THRESHOLDS_ INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE
Blue houses of Jodhpur, bear a simple form adorned with ornamentation. However, they are comparatively dynamic from inside. Built to take shelter from the hot climate of the region, the traditional dwellings have evolved around a small open space. Known as courtyard, this space not only controls the microclimate of the interiors but also brings in exceptional light quality into surrounding space. The peripheral space becomes a perennial zone in the house. Although being visually less critical than the courtyard, it holds equal functional importance. As the courtyard provides light to the entire house, the thresholding space allows human access to the open-to-sky space. This scope spontaneously enables multiple activities to take place, the spread of activities into the adjoining void and development of private life due to their confi ning nature. Since the location of such space is secluded from the external realm, there is a freedom the way it is used in the context of the house. That is why the common usage along the courtyard is found to be of kitchen, dining or living spaces. Acting as a hub, such thresholds host congregation of families or even communities in some instances. This space informs, what Amos Rapoport has precisely hinted about as, the “Creation of the ideal environment is expressed through the specific organisation of space, which is more fundamental than the architectural form.” (Rapport, 1969, p. 49).
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