit Raj

© Rupak De Chowdhuri

But the culture of these streets is in danger due to the increasing globalisation. Wide roads with motorised trafÞc have replaced the bustling streets that preserved our culture. Such a trend focuses on making our cities modern and highly sanitized but, these street designs do not consider the traditional way of living of locals. Currently, for most Indian cities, there are no street design guidelines for urban street planning. The existing guidelines are for national and state highways which neglects the local culture. Private investors have now become the voice in the planning of Indian cities, borrowing ideas from the western world.

Street designing in India is complex and it needs urban planning that is physically, culturally and socially owned by the public. The vibrant streets of our country have overnight turned into lifeless roads, which can be restored if the voice of the local population plays a vital part in the planning process to reßect the urban culture and vernacular style. For a contemporary public space, it has become important to remind the development system about the stakeholders of our streets, and even the social dimensions and potential that an Indian street hold.

© i.pinimg.com

“Streets are places of social and commercial encounters and exchange. They are where you meet people – which is a basic reason to have cities in any case.”

- Allan Jacobs

-Shreya Sinha (3rd Year)

© thumbs.dreamstime.com

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-Prit Pranay (3rd Year) Over the previous few decades, our dependence on electricity for various domestic, public, and industrial uses has grown exponentially. The production and supply mechanisms in India have been unable to keep up despite vigorous efforts. This has necessitated the use of alternative forms of energy such as solar energy in rural areas.

Dharnai was the first one of such villages. It is located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar.

During the late ’70s, the first supply lines and a transformer were installed here. However, in 1981 the transformer burned out. For the next 30 years, the authorities ignored the problem and the villagers were forced to live without any power supply. After the decades-long wait, in 2012, an NGO called Greenpeace did an audit on Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna and found out about the issue. They installed a solar-powered microgrid there with the help of CEED and BASIX thus resulting in the village being named the first ‘Solar Village’ of India. The grid provided 24 x 7 electricity to 450+ households, 60 street lights, 50 commercial establishments, 2 schools, 1 health care center, 1 Kisan training center, and 10 pumping systems.

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As an appreciation for the village’s self-sufÞciency in power generation, the village received three national panchayat awards namely Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar, Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar, and Baal Hitaishi Gram Panchayat Puraskar on 23rd October 2019.

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Owing to these honours, the village received nationwide recognition for its self-sufÞciency.

However, the ground reality was a bit different. In 2020, Vaidyanathan wrote an article describing the real situation after the installation of the microgrid. In his article, he reported that the decentralized rural electriÞcation system could not keep up with its promise of a 24 x 7 uninterrupted power supply for long. In fact, it failed shortly after its inauguration since the inßuential families of the village plugged in heavy electronics like fridge and television to the supply. This led to massive overloads and eventually, the batteries started getting drained in a few hours. To control the situation, the supply was restricted to only 5 hours during the night. Greenpeace even put-up posters requesting people to use LED bulbs and stop using heavy requirement appliances.

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Although the plan initially seemed full proof in theory, the execution proved that a complete self-dependency in the case of power supply was not viable at the time with the resources available. The villagers understood this and when the then Chief Minister of Bihar was invited for inaugurating the solar grid, locals saw this as a great opportunity and asked the Chief Minister for a permanent connection to the municipal grid so that the issue of heavy loads on the solar grid could be done away with.

Their demand was fulÞlled and a 100 KW transformer was installed in the village of Dharnai in 2015.

As of now, the Þrst ‘Solar Village’ of India is using the municipal power grid as its main supply and the solar grid only as a backup. Regardless, they are leaps and bound ahead of other areas which are entirely dependent on the municipal grids for their power requirements. Dharnai may not be entirely self-sufÞcient today but it has deÞnitely taken some steps in the correct direction.

© Greenpeace.org

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© Heidi Carey

© Mike Normandin

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UPCOMING COMPETITIONS -Annu Akanksha (2nd Year)

Competition section includes brief information about selected upcoming Architectural competitions.

1. THE RUINS: ARCHITECTURE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION • This competition intends to understand the history of architecture through the lenses of the photographer.

• A photograph that powerfully portrays the past glory of the present architectural ruins.

• REGISTRATION DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2022 • SUBMISSION DATE : MARCH 10, 2022 • WEBSITE : https://www.artuminate.com/ annual-competition/the-ruins

2. KAIRA LORO ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION 2022: CHILDREN’S HOUSE IN AFRICA ARCHITECTURE

• REGISTRATION DATE : MAY 15, 2022 • SUBMISSION DATE : JUNE 13, 2022 • WEBSITE : https://www.kairalooro.com/

• It is an international architecture competition for students and young architects, the objective of which is to grow up careers of new architectural talent, raise awareness in the international community regarding the topics of emergency, and support humanitarian projects.

• The architecture of the “children’s house will be a space intended to prevent child malnutrition by providing nutritional material, the development of hygiene and healthcare awareness-raising program, the organization of pediatric and social care appointment, housing for at-risk patients, and the training of community nurses, who will guide local families on best practice about prevention and nutrition.

3. THE EARTH SCHOOL COMPETITION: A SCHOOL IN AFRICA • Archstorming will be looking for designs for design to build a brand-new school for 400 students that will be built in Kafountine, Senegal.

• One of Kakolum’s main goals is to be sustainable and environmentally conscious.

For that reason, it will be very important to use local materials and easy-to-learn construction techniques. This is a chance to bring this community a cheap building method they can use not only in this school but also in future constructions.

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• REGISTRATION DATE: MARCH 16, 2022 • SUBMISSION DATE: MARCH 16, 2022 • WEBSITE: http://www.archstorming.com/info

4. CALL FOR IDEAS: PRESCHOOL 2021 ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION • With the pace of change accelerating in the 21stcentury, the key to success is life-long learning and the ability to acquire new skills.

Education can help initiate this change by altering the mindsets and outlooks of people around the world.

• Education can help in the eradication of many social evils such as poverty, poor health, scarcity of food and water, pollution, and other stigmas.

• The competition aims to focus on architecture and infrastructure as an instrument of social change.

• REGISTRATION DATE : FEBRUARY 24, 2022 • SUBMISSION DATE : MARCH 03, 2022 • WEBSITE : https://volumezerocompetitions.com/re-school-2021

5. CALL FOR ENTRIES: STREET MUSEUM

• Streets are the lifelines of any city. If someone wants to explore the culture of any city, the streets are the best place to wander all day long. One can experience this with tea stalls and street food carts even with street artists’ works and grafÞti, which has made streets one of the crucial city elements that signify the public life of the place.

• Participants have to design a space on the street where people view their spatial and social environments as a playground of knowledge, a place to see, touch, feel, taste, listen to, socialize with and learn from. A place where they see the world very differently and attach and take different meanings and experiences from and to people, to forms, places, spaces, and things, most importantly the intangible relationship between people and the street.

• REGISTRATION DATE : FEBRUARY 15, 2022 • SUBMISSION DATE : FEBRUARY 15, 2022 • WEBSITE : https://archtwist.com/

6. COVID 19 MEMORIAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

• The pandemic’s impact goes beyond the individual losses and throughout the affected communities, cities, and countries of the World.

• The challenge is to design a public memorial, to honor those who have departed as a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and to bring some closure to those who are suffering the loss of friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones.

• It will be a collective reminder for both present and future generations and a symbol of hope that mankind can withstand and overcome any obstacle.

• REGISTRATION DATE : MARCH 22, 2022 • SUBMISSION DATE : MARCH 23, 2022 • WEBSITE : https://aic-hub.com/product/ covid-19-memorial-ideas-competition/ Partners&utm_medium=Press%20 Release&utm_campaign=Introduction 33

REFERENCES Page no.: 8- 11 • • • • •

https://www.indian-architects.com/ https://anupamakundoo.com/ https://urbannext.net/ https://www.zingyhomes.com/ https://www.dezeen.com/2021/08/18/anupama-kundoo-riba-charles-jencks-award-2021news/ • https://www.designboom.com/ • www.lagrietaonline.com. (n.d.). A conversation with Anupama Kundoo on the challenges of contemporary architecture | La Grieta. [online] Available at: http://www. lagrietaonline.com/anupama-kundoo-contemporary-architecture/.

Page no.: 12- 13 • vernarch.com. (n.d.). Centre for Vernacular Architecture Trust: Home. [online] Available at: http://vernarch.com [Accessed 10 Jan. 2022].

• Wikipedia.org. (2019). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [online] Available at: https:// en.m.wikipedia.org.

• https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofÞcial (2018). The Spruce - Make Your Best Home. [online] The Spruce. Available at: https://www.thespruce.com.

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• RTF | Rethinking The Future. (2021). Govardhan Eco Village by Chitra Vishwanath: A Retreat for the Devotees. [online] Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/ case-studies/a5316-govardhan-eco-village-by-chitra-vishwanath-a-retreat-for-thedevotees/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2022].

• issuu.com. (n.d.). IA&B July 2012 by Indian Architect & Builder Magazine - Issuu. [online] Available at: https://issuu.com/iab_archives/docs/iab_july_2012_25.11/13 [Accessed 4 Jan. 2022].

• Anon, (n.d.). projects «biome. [online] Available at: https://www.biome-solutions.com/ project/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2022].

• Scribd. (n.d.). Govardhan Eco Village | PDF | Compost | Waste. [online] Available at: https://www.scribd.com/document/419072650/Govardhan-Eco-Village [Accessed 4 Jan. 2022].

• Ghosh, A. (n.d.). Govardhan Eco Village, Palghar, Maharashtra - Biome Environmental Solutions - ArchitectureLive! [online] Available at: https://architecture.live/govardhaneco-village-palghar-maharashtra-biome-environmental-solutions/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2022].

Page no.: 20- 21 • Bored Panda. (2000). Bored Panda. [online] Available at: https://www.boredpanda. com/.

• The Animal Rescue Site News. (n.d.). The Animal Rescue Site News. [online] Available at: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/.

• Home Design, Garden & Architecture Blog Magazine. (n.d.). Home Design, Garden & Architecture Blog Magazine. [online] Available at: https://www.goodshomedesign.com/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2022].

• Anon, (n.d.). Green Prophet - Media site that builds prosperity for the western east. [online] Available at: https://www.greenprophet.com/.

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• The Hearty Soul. (n.d.). The Hearty Soul. [online] Available at: https://theheartysoul.com/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2022].

• Blindfold. (n.d.). Blindfold. [online] Available at: https://beyondblindfold.com/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2022].

• designboom | architecture & design magazine. (2015). designboom | architecture & design magazine. [online] Available at: https://www.designboom.com/.

Page no.: 22- 23 • Timbercrete ® TIMBERCRETE ® An Introduction Version 3. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://timbercrete.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Introduction_to_ Timbercrete-V4.pdf.

• https://timbercrete.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ BuildingWithTimbercrete-051010.pdf

Page no.: 26- 27 • Urbanet. (2018). Street Design in India: How Top-Down City Planning Threatens Social Life. [online] Available at: https://www.urbanet.info/street-design-india// [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

• RTF | Rethinking The Future. (2021). Social construct of Indian streets. [online] Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture/a3302-social-construct-ofindian-streets/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

• www.pps.org. (n.d.). Allan Jacobs. [online] Available at: https://www.pps.org/article/ ajacobs [Accessed 5 Jan. 2022].

Page no.: 28- 29 • issuu.com. (n.d.). Revitalizing Renewable Energy Through Passive Green Building At Dharnai- B. Arch. Thesis Portfolio by Archit Awasthi - Issuu. [online] Available at: https:// issuu.com/archit.awasthi/docs/thesis_portfolio_archit_awasthi.

• Greenpeace India. (n.d.). Dharnai: story of one solar village. [online] Available at: https:// www.greenpeace.org/india/en/story/390/dharnai-story-of-one-solar-village/.

• Firstpost. (2015). Watch: Thirty years on, Dharnai, a Bihar village, damns the darkness and embraces the sun-India News , Firstpost. [online] Available at: https://www.Þrstpost.com/ india/watch-thirty-years-on-dharnai-a-bihar-village-damns-the-darkness-and-embracesthe-sun-2401096.html

• Nadji Maachi, I., Mokhtari, A. and Slimani, M.E.-A. (2019). The natural lighting for energy saving and visual comfort in collective housing: A case study in the Algerian building context. Journal of Building Engineering, 24, p.100760.

• Reader’s D.E. and 2021 (2011). Maximize the Natural Light in Your Home. [online] Reader’s Digest. Available at: https://www.rd.com/article/maximize-the-natural-light-in-yourhome/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2022].

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STANCHION | JAN ‘22 THE PUBLICATION CLUB DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY PATNA

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