Architecture

India, with its geographical diversities, showcases a wide array of vernacular building practices, which form a significant base of the architectural quality. In today's time, our country is constantly undergoing a change in the built environment that are brought upon by the rapid globalization and the modern construction systems are eclipsing these traits. In this scenario, the vernacular architecture of the country is diminishing gradually that causes our settlements to lose their distinctiveness as they end up looking similar everywhere. Thus, the need of the time is to look back to our vernacular building systems, to understand and imbibe the virtues of knowledge systems found in them. Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), CEPT University recognizes the need for studying, recording and utilizing the knowledge incorporated in the traditional and vernacular buildings. This paper aims to highlight the efforts made by DICRC towards the identification, analysis, resource building and capacity building to facilitate the re-engagement of vernacular building practices to support its conservation and revitalization. It talks about the larger vision of looking at vernacular buildings in reference to the embedded knowledge repository, cultural values and the possibility of the craftspeople to earn a better livelihood by enriching the craft value. DICRC approaches the research through various action points; namely, identify, record, analyse, expose, create, disseminate and connect. DICRC approaches the research through four stages; namely, mapping, documentation, innovation and training. The research also tries to re-engage the traditional practices in the contemporary design education, through various initiatives like educational material development and training programs. DICRC goes a step ahead by creating awareness about our built heritage through the medium of exhibitions and online resources.

This technical report provides a concise overview of the extensive process implemented by the DICRC team for the mapping of several traditional and vernacular buildings of India.

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 is an inclusive system of recording through photographic survey, form based inventory and interviews. It is the first of its kind visual-based mapping technique in India conducted using interactive mobile tablet survey. 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 in-depth Traditional Building Portfolio (TBP), Traditional Building Elements Catalogue (TBEC) and Interactive Online Map; all being disseminated through various online platforms.

This technical report provides a concise overview of the extensive process implemented by the DICRC team for the mapping of several traditional and vernacular buildings of India.

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 is an inclusive system of recording through photographic survey, form based inventory and interviews. It is the first of its kind visual-based mapping technique in India conducted using interactive mobile tablet survey. 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 in-depth Traditional Building Portfolio (TBP), Traditional Building Elements Catalogue (TBEC) and Interactive Online Map; all being disseminated through various online platforms.