RIDDHI PATEL

15SA234
 INTRODUCTION

Sustainability has often been a fundamental part of the composition of

both tangible and intangible cultural resources; sustainability and
preservation of cultural identity are complementary. Elements of
sustainable design are integral to vernacular architecture that have
evolved over time using local materials and technology emerging from
ambient natural and cultural environment creating optimum
relationships between people and their place. This research aims to
analyze the issues with the current situation with contemporary
architecture through comparison with the study of vernacular
architecture. The research methodology is based on conducting a
qualitative analysis of literature review to the main concepts discussed
in this chapter such as: identity, culture, vernacular architecture, and
sustainability.

KEYWORDS

SUSTAINABILITY

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
CULTURE
IDENTITY

CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

HI-TECH ARCHITECHTURE
REASEARCH QUESTION
How hi-tech architecture is incorporated in indian context carriying the
values of indian traditional architecture?
AIM
-To create future architecture efficient towards environment and
culture

OBJECTIVE
-To study the impact of contemporary architecture on society and
environment.

-To study traditional architecture of india.

Hi-tech architecture
High-tech architecture, also known as Structural Expressionism, is a type
of Late Modern architectural style that emerged in the 1970s,
incorporating elements of high-tech industry and technology into
building design.
Display of building’s structural, functional and technical components.
Buildings were made by orderly arrangement of pre-fabricated
materials, such as glass panels etc.
Glass walls and steel frames were immensely popular.

The idea of ‘revealed’ structure came into consideration.

Hi-technology was used to minimize the energy consumption and
make the building more eco-friendly.

Traditional architecture
Traditional architecture is that way of building which makes serious use
of the familiar symbolic forms of a particular culture of a particular
people in a particular place.
All forms of vernacular architecture are built to meet specific needs,
accommodating the values, economies and ways of life of the cultures
that produce them.
Vernacular architecture is a category of architecture, based on
localized needs and construction material, and reflecting local
traditions.
AN IDENTITY CRISIS FOR INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

Our built environment is the most tangible record of our existence,

our lifestyle and our heritage. Indian architecture has stood the test
of time for centuries, but with globalization and modernism, it is
slowly and steadily losing its identity. Embracing modern
architecture is not an anomaly, but more like a gradual
disconnection from our roots and identity. Modernity is always
welcome if it comes with better solutions to deal with climate,
habitation, space, and urbanisation. However, completely leaving
our legacy behind is like leaving our home and renting out space in
another’s dwelling place.
A reconciliation of both indigenous methods and modern
technology is what seems to be the best solution. A unique blend
that combines the valid knowledge of international standards with
relevant traditional architectural methods. Such an approach
would achieve the best of both worlds while subsisting with the
cultural nuances of the Indian architecture. Why chase only
modernity and forget our identity?

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WITH MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Global warming and glass buildings

"If you see the structures that have come up recently, they are all
mostly made with glass. Right from top to below, you can see huge
shinning glass. Though these buildings look very contemporary and
stylish, they are the biggest culprit when it comes to energy
consumption," says Harsh Narang, director, Modern India Architects.

According to a study conducted by Chartered Institution of Building

Services Engineers, London, a complete glass building consumes four
times more electricity than a normal building.

"The logic being that since the glass is transparent, higher amount of
infra red radiation comes in. They are short wave radiation when they
enter, but the moment it enters the room it becomes long-range
radiation. Hence, a higher capacity air-conditioner is required to keep
the indoors cool. India is a tropical climate and these glass building are
just not suitable," says Meenakshi Dhote, assistant professor,
Department of Environment Planning, School of Planning and
Architecture, Delhi.

But real estate developers refute all such charges. "Such arguments are
totally baseless. If the glass is provided with 'U' factor, then it can stop a
major portion of radiation from coming in. Moreover, there are also
various kinds of glasses that can be used, like double glass which are
also very helpful," says K K Bhatacharya, executive director, DLF, a
major real estate developer using glass as a key component in their
constructions.

"The glass saves lot of energy too because the offices would be less
dependent on lighting and hence saves on electricity. If the
architecture is done in such a way that not much of sunlight falls on
these glasses during the peak time, it can also cut down on the
radiation effect. Moreover, ACs are used only for few months," he adds.

According to sources in The Energy Research Institute, which has done

extensive study on glass buildings and energy consumption, the proper
or optimal use of glass can cut down on energy demands by at least
10 to 15 per cent of a normal building.

"Glass allows in direct radiation and direct radiation is 80 per cent of the
total heat generated. Hence, the usage of AC increases meaning
more power is used leading to more shortage," says a senior official,
TERI.

"Glass structures are just not viable in a tropical country like India," he
adds.

Other architects point out that since the focus is now on large glass
buildings, there is very little chance of designing a glass building facing
no direct sunlight.

The government has also understood the role played by such glass
structures in guzzling higher energy and also contribution to global
warming. According to the recent Energy Conservation Building Code,
future projects can have not more than 40 per cent of gross wall area
as glass, the official says.

Other countries are also taking initiative in this regard.

Even the main issue for discussion at G8 Summit held recently in Berlin
was global warming.

Buildings with glass facades are ruining Bengaluru, day by day

The IISC study reveals that about 40 wards in the city have an
annual per capita electricity consumption of 500 kW h, 23 wards
have consumption of 500–1,000 kW h. A majority of wards (84) are in
the range of 1,000–2,000 kW h/person/year, 31 wards have the
consumption of 2,000–4,000 kW h/person/year. A very high
consumption of more than 4,000 kW h/person/year is in 24 wards of
SE Bengaluru, mainly due to IT and BT industries and large scale
high-rise apartments.
The reason behind the boom in buildings with glass facade...

Interestingly, the overall look is not the only reason why we see an
increase in the number of buildings with glass facades in our city.
“Sadly, there is a hidden agenda. The design of a building with a
glass facade automatically allows an increase in the floor area on
each floor. There, glass is what makes up the wall. With time and
space being saved, everybody seems to be copying the idea. But
what we are failing to understand is that a larger floor area also
means higher energy consumption per capita carbon emissions
that is directly affecting the environment,” explains Dr
Ramchandra.

How this is affecting us…

Experts reveal that it is not just the environment that is getting

affected, but also the health of the employees working in such
buildings. Poor ventilation in such structural designs can trap volatile
organic compounds, bioaerosols, and particulate matter, leading
to many health ailments including impairment of lung functions.
However, with the absence of an indoor air policy in India, it is
difficult to measure the actual impact. “People spend more than
90% of their life indoors. Over 50% of employed adults work in such
offices or within similar non-industrial environments. This causes
building-related illnesses, largely due to the pollution that exists
indoors. Some contributing factors include toxic or irritant chemicals
such as cleaning products, volatile organic compounds, dust,
allergens, infectious agents, fragrances, tobacco smoke, as well as
extreme temperatures and humidity.