1. Faculty Guide: Dr. Minakshi Jain Report By: Nishant Sharma
FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE IN HILLS: INVESTIGATION REPORT
2. INTRODUCTION
The built environment of a settlement has a major role in
achieving environmental sustainability, it is affected by type,
pattern, extent and quality of buildings/built environment.
A unique environment is present for development in ecologically
sensitive hill towns which guides all types and patterns of
development and these conditions are not so pronounced in other
towns of same size in other parts.
Presently, due to high urbanization hill towns are facing problems
like, overcrowding, congestion, chaos, traffic problems, acute
shortage of housing and infrastructure, encroachments,
environmental degradation in form of air, water and noise
pollution, disturbance to surface and ground water sources, loss of
vegetation, frequent and proneness to heavy damages during
natural hazards, absence or poor quality of public spaces and loss
of heritage, which result in poor living conditions and
deterioration of environment quality.
A house built in Tuscany Hills, Italy
Urban Congestion in Shimla
3. Rediscovering the World I live in.
“We are all Interested in the Future, Because that is Where we Plan to Spend the Rest of Our
Lives” --- Villain in Superman comic book episode, The Time Machine, c. 1957
According to the scientific community, climate change is happening and its effects will have
severe consequences for our society and environment. Reducing energy use in buildings is one of
the most important ways to reduce humans’ overall environmental impact.
Above (Bhaktapur , Nepal) : Many of the centuries old architectonic works of the Nepal are still standing even after 3
high magnitude Earthquakes.
4. What is the relevance of Vernacular
traditions in Contemporary life?
Can they be merged with needs of today
to make a sustainable living Environment?
Contemplating the future of built
environment in hills.
WHY??? Seeking Answers
Concerns
Numerous multi-storeyed buildings with
contemporary materials and techniques
are being constructed in different hill
settlements without respecting the
context, which affect health and
wellbeing of residents and cause severe
damage to sensitive fragile environment
in and around hill settlements.
Above: Mall Road, Manali
As India moves forward towards Globalization and as our
environment becomes consumerist, these traditional images are
rapidly losing permanence and to some extent their relevance as
well. (Ashok Lall, Vernacular Architecture)
5. Comparison of Settlements built in Concrete and Vernacular Materials
Primary producers
(Industry)
of Carbon Dioxide
Minimal Impact on
Environment
Right
Above: Settlement of Shimla on and
around ridge.
Below: Settlent of Village Tohk, Kullu
6. Vernacular architecture, the simplest form of
addressing human needs, is seemingly forgotten in
modern architecture.
Architects are embracing regionalism and cultural
building traditions, given that these structures have
proven to be energy efficient and altogether
sustainable.
Dynamic Nature of Vernacular traditions, Constantly
evolve and adapt to changing Socio- Cultural
Environment, Traditions are inherently Sustainable in
nature and Vulnerable lessons.
Vernacular Processes, As way in which Regional and
National Character survived in various political
amalgamation. (Brunskill, 2000)
Why Vernacular?
Above: A temple in Naggar, Manali
7. Vernacular Architecture
Interpretation of Past Knowledge and
Experience, Negotiated and adapted by
Generations to meet Needs and Challenges
of time. . (Aishwarya Tipnis, Vernacular
Architecture)
Stigmatized as an image of poverty and
backwardness , Shunned in favour of more
progressive modern buildings made of Steel
and Concrete. (Brunskill and Rodosky)
Physical Manifestation of Environmental,
Social and Economic Constraints, Important
part in the evolution of Mankind. (Ashok Lall,
Vernacular Architecture)
Right
Above: Settlement of Village in Kinnaur
Below: Settlement of Village Sheila, Kullu
8. Built Environment reflects our civic priorities, government policies
and attitudes about work and Leisure as well as Social
Relationships. ( Thapar Manto Bhalla, 2005)
Lessons learnt from the past and showcase how technology can
be used effectively to produce good architecture which is
sensitive as well as sustainable.
Above Left: Chief Deity Temple of Village Rasol, Kullu
Above Right: Settlement of Switzerland
Below Right: Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh
9. Arguments and Desire
Argument can be raised to leave behind Regionalism and
become Global Citizens ; But Environment too loses its
local distinctiveness to become a chip of global block.
‘Emotivism’ , we’ll find similar prototypes in every street.
Dichotomy therefore is inherent in our desire to embrace
Tradition and be grounded to our roots at one end and
become progressive developed nation at the other.
Moreover, Massive development with contemporary
materials results in pollution, loss of vegetation, increase
in soil erosion, increase in surface runoff, lowering of
water table, flooding, change in micro climate and
increase in occurrences of instability, which cause severe
damage to sensitive and fragile environment in and
around hill settlements.
Native and Unique to a specific place, Without the help of
Imported components and processes, Built by native people.
(Al Sayyad, 2006) Right
Above: A woman bringing back her cattles to home, Kullu.
Below: Settlement of Village Sheillah, Kullu
10. “Good” Architecture
Sustainable buildings are designed, constructed
and operated to minimise the total
environmental impacts. They are therefore
energy efficient, utilise renewable materials and
energies, contribute minimally to greenhouse
gas emissions (or are carbon neutral), offer
thermal comfort and health to occupants and
are designed to consider their environmental
impact throughout their entire life cycle from
construction to refurbishment or demolition.
(LEED manual)
Good architecture may be defined as any built
form which is sensitive to the climate as well as
culture of the place and is also cost effective.
Left
Above: Settlement of Village Chitkul, Sangla Valley, Kinnaur
Below: Water stream running through the Chitkul Village and
kinetic + potential energy of water is harnessed in flour mill
11. History of Inhabitation
Himachal had so far peripheral manner in the history of the country.
Historical data is faint as it is clothed in myths and legends.
Earliest identifiable remains of man were first discovered in Himachal in 1955.
Tools found were similar to ‘Sohan Valley’ type, now in Pakistan; seem to be about 40,000 years old.
People who lived in hills were called Dasyus, Nishadas and Kirats by the Vedic Aryans.
In Post-Vedic period people were known as Yakshas, Nagas and Kinners. The first two have disappeared while
Kinners inhabit Kinnaur.
Evidence of ‘Kols’ having settled in Himalayas. Worshipped animal gods like ‘Nags’. Present day Kolis, Halis and
Dhagis (SCs) are probably their descendants.
12. Fact that Aryans took to the plains leaving the remnants to Kirats, kinners, Nagas and Khasas (Central Asians) to
contend for power. Kinners and Kirats were pushed to Interiors and inaccessible areas.
Khasas who emerged victorious had three fold worship- Ishta Devta, Griha Devta and Gram Devta
Aryans though left to plains but maintained contact Rishis and Sages.
Descriptions of Rajas of Kullu, Suket, Nurpur, Pathankot in memoirs of Hieun Sang.
Later area was occupied by Rajas holding small kingdoms known as Thukrais.
Due to limited resources they were attacked by Thapas , King of Punjab and Britishers.
Shimla is the latest addition in the hill towns developed by Britishers as a Summer Retreat.
13. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENTS IN HILLS
Usually developed on flatten land than
the surroundings
Developed on land in proximity to water
Mostly Located on southern slopes
Become integral part of the natural
environment
Generally constructed along the contours
to minimize developmental work.
Clustered along the open spaces. (Saini
1991)
Mostly rectangular in plan and are made
of climate responsive locally available
materials.
Non- engineered indigenous construction
techniques are adopted.
Traditional Hill settlement
14. In response to these harsh development conditions,
numerous vernacular practices and styles have
evolved with local materials and indigenous
techniques to fulfil the needs of people, which cause
minimal damage to environment and are
sustainable.
Planning and Design Restrictions
Difficult Terrain
Steep Gradient
Adverse Climatic Conditions
Rich flora
Proneness to Natural Hazards
Above:
A soldier of Mountain holding snow and mud structures,
Prashar Lake, Mandi
15. SETTLEMENT
Along River side, Agriculture land, Trade Route
In cluster of 20-25
Along the contours
South facing
Above: Settlement of Villlage
Sheillah, Kullu
Below: Settlement of Chamba which
lied on ancient Silk Trade route
Above: Settlement of Village Naggar, Manali
Left: Settlement of Village in Leh Valley, J&K
16. S No. Construction Technique Materials used Building component Areas where it is used Characteristics
1 Kath-Kuni and Koti banal Stone and timber Wall Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Garhwal and
Kumaun regions
Good seismic and thermal
response, good aesthetic
value
2 Dhajji-Dewari Timber stone/mud Wall Kashmir and Chamba
3 Taaq system Timber and brick Wall Kashmir Good seismic and thermal
response
4 Stone houses Natural stone dressed or undressed Wall Kashmir, Jammu, Himachal, Uttarakhand Good thermal response
5 Wooden houses Timber Wall, roof, floor,
staircase
Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand Good seismic and thermal
response
6 Mud houses Mud Leh, Ladakh, Lahaul Spiti Good thermal and climatic
response
7 Sun dried bricks houses Earth Walls Outer Himalayan regions Good thermal and climatic
response
8 Dry stone walls, Thathara Stone Wall Kangra, Chamba
9 Brick houses Baked bricks Walls Outer Himalayan regions Good response against
weathering agencies
17. Kathkuni Style
The regions, comprising the Kullu
valley, Satluj valley and the Ravi valley.
An indigenous style of construction, in
which the walls are made with
alternate courses of dry stone masonry
and timber without any cementing
mortar.
Materials and it’s significance
Wood - the forests of the deodar wood and other mixed forests
were easily available.
Wood is used to impart stability to tall structures. Stone – remains
in use but its usage is restricted to the plinth to give strength.
Absence of vertical members is a unique feature.
Seismic resistant / vulnerable features: Alternate courses of timber
Durability / maintenance : Certain buildings have survived the effects
of weather and earthquakes for ages and still stand today.
Right Above: A house constructed in Kathkuni Style, Chitkul Sangla valley
Right Below: A house in Indidegenous Kathkuni style, Village Rasol, Kullu
18. Mud Houses
Ravi valley, the walls of the traditional houses are built mostly with the dried
masonry, without using any alternate layers of timber.
These walls are plastered with mud both from inside and the outside.
Mud - Easy availability, Good insulation and the Good binding properties
Wall system: Load bearing
Construction materials: roughly dressed stones, sun baked mud bricks and
clay
Construction methodology:
Technique- 1 Rammed earth technique.
Technique- 2 Sun dried adobe blocks of size 15x22x30 cm known as ‘peu’.
The rough surfaces of the wall are made smooth with finishing coat of
mud plaster (a special variety of mud clay known as Markula).This clay has
water resistant quality.
Seismic resistant/vulnerable features: In case of taller buildings, the base of
the walls is given thicker than the top
Left, In Downward Direction
A mud shelter near Prashar lake, Mandi
A under Construction house in Spiti Valley
A Mud house in Leh valley
19. Thathara
Construction materials: Timber and Stone.
Foundation: Max. 30cm in the ground. Large and heavy stone
slabs are well packed together in the foundation. The process is
repeated until the fill reaches a few cm above surrounding
ground level.
Construction style:
Grid is made with wooden pillars known as Thatharas .
The gap between Thatharas is filled either with stones, dhajji
wall or wooden planks.
In case of wooden planks the whole arrangement is known as
‘Farque style’.
Durability/ maintenance: Certain buildings have survived the
effects of weather and earthquakes for ages and still stand today.
Right Up to Down: Thathra Style Houses near Bharmani Mata Temple,
Bharmaur, Chamba
20. Dhajji Wall
Wall system: framed construction
Construction materials: Timber and Stone
Seismic resistant/vulnerable features: Cross bracings of timber
Durability/ maintenance: Certain buildings have survived the effects of weather
and earthquakes for ages and still stand today.
A Dhajji wall is strong because:
•The small panels distribute the earthquake energy
evenly.
•The friction between all the small elements and
their in-fills breaks down the energy.
•There may be a lot of small cracks which are not
dangerous.
•But large destructive cracks become very rare.
21. Taq Construction
Wall system: framed construction
Construction materials: Timber and Stone
Seismic resistant/vulnerable features: System of diagonal bracings
Durability/ maintenance: Certain buildings have survived the effects
of weather and earthquakes for ages and still stand today.
Taaq type, consisting of brick masonry interlaced with heavy timber
bands supported on large masonry piers made of baked bricks.
The timber frames in the Dhajji walls are generally well laid out with a
system of diagonal bracings that provide a distinct path to the ground
for the stresses caused by lateral seismic forces.
In addition, the walls are lightweight and hence have less mass and less
lateral seismic loads. Thus this type of wall is able to withstand ground
settlement and major earthquakes without suffering much damage.
The Taaq type of construction has a large number of windows (“Taaq”
means window), one in each gap between the piers. The roofs are two-
and four-sided pitched.
Right Above: A typical wooden bracing of Taq Style.
Right Below: A front façade of house built in typical Taq style.
22.
23. VERNACULAR CONSTRUCTION IN NEPAL
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
Shows significant innovations like
Increase of roof storey's and plinth steps on the one hand
Introduction of an open gallery surrounding the shrine cella on the other
25. Construction Techniques
PILLAR- CONSTRUCTION: FRAME - CONSTRUCTION:
Maju Dega Peristyle,
Kathmandu
Maju Dega, Kathmandu,
construction system of a corner
pillar supporting the peristyle.
Wood structure of the
Kasthamandapa first roof
Details of the frame and
supporting wall
26. Vernacular Construction in Bhutan
Bhutanese Architecture is classified as
Traditional architecture (house)
Dzong architecture
Religious architecture
Bridges
Traditional western Bhutanese structures are often made from wooden
frames earthen material, namely wattle and daub interior walls, rammed
earth exterior walls, and stone and earth retaining walls
No plans are drawn up, nor are nails or iron bars allowed in the
construction
Many traditional structures feature swastikas and phallic paintings
Traditional Architecture
27. A house
showing attic
on top
A house on
higher altitude
(stone)
A house on
lower altitude
(mud)
Bamboo
construction
28. Mru House
The indigenous solution provides substantial
rigidity to the overall structure in balancing
heavy wind load prevalent on high
mountainous regions
Technicalities are also evident in the ingenious
construction details.
The lashing method is very popular for the
recycling of materials and members for the
addition, extension, relocation, and quick
rebuilding of the house (Dawson and Gillow,
1994;Knapp; Waterson, 1990, 74).
Aside from structural logic, the material-logic
is also intriguing in Asian vernacular examples.
In the hills, the use of the bamboo in every
aspect of life can still be observed.
Modernist space - a flexible plan with freestanding pillars and
movable walls.
Left: The grid of the column layout in a Mru dwelling
Right: Maison Domino and the grid of the column in the free plan.
Adapted from Le Corbusier selected drawings
29. Mru House
Photographs showing method of clipping without nails
and thongs to join loose construction members in the
char ( open raised terrace)
Five pillar construction.
Left: A Mru house section.
Right: Construction process starts from the two gable sides where
5 structural posts in two rows stand freely from enclosing panels.
After setting structural posts and floor, roof is added. Enclosing
walls come much later in phase three
30. Expandable Form and Space
Incremental dwelling: Different addition possibilities in a Mru House
31. Sequential Addition in Japanese Architecture
Process of Interior space expansion in Japanese Architecture. The sequences show how interior space was expanded
while the structure of the Principal hall remained in its original condition. ( Knapp, Asia’s old dwellings)
32. Construction in Alps
These are the mountain ranges which are at height of 4000 m above
sea level.
As it’s a very cold place and had snow for 9 months of the year on lower
altitudes
And all time snow on higher altitudes.
They have wooden construction
Having a sloping roof
To act as an insulator and get the snow off
As the organic settlement took place so most of the houses were
connected by narrow lanes
In which only pedestrian movement was allowed
Having steps on them made of stones
Although they had a main road which connects to all the lanes
Features:
33.
34. Formulation of Building Regulations
Vernacular/traditional buildings have compact
planning, small footprints and low built to open ratio,
especially in lower Himalayan regions and lot of space
is kept open around buildings which can be used for
different activities and/or for growing vegetation
This helps in minimising the impact of development on
surrounding environment
In contrast to these vernacular practices, contemporary
buildings in hilly areas are designed with high foot
prints and ground coverage and have high built to open
ratio
This pattern of development results in less space
around buildings which is often inadequate for growing
vegetation and/or its use for different activities
Ground Coverage
A village settlement in Sangla Valley, Kinanur
A village settlement in Banjar Valley, Kullu
35. Material regulation
Locally available, easily workable, and natural building materials which are mostly renewable in
nature (like timber, thatch, mud and bamboo), have good climatic response, health and
environment friendly
Though cutting of trees for obtaining timber will result in loss of precious vegetation, it needs to
be suitably augmented by plantation of new tress in hilly areas
In contrast to this, contemporary materials are manufactured from raw materials, which are
available on particular locations and are transported to different parts of the country after
manufacturing
These materials have high embodied energy and cause lot of pollution during manufacturing and
transportation, mostly inappropriate to the context of hill settlements.
Adoption of locally available building materials with new construction technologies will result in
better climatic responsiveness, lower consumption of energy and reduction in environmental
degradation.
36. Earthquake resistant construction and safety regulations
Safety against natural hazards is the most serious concern for
planning and design of buildings in hill regions.
Many vernacular practices like dhajji wall, kath-kuni, koti-banal,
taaq and wooden buildings have good response during previous
earthquakes (Rautela and Joshi, 2008).
Presently adopted construction practices in hilly areas do not have
good earthquake response and may result in serious damage and
loss of precious human life and resources during occurrences of
earthquake.
Materials like timber and thatch used in traditional buildings
which are vulnerable to fire and termite attack can be replaced
with more durable and fire resistant materials like steel or
aluminium.
Same is Vernacular practices: as for formulating building
regulations hilly areas witnessed in Pehalgam hotel, Srinagar,
which is constructed in dhajji wall style with modern materials like
bricks and steel The adoption of such earthquake resistant
practices with durable and fire resistant materials can be made
mandatory through building regulations.
Above: Modern building constructed in
traditional construction style; Taaq
Construction, Pehalgam Hostel, Srinagar.
37. Site development regulations
In traditional hill settlements the cutting and filling
method of site development is often adopted and the
debris produced after cutting of hills is used to fill parts
within site and/or used for construction of different
building components like walIs and floors.
Buildings are generally constructed on flat and hard
strata obtained after cutting of slopes and filled
portions of site are mostly kept open and used for
different routine activities.
Utilisation of debris produced after cutting of slopes
within site can be made mandatory through building
regulations, which in turn help in reducing
environmental degradation caused by illegal dumping
of debris produced after cutting of slopes into valley or
low lying areas near water sources. Various construction methodologies adopted in hills
38. Slope stabilisation and protection
Natural materials like stone, bamboo, tree branches obtained
from pruning of trees, thatch, pine leaves etc. are used for
slope stabilisation and protection in traditional hill
settlements
These materials merge well with surroundings and these
protected portions do not appear different from surrounding
areas
Whereas, in contemporary practices, improvement of
aesthetics/visual quality of reinforced concrete retaining walls
used for slope protection is a critical issue, which affects the
aesthetic value of hill settlements
Use of natural materials like stone or bamboo with other
contemporary materials and techniques of slope protection
will result in better aesthetic quality of retaining surfaces
Use of natural materials as finishing surface for retaining
structures which are exposed and visible can be made
mandatory through building regulations to improve the
aesthetic quality of retaining structures
39. Aesthetic and facade design regulations
Has its own peculiar built form, pattern, materials, colour and
decorative elements which impart aesthetic quality to buildings
and create interesting, unique and easily distinguishable facades.
Varieties of sloping roofs used in vernacular styles help in
integration of vernacular buildings into mountainous
surroundings along with fulfilling functional needs
All buildings in a traditional hill settlement have building facades
with similar elements, features and decorative treatment.
Modern buildings constructed with contemporary materials have
dull, uninteresting and unattractive facades which appear as
visual blight in magnificent hill settings (Pushplata and Kumar.,
2009).
The adoption of traditional built forms, patterns and facade
elements for improving aesthetic quality of new buildings in hilly
areas is utmost necessary in the present scenario of
development. Building regulations need to be formulated or
modified to mandate the use of traditional forms, pattern, and
decorative elements into modern buildings.
40. Space standard and norms for development in hilly areas
Space standard and norms specified in the National
Building Code 2005, non conducive to the context Of hill
regions due to peculiar geo-environment characteristics
of hill regions
Contemporary buildings developed in accordance with
these non contextual building regulations are climatically
and environmentally nonresponsive
Likewise, the window to floor area ratio specified in
existing space standards and norms is higher than actually
found in many traditional buildings due to the presence of
smaller openings in cold climatic conditions.
Other important lessons can a so be drawn from
vernacular practices and styles for planning and design Of
buildings in hill settlements
Criteria Vernacular
buildings
Contemporary
buildings
Floor to ceiling
height
2.4-2.7 m 3m
Height of the
door
1.80 m 2.1m
41. Benefits of Modern Timber Construction
Rapidly Erected
Tailored to suit Taste and
Creativity
Recycled
Seismic
Survivability
Greater
Flexibility
North America, Timber Construction Building Code Type- 4
Inherent Fire Resistance
Retain Structural strength and expanse of sprinklers.
Elimination of need and expanse of fire sprinklers.
42. Settlement Level
Settlements developed as
integral part of natural
environment: (New
Construction)
Minimum
disturbance
Merge well with
surroundings
Land use distribution
Public Buildings Schools, Temples,
Shops, Parks, Playground
Flat areas on ridge, valley and
midland
Residential and Private buildings
Sloping terrain either above valley or
below ridge in a hill settlement.
43. Area Level
Grouped along the
open space
Different activities
and social interaction
Orientation (Buildings and Open
space )
Maximum Solar exposure
Minimum Wind exposure
Size (open space and
height of buildings)
Building should not
cast shadow over
others
Clustering
of
Buildings
Traditional settlement own identity
buildings show their social and economic
status and occupation
Size, Organisation of rooms,
elevation/facade treatment, extent of
detailing, decoration and ornamentation
and colours
Planning and Design of new buildings in
different areas/zones in hill settlements
Distinct identity to different areas/zones
different buildings
To form holistic image of a scenic hill
settlement.
Identity
/charact
er of
area
44. Building Level
Development along
contour to have
minimum site
development work.
Compact size and opening
along longer direction
openings/ windows along
the length of building
(longer side)
shorter side of building
(width) kept intact
without openings to have
better seismic response.
Minimal disturbance to
natural environment
and contextual
development
environmentally
friendly
The use of locally
available materials and
development according
to site and surrounding
conditions will lead to
contextual
appropriateness.
45. Contemporary Construction (Vernacular Way) :
Mud Brick as a Healing Force
Butoro Doctor’s Housing, Butaro, Rwanda
Onsite Compressed Earth Blocks
Earth Stabilizing Landscape Techniques
Living in a Rock.
The Pierre, San Juan Islands, Washington, US
Stone penetrating a Structure
Excavated stone cut and mixed with Concrete
Entry and powder room carved from rock.
Image Source: www. Dezeen.com Image Source: www. Dezeen.com
46. Building Standing on a Tip Toe.
Encuentro Guadalope, Baja California, Mexico
Eco loft Hotel
Hovering Structure on thin Steel Supporters
Arranged like boulders on the Site
Scattered in a picturesque Composition.
Living on a Rock
Forest Retreat, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Blackened Timber Cabin
Got a leg up from a boulder
Incline turns into large steps that double as sitting and
sleeping area.
Storage beneath
Image Source: www. Dezeen.com Image Source: www. Dezeen.com
47. Simpson-Lee house
The Australian architect and Pritzker Prize
winner Glenn Murcutt is known for
designing earth-friendly structures that are
unpretentious, comfortable, and
economical.
His design approach responds to the site,
the wind, and the sun, and he professes to
share the aboriginal philosophy "touch the
earth lightly."
Left: Murcutt's sketch relating building to the site.
Marika-Alderton House , NSW 1991-94, Fromont,
Glenn Murcutt
Top right: Designing on unspoiled landscape,
Fromonot, Glenn Murcutt,
Bottom right: Simpson-Lee house.
48. Famous Architects who were/are Inspired from Vernacular Architecture
Louis I Kahn
Laurie Baker
B V Doshi
Charles Correa
Raj rewal
Hassan Fathy
Luis Bargon
Geoffrey Bawa
John Turner
Next Generation/ Contemporary architects
Anupama Kundoo
Sanjay Prakash
Sirish Beri
Anil Laul
Revathi
Vasanth Kamath
Arvind Krishna
Kunal Jain
Popular Architects
49. Conclusion
To protect the environment in hill towns various environmental
regulations related to cutting of slopes, tree preservation,
drainage pattern, protection against landslides and
earthquakes, rain water harvesting, preservation of natural
features and elements and top soil protection and erosion
control are enforced in different hill towns, but the problems
related to these crucial concerns still persist
The noncompliance of building regulations for environmental
protection also imparts adverse impact on urban environment
of hill towns and rendered them environmentally
unsustainable and ecologically inappropriate
Existing environmental regulations are mostly ‘need based’
generally enforced to mitigate the harsh impacts of
development and urbanizations on various components of
environment
There is a need to formulate ‘impact based regulations’ i.e.
regulations based on the impact, which a building is making on
the environment and the surrounding areas
50. References:
Splendours of Himachal Heritage By Mulk Raj Anand
Vernacular practices: as a basis for formulating building regulations for hilly areas Ashwani Kumar , Pushplata
, International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment
Vernacular Architecture by Aishwarya Tipnis and Foreward by Ashok Lall
Himalayan Settlements, Mansi Shah, CEPT University
Prathaa, Kathkuni Style of Architecture, Bharat Daave, Jay Thakker, CEPT University
Built, Living and Natural, Journal of Development and Research Organization for Nature, Arts and Heritage,
Jay Thakkar, Bharat Daave, Mansi Shah.
The Future of Architecture in 100 Buildings, Marc Kushner, TED
Gupta, Aditya 2004, Understanding the vernacular dweiiings· A study of Rajput houses of Bharmaur;
Himachal Pradesh.
Ways of Measuring Vernacular Buiit Forms of Himachal Pradesh, SID Research Cell,
CEPT University, Ahmedabad.
Albedo Effect and Energy Efficiency of Cities Aniceto Zaragoza Ramírez and César Bartolomé Muñoz.
Himachal Pradesh, Hari Krishna Mitoo, NBT, India.
51. Adaptive Climate Responsive Vernacular Construction in High Altitude. Ar. Amitava Sarkar.
Traditional Architecture and Planning Techniques in HP. By M. Jain.
Details of Resistance. Indigenous Construction System in HP by Bharat Dave, Jay Thakkar and
Mansi Shah
Traditional and Vernacular buildings are Ecological Sensitive, Climate Responsive Designs- Study
of Himachal Pradesh By Sandeep Sharma and Puneet Sharma
References: