Building Mapping: Volume i by DICRC

Research and Documentation

Building Mapping

Volume - I

Traditional and Vernacular Building

About Traditional and Vernacular Buildings The traditional and vernacular buildings constitute a major section of built heritage in India. They are the ones which highlight the empirical knowledge of the materials and construction techniques. Moreover, these buildings form a physical compendium of the rituals and culture of a civilization and its people. Vernacular buildings consist of all the buildings which use locally available materials to address the local needs and surroundings. These materials range from stone to bamboo, earth and wood; helping create a region responsive architecture. These buildings are constructed by local craftspeople, using indigenous technologies which have evolved over the years. The principles of indigenous building knowledge gradually evolved into more refined systems which, over time, have resulted into the development of various traditional building typologies. The traditional buildings show enhanced use of the locally available materials and are an embodiment of the social systems. While the vernacular buildings show a simplistic construction system with minimal expressions of the society, the traditional buildings show a developed style of construction and expression. Both the building typologies represent the prevailing social and cultural systems.

Building Mapping Volume-I

Research and Documentation Traditional and Vernacular Buildings

Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India

List of other TVB projects: The Building Documentation - I (Overview) The Building Documentation - II (Locus) The Building Mapping - II (Locus) The Building Interactive Kit

Funded by:

ÂŠ 2014 Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC) CEPT University , Ahmedabad, India.

Government of Gujarat

iNDEXT-c Government of Gujarat

Table of Contents 01) About Building Mapping

Overview

The Rationale

02) The Mapping Categories

03) Mapping Apparatuses

03) Modus Operandi

Pre-field Work

Research and Data Collection

Planning and Organisation

Primary Field Visit

Field Work

Exploring

Mapping

Recording

Post-field Work

Data Cataloguing and Processing

Research and Analysis

04) Dissemination

Fieldwork Reports

Building Map

Building Catalogue

Fieldwork Reports

05) Annexure

About Building Mapping

Overview The Building Mapping is an approach towards identifying, understanding and developing a detailed inventory for different types of Traditional and Vernacular Buildings, their Elements (Interior Architecture elements, Furniture, Objects and Accessories) as well as the Space Making Crafts (SMC) and Surface Narrative Crafts (SNC) integrated within it; spread across India. The Building mapping process is largely segregated into four major components, namely: Primary Research and Data Collection; Field Work; Categorization and Inventory Management; and Dissemination. The Building Mapping is a first of its kind visualbased mapping technique in India conducted using interactive mobile tablet survey. It is a process which involves an inclusive system of recording through photographic survey, form based inventory and interviews. A specific mobile application has been developed by the researchers at DICRC to conduct this survey. The data generated out of this mapping process is categorized and it is taken further in preparing an indepth Traditional Building Portfolio (TBP), Traditional Building Elements Catalogue (TBEC) and Interactive Online Map; all being disseminated through various online platforms.

The Rationale The Traditional and Vernacular Buildings in India are embedded with empirical knowledge systems, apart from there magnificence. These buildings are in harmony with the local surrounds, and showcase an optimum use of local materials; making them congruous to the natural topography. The empirical knowledge systems, developed by local craftspeople through frugal innovations, have generated indigenous construction techniques and innovative material usage. These buildings are also a manifestation of the society which constructs it. They highlight the behaviour and beliefs of the residents occupying it, which comes out through spatial planning and expressions. Until recently, the documentations conducted for comprehending Traditional and Vernacular Buildings have been very nominal in nature. This creates an imperative need of recording and creating a detailed analysis of the prime specimens of the Traditional and Vernacular Buildings of India. With this intention at the forefront, DICRC gave rise to the Building Mapping project. The main intention is to create a comprehensive visual data bank about the various Interior Architecture elements, Furniture, Objects and Accessories as well as the Space Making Crafts (SMC) and Surface Narrative Crafts (SNC) related to the traditional and vernacular buildings of India. This data will act as a valuable educational data to various students, craftspeople, educators, design professionals, conservationist, and all those related to the field of Art, Craft, Design and Architecture.

The Mapping Categories

Mapping Categories India has a rich repository of cultural heritage which lends a distinct identity to the community and the place. DICRC tries to identify and map examples which showcase the essence and highest point achieved in our Traditional and Vernacular Buildings as well as the Space Making Crafts (SMC) and Surface Narrative Crafts (SNC) integrated within it. These vibrant buildings, combined with the rich splendour of the interiors, demonstrate and exemplify the magnificence of the built form and extreme qualities of the craftsmanship achieved within our built heritage. The mapping categories are: Traditional and Vernacular Buildings Although there are a varied categories of traditional and vernacular buildings, the emphasis of mapping at DICRC lies with the domestic architecture. These type of architecture include local houses, palaces, havelis and bunglows amongst many. The research and survey also encompasses the buildings with religious importance, apart from public and commercial buildings. The buildings which are selected for mapping showcase the highest point achieved in the building crafts. An effort is also made to identify buildings which show the varied construction techniques along the primary material of construction like wood, stone and earth. Interior Architecture Elements The identification of the interior architectural elements like walls, floor, ceiling and roof, doors, windows, stair, balcony, bracket, column, parapet and entablature form one of the important categories of the mapping exercise. Furniture Along with the interior elements, furniture are also an reflection of the culture and life of the inhabitants. It showcases the crafts at an entirely different level and scale. Within this category bed, table, storage, chair, sofa, bench, stool, partition, swing are mapped in detail. Objects and Accessories Apart from interior architecture and furniture elements, various objects like carpets and light fixtures, frame and hardware depicting the material culture of a region are identified. It represents various associated craft practices with building sector. 6

Traditional and Vernacular Building

Interior Architecture Elements

Furniture

Objects and Accessories

The Mapping Apparatuses

Apparatuses The Mapping Apparatuses Tablets and GPS Equipment The mapping forms designed by DICRC are not paperbased; and need a mobile device, preferably a tablet, with data connectivity to conduct the mapping. The mobile device with data connection allows the team to procure the required mapping form, as and when needed, directly on site. This saves a lot of effort which goes into carrying the paper-form, which can be easily misplaced or damaged. The data connection allows the filled form to be directly sent to the dedicated server from the field. The mobile device also allows the team to accurately Geo-position the mapped building or element. This data can further be compiled in the GIS format (maps etc.) and can be used to display, both buildings and individual elements, on a map. Moreover, the route followed during the mapping is also acquired through a tablet-based GPS equipment and later compiled in the GIS format for future references.

Mapping Form The mapping forms have been developed largely to identify and map the following major categories of our built heritage: Traditional and Vernacular Buildings, Interior Architecture and Furniture Elements, along with Objects and Accessories. The mapping forms have been developed using Open Data Kit platform, and have gone through the process of research and in a manner that they can be easily adapted for survey in different regions of the country. This commonly adaptable forms makes it easier to map various building typologies and elements, even though they differ in the making and expressions. Furthermore, these forms have categorized into two broad divisions: identification and description. Within these two segments, the forms help collect a varied amount of information. The Building Form consists of various information like building typology, location and accessibility, current ownership and materials. Whereas the Element Form collects an array of information ranging from type and location of element to materials used, along with the various levels of crafts and expressions involved.

Building Mapping Form: This form is relevant for gathering information related traditional and vernacular buildings which are worth documenting. The form collects various information regarding the name of the building, its typology, historic or other name(s), location, approach and accessibility, current ownership and historic usage, along with a facade image for reference. The mapping form also collects physical specifications of the building; starting from the construction materials to the condition of the building. If the structure is found to be worth documenting, the form also has the provision of knowing the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness towards documentation and the GPS location of the property. The mapping limits itself to collecting the tangible information about the building along with the communication details. Element Mapping Form: This mapping form is more extensive and involves the mapping of Interior Architecture and Furniture elements, along with the Objects and Accessories. Similar the building mapping form, the recording of elements also start with the information about the building type and its GPS location. As mentioned above, the Element Form is segregated into three parts, Interior Architecture Elements, Furniture, and the Objects and Accessories. The form has various elements listed within each of the category. Along with this, the mapping form also collects associated data about the elements; starting from the construction materials to its present day condition and the location of the element. It also collects information pertaining to the various levels of crafts and expressions involved in the element. 12

The above chart indicates the information noted for element mapping.

The above chart is a representation of the building mapping form which shows the information collected through the mapping process.

The Recording Apparatuses Dictaphone On-site investigations are recorded through dictaphones for audio documentation of interactions with master carpenters and craftspeople, inhabitants, academic scholars and others. Sketch Books A book is maintained to record all on-site drawings and sketches of the buildings, furniture elements, interior spaces and details. Notes Notes are a tool to maintain a diary of everydayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience. It is used to record the physical entity that are interesting - in terms of detail, forms, objects, finishes, materials. They also help note down the experiences of each space - in terms of smell, temperature, feelings. Notes also contain about the holistic experience about community through various aspects. Cameras The cameras, both still and video, are required to aid the on-field mapping through visual documentation. The photographic survey forms an integral part of the mapping process, as it facilitates the better understanding of the buildings, their elements, and the integrated building crafts in their current condition.

Modus Operandi

A representation of the building mapping process. 20

Pre-field Work Primary Research and Data Collection Before commencing on the actual field work, the documentation team gathers basic information on existing records pertaining to the region to be mapped. This essentially helps in identifying existing archives of the place to be survey thoroughly, along with the identification of significant historical repositories within the city/town and the landmark buildings. In well documented places, distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form of building resource can also be identified. The existing documents may be in the form of drawings, photographs, literary accounts of its descriptions and documents related to the historical architectural development of the place. These records are generally searched and procured from archives, local municipalities, research institutions, architectural colleges, museums, libraries or private collections. Based on the background research, the next stage of field work is planned, determining the most appropriate level and the scope for the required purpose.

The primary research includes gathering information from various sources. These sources are as following: 1. Publications like gazetteers, travel books, and through specialised books containing information about the architecture and history of the area research publications. 2. Institutes like Libraries of various universities, Archaeological Survey of India, National Museum, Central Secretariat and the respective State Secretariats, Schools of Planning and Architecture, and National & State Archives. 3. Resource persons like local experts, university scholars , local governing officers, historians, and designers. Planning and Organization Availability of the data determines the extent of mapping, according to the area to be covered. It also determines the required size of mapping team and the time required.

Primary Field Visit Fieldwork Planning Diary They act as a reference point to keep an account of the field-work. It is a day-to-day follow up of schedule to keep a track of the time and to collect the data within a limited period. Maps Maps act as a guiding tool for field visits. They are collected from various sources like Google Maps, books, travel shops and government agencies. Maps at various scales helps to navigate during fieldwork. Based on the information collected through dialogue with the local people, schematic maps are prepared on the field. Itinerary Tentative itinerary for areas based on their significance are identified in the background research. The itinerary, in turn, help identify specific information about places that are expected to be travelled and sites to be visited.

Mapped Route

Fieldwork Planning Diary

Day

Date

Place

1 21-Jun-11 Ahmedabad Shimla 2 22-Jun-11 Shimla Janog Sainj 3 23-Jun-11 Sainj Balag Ghodna Sarahn-Chopal 4 24-Jun-11 Sarahn-Chopal Hatkoti 5 25-Jun-11 Devidhar Gawas Hatkoti 6 26-Jun-11 Pujarli 4 Jubbal Harkoti 7 27-Jun-11 Hatkoti Summerkot Pujarli 7 Rampur Itinerary 8 28-Jun-11 Rampur Sangla 9 29-Jun-11 Kamru Chitkul

Alt. (mts) 49 2205 2205 1980 1412 1412 1340 1290 2165 2165 1400 2267 1400 1948 2084 1400 1400 2103 2100 1041 1041 2680 2800 3460

Key sites/ Meetings

Mall Road, B.S Malhans O.C Handa Chikhadeshwara Temple Over-night Theog- kot Shiva temple, Tower temple Mataji Temple, Kot Over-night Bijjat Devta Temple Over-night Sahav Khantu Devta Temple, Temple const. Gawas Devta Temple Over-night Rudra Devta Temple Kot Over-night Hateshwari(Durga) and Shiva Temples Tower Temple Temple under construction Over-night Padam Palace Nag Devta Temple, Village, over-night Badri Vishalji Temple, Kot Tower temple, New Temple construcion

Field-Work Exploring the Context Exploration, as the word suggests, involves undertaking a physical and visual assessment of the areas which had been identified during the pre-field research. The team gathers facts and information regarding the physical fabric, urban characteristics, architectural styles and building typology of the place. Moreover, it also includes conducting a dialogue with the locals to identify important areas within the historic core of the city/town. This also helps in understanding the cultural value of a particular site, which has been referred by the locals.

Mapping Mapping the Buildings The procedure starts with an inquiry about the building typology and the accessibility. Information regarding construction materials and techniques are noted along with some observations about the condition of the building. Descriptions regarding modifications and its responsiveness to traditional and vernacular architecture are recorded only if the building is found worth documenting.

Mapping the Elements The mapping of elements involve three major categories - Interior Architecture Elements, Furniture Elements and Objects and Accessories. Interior Architecture elements like wall, floor, ceiling, roof, door, window, column, bracket, stair, balcony and jharokha, parapets and railings, arches, entablature, etc are identified and recorded. Furniture section includes elements like bed, table, storage, chair, sofa, bench, stool, partition, swing, etc. Various objects and accessories like frames, carpets, hardwares, light fixtures and artefacts are also recorded.

Recording Interviews Apart from the data collected through the mapping form, a lot of information is also obtained through talks with locals. This helps in obtaining information pertaining to the history of the place, local built forms and other relevant informations. Discussions with the locals can reveal the belief systems, myths, folklores and other aspects of the community. These insights help understand the local rituals and practices of a place, as they are reflected through the building and

Photography Photographs amplify and illuminate the recordings. In many cases they are more efficient in capturing data than either verbal or written description. They further help in supplementing the written and archival data, as it becomes easier to comprehend the changes which have taken place in the buildings. A single photograph, taken from the right vantage point, establishes the environmental setting for a building or structure. The photographs play an important role in the mapping process at DICRC, at it helps to correlate the mapped building or elements with the collected data. It also helps in displaying the collected data for a particular entity and work further upon it. Streets and Surroundings

Context

Street

Panorama

Spaces

Internal Spaces

Elevations

Elements

Interior Architecture

Furniture

Objects and Accessories

Post Fieldwork Data Cataloging and Processing The Mapping produces comprehensive information, which consists of images and associated data. The mapping data gets transmitted from site, and gets delivered on to a dedicated server and for the storage. This process uses Aggregate facility of the Open Data Kit (ODK), which helps manage the transferred data and use them in an organized way. The photographs collected through the mapping process are categorized and cataloged according to the various sections. These recordings could also be transformed to Google Fusion Tables, allowing online viewing and data management. Research and Analysis Through ODK Aggregate the stored data is displayed in a tabular form. ODK facilitates the study and analysis of mapped data, either within a single category or across various sections. ODK also enables the researchers to form analytical charts or pie diagrams to understand the mapped data. The Google Fusion Table also provides means for visualizing data with pie charts, bar charts, lineplots, scatterplots, timelines, and geographical maps. The data set is exported in the form of CSV files for spreadsheets or as KML files for Google Earth, to analyse and understand the amount of data generated from the field work. In certain cases, images gathered on the field help in the 3D reconstructions of buildings. 32

Examples of Analytics

Bar chart showing the percentage of furniture elements documented

Bar chart showing the percentage of building elements documented

Pie chart showing distribution of mapped elements in districts of Gujarat.

Dissemination

The Dissemination The data collected through the Building Mapping process gets disseminated through various means. The major forms of data output are through a web based interactive map and a digital catalogue. The significant mediums of dissemination of the data acquired through Building Mapping are Building Map, Building Catalogue, Element Catalogue and Fieldwork reports. The Building Map is a digital interactive technique of displaying the relevant content for buildings and elements, along with the images, at individual geographical locations. This data is also used to generate an extensive online Building Catalogue and Element Catalogue, which will be a comprehensive set of images and associated data. While the Building Catalogue provides all the relevant information about the mapped buildings, the catalogue involves data related the Interior Architecture and Furniture Elements as well as objects and accessories. Both these systems, the map and catalogue, form a part of the online Building Craft Lab. The final data from the Building catalogue acts as the foundation for selection of the Traditional or Vernacular Building for detailed documentation which in turn generates Traditional Building Portfolio (TBP). Apart from the mapped data being disseminated through online maps and catalogues, fieldwork reports are also prepared to provide an overall information on the mapped cities/ towns. These reports give an insight into the social and geographical character, along with the significant architectural typologies of the place. Moreover, the data is also disseminated through panels which give an overview of the Building Mapping project, together with the outcomes. 36

Fieldwork Report The mapping carried out at the various places is developed into working reports. These reports have the detailed information and photographs of the places visited. The information is segregated under various categories such as architecture, interior architecture and furniture elements. Furthermore, the reports contain a brief information about the documented area and its history.

Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC) CEPT University Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, University Road Ahmedabad-380009, Gujarat, India Phone: +91-79-26302740 Ext: 316, 317, 319 dicrc@cept.ac.in, www.cept.ac.in The University of Melbourne Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning Grattan Street Parkville VIC 3010, Australia Phone +61-3-83447259 b.dave@unimelb.edu.au

Indigenous Architecture and Building Practices in Himachal Pradesh, India

Building Map The Building Map forms an integral part of the DICRC Building Craft Lab and acts as a map-based directory for the surveyed items. The primary objective of the Building Map is to provide the geographical locations to all the mapped buildings, interior architecture and furniture elements along with objects and accessories. According to the information collected, the Building Map is divided into two major categories: Elements and Buildings. The mapped elements are further segregated into Interior Architecture, Furniture and Objects and Accessories, the buildings are divided according the ones which have been documented and which are worth documenting. The Building Map provides the facility of generating a query from a range of elements mapped, and can further refine the search according to their construction material and the integrated craft techniques. The search can also be filtered through the typology of the building; residential, commercial, public or religious; along with the condition of the element. All the mapped data is represented through icons, which on clicking display information card for each element. This information card shares all the relevant information pertaining to the element selected, along with the geographic location. The information card also allows the user to toggle on to the Building or Element Catalogue, for detailed information on a particular building, element, object or accessory.

The map, apart from the data collected by the DICRC team, also incorporates secondary data from external sources. The secondary data may fall under any of the predefined categories of the map and, once verified, would be displayed on the map. All the secondary data is also represented through a similar icon but of a different colour.

Building Catalogue The catalogue is a globally accessible online collection of mapped data which has been compiled through the mapping process. It contains unique visual and textual material pertaining to Traditional Vernacular Buildings, along with their interior architecture elements, furniture elements, objects and accessories. The catalogue is interactive in nature, thus, allowing the user to browse and search the data through various pre-defined parameters. It also permits the query generation within the catalogue through the materials used, crafts used and the various ornamentation involved. For further research and future references, the users can also create customized personal collections of the elements and buildings according to the need.

Panels Panels are a medium to display the mapping and subsequent research. They include an overview about the project that includes the methodology and the outcomes.

The Annexures

Building Mapping Form

Step - 01

Step - 02

Step - 03

Step - 04

Step - 05

Step - 06

Element Mapping Form

Step - 01

Step - 02

Step - 03

Step - 04

Step - 05

Step - 06

Step - 07

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For more information visit www.dicrc.in

Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), CEPT University, Ahmedabad Contact :+079-26302470 Ext- 380, 381 , email: dicrc@cept.ac.in 54