[Year]

[COMPREHENSING ARCHITECTURE
THROUGH CULTURAL
[Type the company
name]
EXPRESSION]
SNEHA
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the
document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the
document.]
AIM:
Architecture is the manifestation of culture. It is the principle factor in the formation of building spaces and
assumes a significant job in social manageability. Therefore, studying culture and its impact on architectural
spaces is important in order to understanding human behavioural patterns. In this research, it has been
endeavoured comprehend the impact of socio-cultural factors on the designing of architecture spaces
by focusing on city of jaisalmer.

OBJECTIVES:
To understand culture and architecture and there interelationship
To analyse physical and historical features that man takes from his culture and civilisation.
How different social and cultural changing factors affect the architecture.
To interpret relation between man , nature , culture and architecture .

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
WHAT?
What is the culture ?
What is the relationship between culture and architecture?
What are effects of changing culture on architecture?

WHY?
Why is it necessary to conserve one’s cultural identity?
Why different culture and society have different impact on architecture?

HOW ?
How architecture reflects identity of the region?
How architecture elements and symbols depicts the culture of people?
How changing ruling power reflects in building spaces

SCOPE OF RESEARCH:

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY :

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INTRODUCTION
As per numerous analysts, "culture" is the primary factor in the arrangement of compositional spaces and
plays an important role in social sustainability.
The way of life of any general public depends on the history, human progress, customs and convictions of
that society and design is likewise an image of culture that has developed throughout history, and because of
changes and the level of social effect, new styles and strategies have risen and made unique spaces in
reference to architecture.
Architecture so emerges as a social phenomenon of culture and affects it, and is a reflection of human
thought in relation to space, aesthetics and culture of various societies; that’s why, the architectural style of
each period is a reflection of the culture and art, and is proportional to the changes that take place in the
arenas of life and art.[1]

ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE ARE TWO FACES OF THE SAME COIN

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WHAT IS CULTURE?

Culture is defined as the ideas, customs and social behaviour of particular people or society. The behaviours
we are accustomed to and have been taught are the factors determining the kind of spaces we need to live in.
According to British anthropologist Edward Taylor, “Culture is that complex whole which includes
knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as. a
member of society”.
Culture refers to the patterns of thought and behaviour of people. It includes values, beliefs, rules of conduct,
and patterns of social, political and economic organisation. These are passed on from one generation to the
next by formal as well as informal processes.
According to G. Hofstede, “Culture is the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the
members of one category of people from another.”
Culture consists of the ways in which we think and act as members of a society. Thus, all the achievements of
group life are collectively called culture. In popular parlance, the material aspects of culture, such as
scientific and technological achievements are seen as distinct from culture which is left with the non-
material, higher achievements of group life (art, music, literature, philosophy, religion and science).
According to H.T. Mazumdar, “Culture is the sum total of human achievements, material as well as non-
material, capable of transmission, sociologically, i.e., by tradition and communication, vertically as well as
horizontally”
Culture is the product of such an organization and expresses itself through language and art, philosophy and
religion. It also expresses itself through social habits, customs, economic organisations and political
institutions. Hence, culture is characterized as the mutual examples of practices and communications,
psychological builds, and viable understanding that are found out through a procedure of socialization. These
common examples defines the individuals from a culture gathering while distinguishes those of another
gathering.
The social order formed by civilization creates cultural progress, and apart from the country’s political, moral
and economic conditions, the pursuit of knowledge and that of the arts forms the basis of the culture of one’s
country.
The culture of each society is identified through its
manifestations such as language, art, and architecture, and
analysis in the field of culture is related to the study of cultural
manifestations.
India is one of the most strictly and ethnically differing
countries on the planet, with probably the most profoundly
diverse culture and societies. "Unity in diversity" - these are
not just words, but something that are highly applicable to a
country like India that is incredibly rich in culture and heritage.
India's history is replete with instances of cooperation and
brotherhood. In spite of having suffered oppression from
different foreign conquerors at different periods of history, its
culture and oneness has not taken a beating and continued to
remain intact. One such culturally rich city is JAISALMER.

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CONCEPT OF CULTURE:

CHARACTERSTICS AND ELEMENTS OF CULTURE :

Culture is transmitted to employees in a number of ways. The most significant are stories, rituals, material symbols,
and language.
The culture of society also comprises the shared values,
understandings, assumptions, and goals that are learned
from earlier generations, imposed by present members
of society, and passed on to succeeding generations.
There are some elements of culture about which the
managers of international operation should be aware of.
 Languages,
 Norms,
 Symbols,
 Values,
 Attitude,
 Rituals,
 Customs and Manners,
 Material Culture,
 Education,
 Physical Artifacts,- Architecture and crafts
 Language, Jargons, and Metaphors,
 Stories, Myths, and Legends,
 Ceremonies and Celebrations,

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CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE:
Architecture is a manifestation of the cultural context in which it resides. The form and relationships of
buildings and spaces act as a kind of "cultural marker" that can be read, similar to the way one might read a
newspaper or road map for information, to describe the way of life and social status of its inhabitants. It is
basically physical expression of culture.

"Buildings are, in fact, matrices for social structure." As said by the Joseph Eshrick. Architecture is an exhibit
of different –different cultures , so it must blend and adapt the need of the society with which interacts.

"Real" architecture has an attachment to a larger reality that goes beyond architecture itself. Characteristics of
the land, the attributes of the people, the economic basis of the building environment, range of uses, climate,
culture-all are the real determinants of form.3

Culture is a living thing , it imprints on people and passed down from generation to another. Culture is the
way of living. Climatic and geographical features decide peoples lifestyle of the region. Architecture as a
matter of is a building or structure or spaces that gives human habitat to support their functions and activities.

This group of people coming together forms society . Society works on architecture. Hence culture and
architecture are two faces of same coin. The discipline of architecture is on the verge of transformation
because of globalization trends.

Five aspects of culture he describes as most likely to influence the architectural form. They are the ways
basic needs are fulfilled, the family structure and hierarchy, the varied role of women within society, attitudes
toward privacy, and social interaction.3

Culture is basic concept behind all the architectural forms . architecture is the manifestation of all the cultural
settings in which it resides. The expression of culture over the built form will help preserve the architectural

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integrity of the afflitated region such as the case of jaisalmer in this report. The different cultural elements
enhance the image of the city and surrounding as will be seen futur.

IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE:

REFLECTION THROUGH RELIGION

Architectural spaces can potentially nourish emotionally and spiritually. A typical Hindu temple best
illustrates this phenomenon. In a temple, the sequence of gopurams, series of ascending steps and
platforms, rising volumes of domes and shikharas, increasing degree of enclosure and the transition from
the semi-open, multi directional pavilions to the unidirectional dark sanctum enclosed by solid walls, all
heighten the progression from the corporeal to the spiritual as one progresses from the gopuram to
garbhagriha. This sense of transcendence from the worldly, from terrestrial to celestial, is further enhanced
by the culmination of the horizontal planes of the platform into a vertical axis through tall pointed
shikharas symbolically pointing towards the heavens. In this manner, the elements of a building, its scale,
size, volume, degrees of enclosure, levels of illumination as well as motifs and decorations instill in the
observer ethos appropriate to the place.

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CULTURE OF RAJASTHAN
JAISALMER – THE GOLDEN CITY

Jaisalmer is located in the arid plains of west Rajasthan in the midst of the vast Thar desert. It is a region of
deficient rainfall averaging about 15cms a year and therefore only sparse vegetation is found. The ground
water in the greater part is impregnated with salt thus making it unsuitable for human consumption. The main
source of water was Gadisar lake, just beyond the outer fortification on the south side until the Indira Gandhi
Canal was introduced in the 1970s. Jaisalmer developed as one of the most interesting towns dominated by
the trading community. Because of the wealth in the town, its architecture was rich and elaborate. The city
was founded in 1156 AD by Rao Jaisal as a military fort and trading post for the east-west route. Presence of
water and wonderful hunting area surrounding it attracted the Maharaja of Luderva. Some ruins of the old
town of Luderva, which was given up due to its vulnerability to attack and lack of portable water, still exists
about 15 kms from Jaisalmer. Connected by a meter gauge railway to Jodhpur city which is about 270 kms
east, the town of Jaisalmer is about 900 kms south west of New Delhi. Extending between 26 degree 4
minutes and 28 degree 23 minutes north latitude and 69 degree 30 minutes and 72 degree 42 minutes east
longitude, it is surrounded on the northern and western side by Pakistan bordering at about 70 kms from the
town. On the eastern and southern side, it adjoins other districts of Rajasthan like Bikaner, Jodhpur and
Barmer.
HISTORY
CULTURE , LIFESTYLE ,

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