Lessons from Traditional Architecture, and its Importance & Relevance in the Modern/ Contemporary World. semester 1, masters of architecture, Chandigarh College of Architecture

1. Learnings from Traditional
Architecture, and it's
Importance & Relevance in the
Modern/ Contemporary World
Submitted to - proff. Parmeet Singh Bhatt
Submitted by - Prerna Chouhan
02.12.2020

2. • Nowadays, the knowledge of building ecology focuses on its capacity to environmental and
climatic parameters into design and thus enhances space qualities such as comfort ability.
• Traditional architecture is perceived sustainable for having sustainable features.
• It is able to response to environmental problems from a long period.
• Its features are based on climatic factors as well as local construction materials of climatic regions
and natural cooling/heating systems are one of the feature.
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3. Natural cooling systems in
sustainable traditional architecture
of Iran
Windcatchers image -
David
Goran_https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/1
0/13/windcatchers-natural-cooling-systems-in-
traditional-iranian-architecture/
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4. • There are various natural cooling systems in traditional architecture of Iran Like: Showdan,
Khishkhan, Shabestan, Hozkhaneh and Badgir or windcatcher.
• Wind tower is an architectural element in traditional architecture of Iran.
• That is seen in hot climates, hot & dry and hot humid. It makes available auditable natural
ventilation which is known as an important principle for conserving energy.
• Traditional building techniques are normally well adapted to the climate and we can use
them with new technology.
• F. Soflaee and M. Shokouhian_International Conference “Passive and Low Energy Cooling for the Built Environment”, May 2005, Santorini,
Greece
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5. CLIMATE OF IRAN
• Microclimates have effected on urban
planning and architecture. In a vast country
such as Iran.
• With different climatic zones, traditional
builders in the past have presented a series of
logical solutions for human comfort.
• Iran is basically divided into four climatic
regions: Mild – Humid Climate, Cold Climate.
Hot – Mild Climate, Hot – Arid Climate.
Hot-hiumid Climate
• This region lies along a narrow and relatively
lengthy littoral strip of me Persian Gulf coast
the length of which exceeds more than two
thousand (2000) kilometers.
• In terms of climate, the different zones of this
strip are considered as hose with hot and
humid climates. They have rather long
summers and winters with short days.
• Too much humidity of air across the sea coast
and much. Heat of air in hot seasons create a
sweltering weather that develops a very
troublesome living condition.
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6. • Wind Catcher (Badgir)
• Wind Catcher as a name implies are ventilation techniques for natural cooling. They have been
need for centuries in several countries of hot –arid and hot-humid climates, particularly in the
Middle East countries.
• Typical wind catchers consist of a tower and a head projecting above the roof of the building.
• The tower head many have vents on only one side facing the predominant wind direction.
• However, two or four sides of the tower might be open to accommodate wind in all directions.
The tower would be subdivided, respectively, into two or more groups of shafts.
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7. • This subdivision allows air to move separately
up and down the tower at the same time and
provides more surface area in contact with
the air.
• Consequently, the roof – top breeze is drawn
and is diverted to the summer living zone
indoors drawn and is diverted and, vice versa,
the incoming air would be cooled by the mass
of this structure and effect the microclimate
indoors.
Windcatchers near the Amir Chaqmagh Mosque Complex_ reibai
https://www.flickr.com/photos/reibai/6223779438/
02.12.2020

8. • In regions in hot and humid climate in south of Iran ,
the air temperature rises to 20c in summer from time
to time and heat mixed with humidity provide a very
adverse condition Coping with these natural hardships,
people of the regions,however, innovated interesting
courses of actionin heir architectural planning and
urban planning.
• One worthy- of- note expediency is the use of a space
called showadan. This version of space development
consists of a room or rooms that are built 6- 7 meters
lower than ground surface and ground floor.
• These rooms have ratherthe same temperature in all
seasons of year and exceed 25 c to gain access to
showadan, sets of stairs are provided extending from
veranda (Ivan), alcove and room down to court yard.
showadan cutting in Tizno house, showadan cutting in
Marashi house, Dezful Shushtar
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9. • Showadan also has adequately vertical ducts
to produce sufficient light and the illuminating
part of duct is laid on the surface of courtyard.
• These ducts are called Sisara in Shushtar city
and Dozbarreh in Dezfulcity.
• In some showadans a vent hole (roof window,
canal) is used for ventilation. Sometimes
fabricated canals connect the showadans of
neighbouring houses, in particular houses the
family members of which were relative to
those in other houses.
• Showadans were also used as shelters during
wartime.
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introducing
elements of
showadan in
Shushtar

10. Cellar-Shabestan
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https://www.nuevatribuna.es/a
rticulo/sociedad/yazd-ciudad-
oasis-
impresionante/2018080712254
8154625.html

11. Cellar-Shabestan
• In all Iranian vernacular houses shabastan is considered to be the same basement which was
earlier most popular and prevalent. A shabastan now covered the entire surface below ground
floor of the building and then covered only one part of it.
• It has a ceiling about one meter higher than the surface of courtyard and the rest was designed to
position underground. For example, in Tabas city, the summer living part of houses is designed to
face the wind below with no sunshine.
• Single faced louver and against- the wind veranda- in particular against favorable wind- are main
specifications of the housed built in this city one sample of it shows that theintermediate series of
louvers are as curtained for rooms and the two louvers on both sides for cellar (basement).
• The cellar with its small illuminator under veranda takes a dim light. The two louvers (vent holes)
conduct cool air blowing from the North into the cellar and produces good ventilation and cooling
here in very hot summers. What covers the courtyard as grass or plant covering are nothing but
palm shrubs which produce with a pond in the middle of central courtyard a typical micro- climate
with increased humidity and decreased temperature.
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12. One more cooling system mat existed in hot arid
climate is Khish or Khieshkhan that has been
used in Iran from time memorial. It was look a
hut or “Dar Aferin” that was encircled up with
mats, tiles then so that cool air is conducted in
to the room with the wind blow.
02.12.2020
https://www.shutterstock.com/video/search/khishkhan

13. Conclusion
• A structure of compact clusters of courtyard houses in form of dense mass of cells, common
walls, and alleyways were developed to reduce the total exposure surface area to direct solar
radiation received by each house.
• In such structure provision of windows on external walls was not feasible, and elements like:
Showdan,Khishkhan, Shabestan, Hozkhaneh and wind catcher were the best key to facilitate
natural ventilation.
• Traditional architecture in hot – arid and hot-humid climate of Iran, rely on renewable fuels, It
use from solar energy for heating in the winter. Wind energy for cross ventilation and cooling
in the summer.
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14. • Live demonstration of Passive cooling techniques
• Live demonstartion of Use of local materials
• Traditional architecture is important because it maintains our link to the past. It is this link to the
past that keeps us latched to the traditional buildings and styles that can be incorporated into
other building designs.
• Utilizing traditional architecture styles and elements when building provides residents with a
sense of calm and consistency throughout their community without a wild departure from their
traditions and heritage.
• Live demonstration of construction techniques and planning
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15. • The Gagron Fort is surrounded by river Ahu,
river Kali Sindh and a massive conduit or moat.
Kali Sindh is the biggest river flowing in the
Malwa region and joins river Chambal in its
downstream. The rear of the fort is
surrounded by the Mukundara hill & forest of
the Vindhya range. It is one of the rare forts
that is protected by van (forest) & jal (water).
The fort is well known for being built without
a foundation and a construction that takes
support from the hills.
https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/the-unexplored-
magnificent-jal-durg-gagron-fort-59a92d31ea341
02.12.2020

16. • Janjira fort is a Jal Durg (sea fort) and is one of
a kind. The fort is located near the coastal
village named Murud in the Raigadh district of
Maharashtra.
• It is the only undefeated fort along the
western coast of India, despite Dutch and
English East India Company attacks. It is one
of the strongest marine forts of India.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj _Father of Indian
Navy.
Janjira fort
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/3831578807774518t80/
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17. Trivia: The green cloth on the rock marks the point where Mitthe Shah
alighted from the boat
https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/the-unexplored-magnificent-jal-
durg-gagron-fort-59a92d31ea341
02.12.2020

18. • Jal durgs traditionaly were made to maintain a
safe habitate and protect residence from
attack by muslims and also to use water
transport
• Now world is heading forward to floating
architecture “aquatecture” to maintain a safe
habitate from rising sea levels
riba_book_aquatecture
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19. • The Marathas in the 18th century had conceived
and raised a truly beautiful and geometric style
of residences, that even today remain the
symbol of Maharashtra's aesthetic architectural
past.
• Wadas, as a form of residential architecture
concept came into existence during the Peshwa
rule in the early 18th century, and its designs
were later adopted into common living spaces in
the region.
• � Wadas are unique, two or three storey
square grid patterned houses created around
courtyards or open spaces that move into levels,
from outside, used to entertain the public, to
inside, their private spaces.
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20. • The Wadas are geometric in structure and
beautifully adorned with ornate wooden doors
at entrances, and small designed windows, large
open doors from courtyards, wooden pillars and
panelling and decorative wall niches.
• Many preserved Wadas are used today as
temples or museums, while a few of these
remain as ancestral homes with families residing
in them. Some famous ones are Shanivar wada,
Dhepe Wada, Nana Wada, Vishrambaug Wada
icons to remember the legendary Marathas.
https://www.instagram.com/ishvaindian/
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21. S+PS Architects_ courtyard in moderen Maharashtra house
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22. S+PS Architects_ old windows used to create a window system in
moderen Maharashtra house
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23. • Living in Mumbai, it is impossible to ignore
the informal settlements in the city, and if
looked at closely there are many lessons to be
learnt in frugality, adaptability, multi-tasking,
resourcefulness and ingenuity. A visual
language emerges that is of the found object,
ad-hoc, eclectic, patched and collaged. An
attempt has been made here to apply some of
these lessons without romanticizing or
fetishizing them.
- text by architect of collage house
• Situated on a hill overlooking Mumbai, the
contemporary design still has a traditional
soul; it is arranged around a central courtyard
that provides both natural ventilation, lighting
and privacy.
• On the inside, the two facades made of
salvaged materials is seen in the living and
dining room, creating a harmonious synthesis
of past and present. Some of these recycled
windows are still operable, allowing for cool
breezes to enter the interior space.
• The home's roof has a series of old columns
that have been taken from a demolished 100-
year-old house, as well as solar photovoltaic
panels.
https://www.treehugger.com/collage-house-reuses-old-doors-
windows-sps-architects-4853222
02.12.2020

24. • Haveli architecture is a unique vernacular
architecture form that flourished in the 18th
and 19th century in pre-Partition western
India, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Standing as a symbol of power and prestige,
haveli householders were the noblemen,
landowners or successful merchants.
• What is distinctive about this building
architecturally, spatially as an indigenous
domestic space? The architectural principle
Vastu Vidya defines the dimensions and
orientation of the house, and the direction of
household activities. Moreover, Vastu
connects the individual body to the home,
and the home to the cosmos.
https://www.instagram.com/ishvaindian/
02.12.2020

25. https://www.instagram.com/ishvaindian/ https://www.instagram.com/sanjay_puri_architects/
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26. • Stone House, Nokha
• The Stone House is a large villa of 36,000 sq ft in
the Nokha village of Rajasthan on a plot area of
80,000 sq ft.
• Private and public spaces are planned around a
large triple height central atrium with clear
openings on all sides.
• Every room transitions from the large ventilated
central space into a private verandah before
opening onto a lawn.
• Large terraces on the floors above, both semi-
covered or open to sky, establish the visual
continuum between the dwelling and the vast
expanse of the surrounding desert landscape.
https://www.instagram.com/sanjay_puri_architects/
02.12.2020

27. • The spatial planning seamlessly integrates
enclosed, semi-covered and open spaces of
varying volumes to help reduce dependence
on energy consumption.
• At the very onset of the design
conceptualisation, it was agreed to have a
dwelling which is energy-efficient and built on
the traditional principles of passive cooling.
• Taking the cue from the ancient forts of
Rajasthan, thick cavity walls of 20 inches with
insulation filling constitute the external walls
Traditional lattice work and semi-open spaces at the Stone House,
Nokha
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sanjay Puri Architects
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28. • Large vertical natural stone jaali screens reminiscent of old
Rajasthani havelis prove to be an effective screen and a
privacy buffer.
• The screens act as secondary skin to the main building and
not only prove to be formidable during a sandstorm but also
help transform the direct harsh external sunlight into a
dialogue between light and shadows within the living spaces.
• Locally sourced Jodhpur stone constitutes the walls and
screens. Rain water harvesting tanks, recycling plant for water
and solar panels contribute towards making the project self-
sufficient and sustainable.
• The Stone House makes the best possible use of the locally
available materials, and incorporates traditional Indian
principles of passive cooling to render it contextual in
multiple ways.
Overlooking terraces and screens that protect
from sandstorms at the Stone House, Nokha
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sanjay Puri Architects
02.12.2020

29. There is a lot to learn from traditional architecture in forms of :
• Climate responsive architecture
• Passive techniques like wind catchers or courtyards
• Efficient use of local material
• Social aspects - creating spaces for exchange of thought and common activities
• Innovation of shifting from land to other means
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30. • David Goran_https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/10/13/windcatchers-natural-cooling-systems-in-
traditional-iranian-architecture/
• F. Soflaee and M. Shokouhian_International Conference “Passive and Low Energy Cooling for the Built
Environment”, May 2005, Santorini, Greece
• Windcatchers near the Amir Chaqmagh Mosque Complex_ reibai,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/reibai/6223779438/
• https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/the-unexplored-magnificent-jal-durg-gagron-fort-59a92d31ea341
• Janjira fort, https://in.pinterest.com/pin/3831578807774518t80/
• https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/the-unexplored-magnificent-jal-durg-gagron-fort-59a92d31ea341
• riba_book_aquatecture
• https://www.instagram.com/ishvaindian/
• https://www.treehugger.com/collage-house-reuses-old-doors-windows-sps-architects-4853222
• https://www.instagram.com/sanjay_puri_architects/
• https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-context-climate-and-tradition-come-together-in-sanjay-puris-
upcoming-projects
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