Dissertation Report

ADOPTING VERNACULAR TRADITIONS IN

THE MODERN BUILDINGS OF HOT ARID
REGIONS IN INDIA.

By
Monika Dhankhar
(CUN110301066).
Under the guidance of
Ar. K. Swati

Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture

Chitkara University
Punjab - 140401

1|Page

INDEX
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 AREA OF STUDY
1.2 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY
1.3 METHODOLOGY
1.4 EXPECTED BENEFITS

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

6-7
6
6
6
7

8-14

2.1 INTRODUCTION
8
2.2 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
8
2.2.1 INTRODUCTION
9
2.2.2 TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES USED IN RAJASTHAN
11
2.2.3 APPLICATION OF TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES IN NEW BUILDINGS 11
2.3 STUDY DESIGN
2.3.1 METHODOLOGY
2.3.2 CASE STUDY
2.3.3 SCOPE
2.3.4 LIMITATION
2.4 SUMMARY

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1. INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDIES
3.2 THE PEARL ACADEMY OF FASHION
3.3 SANSKRITI RESIDENCE
3.4 INFERENCES

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSIONS

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13
13
14
14
14

15-26
15
16
22
26

27

LIST OF FIGURES:
Figure1: Jharokha in havelli

Figure2: Jali work in Rajasthan.

10

Figure3: Inner courtyard.

11

Figure4: The Pearl Academy of Fashion

16

Figure5: Step well or baoli

17

Figure6: Site plan

18

Figure7: View of the academy

18

Figure8: Solar study chart.

19

Figure9: Water body in basement.

19

Figure10: View depicting breeze flow.

20

Figure11: Double skin used in front facade

21

Figure12: Sanskriti residence.

22

Figure13: Site plan.

23

Figure14: Floor plan

24

Figure15: Section.

24

Figure16: Angled balcony.

25

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ABSTRACT:
Climate responsive buildings is about taking advantage of local environment factor like
sun, wind that affect built environment. It is all about taking advantage of old generation
wisdom and using it as powerful tool for improving future building. Vernacular
architecture around the world is impressively rich with ingenious techniques that early
dwellers used, to protect themselves from the diverse weather conditions they were
subject to. Climate is an important aspect of life particularly in cities such as Rajasthan
and Gujarat where people face a lot of problem related to climate.
Great examples of well-thought vernacular architecture are located in Rajasthan where a
hot and arid climate zone prevails. This climate condition is probably a good example of
extreme weather conditions and studying the architectural techniques that allows the
creation of independent microclimates in these regions is worth exploring. The traditional
architecture should not be disturbed rather it should be integrated with contemporary
architecture. Some of these traditional techniques are being slowly rediscovered today
and slowly applied to modern forms of architecture. The literature in this context brings
the knowledge of the traditional built forms, materials, building techniques and response
of the buildings to climate and how these techniques can be applied to new construction.
The study is done through the case study of buildings like Pearly academy of Fashion
and Sanksriti Residence where traditional elements are getting used in a new way
according to the requirement of clients. Architect Manit Rastogi or Morphogenesis
designed the Pearl Academy of Fashion in Jaipur using a number of old technologies to
create "an environmentally responsive passive habitat. As sustainability becomes a
growing concern for many designs, traditional techniques are getting

rebirth in today's

green building scene

Nowadays architects like Sanjay Puri and Manit Rastogi are using the traditional
techniques like jalli, baoli, courtyard, water body and giving rebirths to these elements in
their own way.Architecture is about combining both the traditional and modern
architecture in a way that they can fulfill the need of project and along with it can serve
the process of energy efficiency.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
With a great respect I would like to express my indebtedness to my guide Ar. K. Swati,
for her visionary approach and efforts in making this study comprehensive. It was indeed
a great pleasure to work under her supervision.
I give me heartiest thanks to my parents for believing in me, encouraging and supporting
me throughout.
My deep sense of gratitude towards all people who extended a helping hand during my
case studies and site visits. My family and friends for helping me.
I would also like to thank my institution, CHITKARA SCHOOL OF PLANNING
ARCHITECTURE, and all my faculty members.

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CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 AREA OF STUDY:
Regional architecture is often neglected which has lead to the loss of the knowledge
handed down by the local population on how to create comfortable living
environments with limited or no energy consumption. Contemporary designs are
becoming increasingly detached from the limitations imposed on it by local climate
and the environment. There is a dynamic relationship that exists between the past
and the present and several features from traditional designs have potential to
improve the contemporary designs. The reason for choosing this topic is to know
more about the traditional architecture and finding ways on how it can now be used
during construction of new buildings in hot arid regions.

1.2JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY:
Environmental degradation, technology advancement and development of urban
centers have highly influenced energy consumption in buildings. Energy is the
important component for economic development of the country. The modern
equipments and materials used in construction, to maintain indoor thermal
environment consumes significant amount of national energy. In view of the shortage
of energy, it is very much essential to review the historical origin of Architecture &
Technology, to restore the comfort inside the building.

1.2 METHODOLOGY:
The research methods will include primary sources, which are personal
observations, photographic recordings, and case studies. Secondary research
sources which will be used are going to be mainly literature reviews from libraries
and internet (electronic library). Photographs of critical, important facilities and
activities will aid to the completion of the project. In this, two main methods which will
be used to acquire information are:
Relevant Websites of the Internet
Library Reference which includes Journals, Magazines and other related
Literature.

6|Page

1.3 EXPECTED BENEFITS:

Vernacular architecture around the world is impressively rich with ingenious
techniques early dwellers used to protect themselves from the diverse weather
conditions they were subject to. Great examples of well-thought vernacular
architecture are located in Rajasthan where a hot and arid climate zone prevails.
This climate condition is probably a good example of extreme weather conditions
and studying the architectural techniques that allows the creation of independent
microclimates in these regions is worth exploring. Some of these traditional
techniques are being slowly rediscovered today and slowly applied to modern forms
of architecture. However, sustainable features in general and passive climate control
in particular, even though newly rediscovered, are starting to limit the architectural
expression of the buildings.

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW:
2.1INTRODUCTION:
Climate responsive buildings is about taking advantage of local environment factor like
sun, wind that affect built environment. It is all about taking advantage of old generation
wisdom and using it as powerful tool for improving future building. Vernacular

7|Page

architecture around the world is impressively rich with ingenious techniques that early
dwellers used, to protect themselves from the diverse weather conditions they were
subject to. Climate is an important aspect of life particularly in cities such as Rajasthan
and Gujarat where people face a lot of problem related to climate.
Great examples of well-thought vernacular architecture are located in Rajasthan and
Gujarat where a hot and arid climate zone prevails. This climate condition is probably a
good example of extreme weather conditions and studying the architectural techniques
that allows the creation of independent microclimates in these regions is worth exploring.
The traditional architecture should not be disturbed rather it should be integrated with
contemporary architecture. Some of these traditional techniques are being slowly
rediscovered today and slowly applied to modern forms of architecture. The literature in
this context brings the knowledge of the traditional built forms, materials, building
techniques and response of the buildings to climate and how these techniques can be
applied to new construction
2.2BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
2.2.1 INTRODUCTION:
Indian

vernacular

architecture

reflects

the

environmental

realities.

Traditional

architecture is the outcome of centuries of optimization of climate consideration, material

use, construction techniques. (Sharma,2013)
Ancient buildings demonstrate the passive architecture of India. Without mechanical
means these buildings are better than the newly designed buildings. Natural ventilation
and advantages of solar direction was taken in those buildings. Materials are chosen for
construction according to the climatic characteristics of the place
.
2.2.2 TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES USED IN RAJASTHAN:
The Palaces in Rajasthan also demonstrates the natural ventilation techniques. Water
body in buildings, keeps the environment cool and improve the microclimatic conditions.
Havelis of Rajasthan are good examples of passive architecture.

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A typical town of Rajasthan presents a very compact picture of houses and other
buildings huddled together so that they not only shade each other but also considerably
reduce the exposed open spaces around them. The height of the building is large
compared to the width of the streets, to create shaded cool environment for the
pedestrians and other social activities on the streets. In cases where normal low level
dust swirls within the settlement, the interiors of buildings are protected by almost blank
walls with very small openings. All major streets are oriented almost in the East-West
direction at right angles to the direction of dust storms. The streets are relatively narrow
and winding.(Jain)
The heat inside of the building is controlled by the use of textures in Jaisalmer. This is
organized at three levels.

At the town scale the buildings are of unequal height with parapets and high
walls, creating uneven sky lines and desired shading of each other.

Secondly, the building facades have large number of projections like jharokhas
and chajjas which provide shade to the facades.

Thirdly, the front part of the facade which remains exposed are controlled by
creating deeply carved patterns. Use of such devices minimizes the heat gain by
providing shading due to texture.

Figure1 -Jharokha in havelli .

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([Photograph of jharokha in havelli ]. Retrieved from http://www.archinomy.com/casestudies/1992/the-vernacular-architecture-of-rajasthan)

In Indian architecture there are features like pavilions, courtyards,

terrace which come

together to articulate the space.

In monumental buildings Jali is the ornamental feature provided in most of the palaces In
Rajasthan. Fresh air enters in the building through jali with speed as well as stone jali
protects the enclosure from direct solar radiation. Jali cast the decorative shadow in
buildings which is also helpful in reducing the inside temperature.

Figure2 -Jali work in Rajasthan.

([Photograph

of

jail

work

in

Rajasthan].

Retrieved

from

http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1992/the-vernacular-architecture-ofrajasthan)

Courtyard was also an important design element in old residential buildings, in hot dry
climate including palaces. It was an element of passive cooling for regular fresh air
supply and for day lighting. These interior courts - a common feature of Rajasthani
architecture -optimize circulation of air during the 50C.The rooms around courtyard are
comfortable for use. Internal open spaces become another thematic element in all scales
of domestic architecture. From small urban houses to large mansions and palaces,
courtyards became the key organizational elements responding to climatic conditions as
well as the cultural needs of communities. This private internal open space also acquired
special significance while serving various levels of privacy. A wide range of household
activities could extend into courtyards. These spaces became the living areas of all
domestic architecture.

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Figure3 -Inner courtyard.

([Photograph of inner courtyard]. Retrieved from http://www.archinomy.com/casestudies/1992/the-vernacular-architecture-of-rajasthan)
The village dwelling unit popularly known as a hut is usually circular in shape. Its
simplest hamlets, the most basic form of civilization with a way of life that has probably
remained unchanged since centuries, consist of a collection of huts that are circular, and
have thatched roofs. The walls are covered with a plaster of clay, cow dung, and hay,
making a termite-free facade that blends in with the sand of the countryside around it. It
is thatched with grass and hay sticks. Sometimes clay molded Kelu are also used.
Boundaries for houses and land holdings, called baras, are made of the dry branches of
a nettle-like shrub. The huts so made are technically hygienic and give the feeling of air
conditioning. In summers they remain cool and in winters it remain warm.
A village that is even a little larger may have pucca houses, or larger living units, usually
belonging to the village Zamindar family. Consisting of courtyards, and a large Nora or
cattle enclosure, attached to one side or at the entrance. These are made of a mixture of
sun-baked clay bricks covered with a plaster of lime.
2.2.3 APPLICATION OF TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES IN NEW BUILDINGS:
Environmental degradation, technology advancement and development of urban centers
have highly influenced energy consumption in buildings. Energy is the important
component for economic development of the country. The modern equipments and
materials used in construction, to maintain indoor thermal environment consumes
significant amount of national energy. In view of the shortage of energy, it is very much

11 | P a g e

essential to review the historical origin of Architecture & Technology, to restore the
comfort inside the building.(Chokshi,2013)
Kris De Decker of No Tech Magazine " refuses to assume that every problem has a hightech solution", and points to yet another example of how low-tech solutions can work
very well, without burning a lot of energy or needing a lot of fancy technology
Ancient architectural ideas have been modified for modern contexts.
For instance, the Pearl Academy of Fashion, Jaipur, India makes use of the jaali as well
as a modern version of the stepwell to cool the indoor spaces. This is especially
important given that the average daytime high in the region is 45 degrees C or 113 F.
Baolis are small bodies of water created below ground or surrounded by walls above the
ground. As the water evaporates in the enclosed area, it cools down adjacent spaces. In
modern architecture, recycled water will do the trick too.
Architect Manit Rastogi have used the technique in The Pearl academy of Fashion The
step well is reminiscent of the traditional baolis that are scattered all through the hot and
dry region. Thermally banked on all sides, this underbelly is a grotto-like space, a space
for sacred congregation within an academic institution. The water body is fed by the
recycled water from the sewage treatment plant and helps in the creation of a
microclimate through evaporative cooling.
A traditional Indian technique of thermal insulation was employed in a new way where
earthen pots (matkas) about 35 cm in diameter are placed on flat roof, 2.5 cm apart, and
the spaces between are filled with sand and broken bricks and covered with a thin layer
of concrete. The fill and the air within the mutkas provide insulation.
The whole building is raised above the ground on pillars, creating an airy and shaded
pavilion that is used as a recreation and exhibition space. Here, , the walls are made
from a heat-absorbing material that creates a "thermal bank" -- so the warmth is slowly
released at night when the temperature drops.
Centuries ago, latticed screens or "jaali" filtered direct sunlight into the palaces. The
effect was decorative and helped reduce the heat. Likewise at The Pearl Academy, a
latticed concrete screen runs the length of the building and provides a cooling outer skin.
Just as Kris De Decker of No Tech Magazine refuses to assume that every problem has
a high-tech solution, perhaps its time to start using a few old tricks to create a more
bearable future in response to the environmental changes occurring at a rapid rate.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of study is to know about the traditional built forms, materials, building
techniques that were used in Rajasthan.

To study about the response of these buildings to climate.

How to introduce these climate responsive techniques in new buildings.

2.3STUDY DESIGN:
2.3.1 METHODOLOGYThe research methods will include primary sources, which are personal observations,
photographic recordings, and case studies. Secondary research sources which will be
used are going to be mainly literature reviews from libraries and internet (electronic
library). Photographs of critical, important facilities and activities will aid to the
completion of the project. In this, two main methods which will be used to acquire
information are:
Relevant Websites of the Internet
Library Reference which includes Journals, Magazines and other related Literature

2.3.2 CASE STUDY

PEARL ACADEMY:

Very few buildings in India are designed following the concepts of the ancient
architecture. One of the buildings recognized globally for the passive design is Pearl
Academy, Jaipur built in the arid suburbs of Jaipur, Rajasthan by Architect Manmit
Rastogi. The Pearl Academy of Fashion combines modern exterior styling with ancient
Rajasthani architecture -designed to keep temperatures down without artificial cooling
systems.

SANSKRITI RESIDENCE:

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This large residential project in Rajasthan in India imbibes the traditional character of the
earliest settlements in the region creating a cost effective and climate responsive
housing development. Heritage Residences imbibes the traditional character of the old
towns as well as the design principles of traditional Indian architecture of its region to
create a sustainable contextual design solution.

2.3.3 SCOPE:

The scope of the study is limited to as how the traditional techniques can be
used nowadays to create a energy efficient and climate responsive buildings.

The study is based on as how to bring in climate responsive techniques

through design process so as to provide comfort within and outside the built
complex.

2.3.4 LIMITIATION:

Due to time constraint, the case study was not possible.

There is not much material available on how these techniques can now be
applied.

2.4SUMMARY:
Energy is precious and to save this energy is a matter of prime concern. It is the time to
learn and adopt the passive design techniques to maintain the comfortable environment
inside without much use of active systems of cooling or heating. Ancient monumental
buildings, palaces are still a place to relax without fan, coolers and air conditioners.
There is a need to study the traditional buildings because they are time tested. It is
important to investigate the effectiveness of the passive environment control system of
Indian traditional architecture and identify its potential for contemporary application.

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Today green Building design also provides the opportunity to adopt our age old passive
techniques. Awareness should be created to design the modern buildings on the
traditional building design concept.

CHAPTER 3
CASE STUDY:
3.1 INTRODUCTION:
Kris De Decker of No Tech Magazine " refuses to assume that every problem has a hightech solution", and points to yet another example of how low-tech solutions can work
very well, without burning a lot of energy or needing a lot of fancy technology
Ancient architectural ideas have been modified for modern contexts. Very few buildings
in India are designed following the concepts of the ancient architecture. One of the
buildings recognized globally for the passive design is Pearl Academy, Jaipur built in the
arid suburbs of Jaipur, Rajasthan by Architect Manmit Rastogi.. The architecture of the
academy is modern adaptations of traditional Indo-Islamic architectural elements and
passive cooling strategies prevalent in the hot-dry desert climate of Rajasthan such as
open courtyards, water body, step-well or baoli and jaalis (perforated stone or latticed

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screen). All these elements have been derived from their historic usages, but the
elements manifest themselves through the built form.
Sanskriti Residence is a large residential project in Rajasthan in India which imbibes
the traditional character of the earliest settlements in the region creating a cost effective
and climate responsive housing development. Sanskriti Residences imbibes the
traditional character of the old towns as well as the design principles of traditional Indian
architecture of its region to create a sustainable contextual design solution.

3.2 THE PEARL ACADEMY OF FASHION,JAIPUR.

Location=Jaipur, India
Architect=Morphogenesis, New Delhi, India
Type of building use: Institutional
Year of completion: 2008.
Built-up area: 2, 15,278 Sq ft
Plot size: 12, 250 sq m (3 Acres).
Climatic Zone: Hot-Dry.
Summary of building:

The Pearl Academy of Fashion is located in a typical hot, dry, desert type climate
on the outskirts of Jaipur in the Kukas industrial area, about 20 kilometres from
the famous walled city.

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Figure4 : The Pearl Academy of Fashion.

(Sumner E. [Photograph of the Pearl Academy of Fashion.] (2009).Retrieved from
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

The architecture of the academy is modern adaptations of traditional Indo-Islamic

architectural elements and passive cooling strategies prevalent in the hot-dry
desert climate of Rajasthan such as open courtyards, water body, step-well or
baoli and jaalis (perforated stone or latticed screen). All these elements have
been derived from their historic usages, but the elements manifest themselves
through the built form.

Figure5 : Step well or baoli.

([ Photograph of Step well]. Retrieved from http://www.archinomy.com/casestudies/1992/the-vernacular-architecture-of-rajasthan)

17 | P a g e

Within this historic context and the vocabulary of the region, the intent was to
create a low-cost, environmentally sensitive campus.

The architects restraint is the result of a strict design brief: that the building must
be constructed within a tight budget of about 29$ per square foot inclusive of the
building, landscape, interiors, furniture etc.

The only way by which the cost of project can be reduced was to eliminate
HVAC by deploying passive and low energy strategies amongst other cost saving
strategies such as the use of local materials, techniques etc.

The design response was an introverted building, given the setting which was
largely industrial. A long low-lying two-floored perimeter block pushes the building
envelope to the mandatory setbacks, optimizing the exposed surface area to
volume ratio of the form and almost seems to float above the land.

The site was excavated to a depth of four meters and two stories of classrooms,
studios and offices on pilotis are raised above the void.

Being a fashion design institute, the underbelly, which is thermally banked on all
sides, has a ramp designed to be used during fashion shows and forms the
anchor for the entire project. It also serves as a large recreation and exhibition
zone, houses the cafeteria and spill out areas for the student population and is in
active use throughout the year including the summer months, given the
significantly tempered environment created.

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Figure6 : Site plan

(Sumner

E.

[Photograph

of

Site

plan]

(2009).Retrieved

from

http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

Orthogonal perimeter offices frame a biomorphic configuration of classrooms and

studios, drawing in natural light from all sides. Open and glass-walled walkways
surround these undulating blocks, which define openings to the lower level. The
second storey juts out above the first floor and both are clad in fretted panels
attached to a metal frame.

Figure7 : View of the academy.

(Sumner E. [Photograph of View of the academy.] (2009).Retrieved from
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

The traditional courtyards take on amorphous shapes within the regulated form of
the cloister-like periphery. This curvilinear geometry is generated through a
computerized shadow analysis that tracks the precise movement of the sun

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through the day and across the seasons. The self-shading courtyards help to
control the temperature of internal spaces and open step-wells, while allowing
sufficient day lighting inside studios and classrooms.

Figure8 : Solar study chart.

(Sumner

E.

[Photograph

of

Solar

study

chart]

(2009).Retrieved

from

http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

The resultant scooped-out shaded underbelly forms a natural thermal sink by

way of a water body. This step well is reminiscent of the traditional baolis that are
scattered all through the hot and dry region. Thermally banked on all sides, the
underbelly is a grotto-like space, a space for sacred congregation within an
academic institution. The water body is fed by the recycled water from the
sewage treatment plant and helps in the creation of a microclimate through
evaporative cooling.

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Figure9 : Water body in basement.

(Sumner E. [Photograph of Water body in basement.] (2009).Retrieved from
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

Passive environmental design helps achieve temperatures of about 29 degree

Celsius inside the building even when the outside temperatures are at about 47
degree Celsius. During the night, when the desert temperature drops, the floor
slowly dissipates the heat to the surroundings, keeping the area thermally
comfortable. A gentle breeze flows continually in all directions, generated by the
temperature differential between inside and outside.

Figure10 : View depicting breeze flow.

(Sumner E. [Photograph of View depicting breeze flow.] (2009).Retrieved from
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

21 | P a g e

The materials used for construction are a mix of local stone, steel, glass and
concrete keeping in mind the climatic needs of the region while retaining the
progressive design intent.

The exterior is painted orange to set off the white jaali, but the interior surfaces
are white, to reduce heat absorption and create a cool backdrop for the bustle of
activity. Energy efficiency is a prime concern and the institute is 100% self
sufficient in terms of captive power and water supply and promotes rain water
harvesting and waste water re-cycling through the use of a sewage treatment
plant.

The courtyards get indirect light into classrooms and helps in the creation of
naturally ventilated and lit singly- loaded corridors. The entire building is on a 9m
grid, single bay, naturally lit and cross-ventilated. The configuration of this grid
allows for day lighting, ventilation and along with a flexible system of partitioning
for the years to come.

A traditional Indian technique of thermal insulation was employed: Earthen pots

(matkas) about 35 cm in diameter are placed on flat roof, 2.5 cm apart, and the
spaces between are filled with sand and broken bricks and covered with a thin
layer of concrete. The fill and the air within the mutkas provide insulation.

Landscaping: The water body which is fed by the recycled water from the sewage
treatment plant helps in the creation of a microclimate through evaporative
cooling. Green spaces and water bodies are designed as per orientation to be in
shaded areas in order to lower the water evaporation and aid evaporative
cooling. During the night, when the desert temperature drops, this floor slowly
dissipates the heat to the surroundings, keeping the area thermally comfortable.

The building is protected from the environment by a double skin which is derived
from a traditional building element called the Jaali which is prevalent in
Rajasthani architecture. The double skin acts as a thermal buffer between the
building and the surroundings. The density of the perforated outer skin has been
derived using computational shadow analysis based on orientation of the
faades. The outer skin sits 4 feet away from the building and reduces the direct

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heat gain through fenestrations, yet allowing for diffused daylight. The jaali thus,
serves the function of 3 filters- air, light, and privacy.

Figure11 : Double skin used in front facade.

(Sumner E. [Photograph of Double skin used in front faade] (2009).Retrieved from
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/08/pearl-academy-of-fashion-by-morphogenesis)

Energy efficiency is a prime concern and the institute is 100% self sufficient in
terms of captive power and water supply and promotes rain water harvesting
and waste water re-cycling through the use of a sewage treatment plant.

The academy is an example of cost effective passive architecture in desert

region.

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3.3 SANSKRITI RESIDENCE

Architect-Sanjay Puri
Location-Jaipur, Rajasthan
Type of building-Housing.
Analogy / metaphor / Concept: High rise building
Form of project: Rectangular
Spatial configuration: Linear
Client-ARG Group.
Summary of building:

Sanskriti, although not a very high building, with its location in Jaipur, a fast
growing urban city in Rajasthan in India which is predominantly low rise, makes it
a very tall structure in its context.

Figure12 : Sanskriti residence.

(Puri S. [Photograph of Sanskriti residence.] (2007).Retrieved from http://www.indianarchitects.com/en/sanjay-puri/projects-3/sanskriti-42560)

The building is designed in a seemingly organic way.

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Sanskriti is a 27 storey residential building with its built up area being six times
the plot area.

Figure13 : Site plan.

(Puri S. [Photograph of site plan.] (2007).Retrieved from http://www.indianarchitects.com/en/sanjay-puri/projects-3/sanskriti-42560)

This large residential project in Rajasthan in India imbibes the traditional

character of the earliest settlements in the region creating a cost effective and
climate responsive housing development.

The entire southern face is created with a thick local stone wall to reduce the
heat gain from the southern side and allude to the historical architecture.

Internally each facility is fragmented into a series of rectilinear volumes

interspersed with open and enclosed courtyard spaces alluding to the traditional
architecture of the region that creates cooler naturally ventilated internal spaces.

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Each of the residential blocks too, designed in structures of 2, 3, 4, & 5 levels are
fragmented to create series of volumes interspersed with landscaped spaces
creating an organic series of built forms like the traditional cities of the region.
These are coloured in the traditional lime plaster in varying hues of blues and
yellows.

The residence contains a mixture of 4 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments

which is planned in a rotated grid that allows each apartment to face a different
direction, creating an individual identity for each of them.

Figure14 : Floor plan.

(Puri S. [Photograph of Floor plan] (2007).Retrieved from http://www.indianarchitects.com/en/sanjay-puri/projects-3/sanskriti-42560)

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The entire grid is diagonal to the north south axis to avoid south facing rooms,
and simultaneously permits the year-round South-West breeze to cross ventilate
each apartment.

Figure15 : Section .
(Puri S. [Photograph of Sections.] (2007).Retrieved from http://www.indianarchitects.com/en/sanjay-puri/projects-3/sanskriti-42560)

Each apartment being rectilinear in plan is fronted by angled balcony spaces that
twist on each floor to create an individual identity of the apartment while providing
sheltered transitional spaces between the interior and exterior and thus resulting
in reduced heat gain within the apartments. It is planned in a manner to facilitate
cross ventilation, since the location has Southwest breeze throughout the year.

The balcony spaces rotate at varied angles at each level creating an organic built
form that relates to the organic character of the existing surroundings of the city.
Sheltered balconies and landscaped flower beds at every level are interspersed
with 3 floor high Community Gardens.

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Figure16 : Angled balcony.

(Puri S. [Photograph of Angled balcony.] (2007).Retrieved from http://www.indianarchitects.com/en/sanjay-puri/projects-3/sanskriti-42560)

The entrance lobby overlooks the large space generated on the Northern side of
the site, protected by the building, from the harsh southern light. Basement car
parking creates a vehicle free garden at the entrance level.

The total landscaped area in the plot at the Ground level is over 50% of the plot.
In addition, elevated community gardens account for an additional 50% of
landscaped spaces. Balconies and flowerbeds add 145% more of landscaped
spaces, thus creating a total open space of 245% of the plot.

Sanskriti is a high rise residential tower, one of the first in its city, with naturally
ventilated residential spaces designed in response to the extreme summer
climate of its location, the heritage of its regional architecture and the organic
character of its surrounding development, creating an energy efficient building
with more landscaped spaces than the size of its plot.

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3.3 LESSON LEARNT

Ancient architectural ideas have been modified for modern contexts. Architect Manit
Rastogi have used the technique traditional techniques in The Pearl academy of
Fashion. The step well used in basement is reminiscent of the traditional baolis that are
scattered all through the hot and dry region. The water body is fed by the recycled water
from the sewage treatment plant and helps in the creation of a microclimate through
evaporative cooling. The Pearl Academy of Fashion, Jaipur, India makes use of the jaali
to cool the indoor spaces.A traditional Indian technique of thermal insulation was
employed in a new way where earthen are used to provide insulation.
Each of the residential blocks in Sanskriti residence , designed in structures of 2, 3, 4, &
5 levels are fragmented to create series of volumes interspersed with landscaped
spaces creating an organic series of built forms like the traditional cities of the region.
These are colored in the traditional lime plaster in varying hues of blues and yellows.
These innovations of technologies prove that every problem has a high-tech solution,
perhaps its time to start using a few old tricks to create a more bearable future in
response to the environmental changes occurring at a rapid rate.

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CHAPTER4:
CONCLUSION
Rajasthan is a good example of extreme weather conditions and studying the
architectural techniques that allows the creation of independent microclimates in
these regions is worth exploring. There is a dynamic relationship that exists between
the past and the present and several features from traditional designs have potential
to improve the contemporary designs .Some of these traditional techniques are being
slowly rediscovered today and slowly applied to modern forms of architecture.
Nowadays architects like Sanjay Puri and Manit Rastogi are using the traditional
techniques like jalli, baoli, courtyard, water body and giving rebirths to these
elements in their own way.
Buildings like Pearly academy of Fashion, Hertiage Residence and Sanksriti
Residence are examples ,where traditional elements are getting used in a new way
according to the requirement of clients. Architect Manit Rastogi or Morphogenesis
designed the Pearl Academy of Fashion in Jaipur using a number of old technologies
to create "an environmentally responsive passive habitat. As sustainability becomes
a growing concern for many designs, traditional techniques are getting
today's green building scene

REFERENCE:
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rebirth in

1. Sharma, Sandeep. Traditional and Vernacular buildings are Ecological Sensitive,

Climate Responsive Designs- Study of Himachal Pradesh. International Journal of
Chemical, Environmental & Biological Sciences (IJCEBS) Volume 1, Issue 4 (2013)
ISSN 2320-4079; EISSN 23204087
2. Climate responsive practice in local architecture, retrived from http://www.cpascgypt.com/pdf/Shaima/Researches/002%20%20%20CLIMATE%20RESPONSIVE
%20PRACTICES%20IN%20LOCAL%20ARCHITECTURE.pdf.
3. Sharma, Dr Anupam, Climatic Responsive Energy Efficient Passive Techniques
in Buildings, retrived from
file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/28167d186c2d21299488cf2374a2bb39.pdf.
4. Jain, Swati. In sync with nature. Project: University campus at Neemrana,
Rajasthan, retrieved from http://www.space-design.com/Upload/PR0020.pdf.
5. Zdepski, M.S. Architectural diversity through climate-responsive architecture,
retrived from http://web.ornl.gov/sci/buildings/2012/1985%20B3%20papers/105.pdf.
6. Pradeepa C., Climate responsive architecture,retrived from
http://www.srmuniv.ac.in/downloads/climateresponsivearch.pdf
7. Chokshi ,Sawati. The journey of sustainability-the Indian vernacular and
beyond. (24th August 2013) Green Building Workshop, NME-ICT,IIT Bombay
8. The Vernacular Architecture Of Rajasthan, retrieved from
http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/1992/the-vernacular-architecture-ofrajasthan.
9. Lessons from Vernacular Building Traditions in India ,retrieved from
http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/702/lessons-from-vernacular-buildingtraditions-in-india

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