GREEN REVOLUTION IN ARCHITECTURE

The place where we live, we work, move around, plays an important role in our socio-economical development and also directly or indirectly affects overall evolution of our personal life. Hence the environment in such places has to be positive and delightful always.The Indian Vastushastra is misinterpreted by many ways But by keeping this aside if we try to understand that Indian architecture is a science which is based on five elements of the Universe which we can see and feel. 1)Akaash, 2) Vayu, 3) Agni.,4) Jala and 5)Prithvi , these are the elements which are the structural entity of the Universe. The actual meaning of these Sanskit words are

1) Akaash – Non residence

2) Vayu – Movement and direction

3) Agni – Transformation light and heat

4) Jala –Liquid /fluid and cohesion binding and striking together

5) Prithvi – Solid and stable

Our country is full of diversity in terms of climatic condition, soil pattern, weather, vegetation and so as the culture and lifestyle. In ancient Indian architecture these 5 elements were considered while constructing the structures.. If we try to study it, one can easily find the different construction techniques and use of different construction material all together at different climatic condition and weather. For example central courtyards and ‘varandas’ ( i.e. open spaces ) were planned for ventilation in the houses in tropical region. Thick stone walls were used for heat insulation. Natural and local stones were used as construction material i.e. laterite stone was getting used in Konkan and also same as in Rajasthan and many parts of the country local material was getting used.

Central courtyards

There are so examples where we can find that the construction techniques were much more developed in ancient period too. Use of mirrors for lightening the palace, use of jail or grill carved in natural stone are the best example of ventilation system which helps to keep temperature low. Creating small perforations in the building is a smart way to naturally cool buildings in a hot and humid country like India. ( i.e. Hawa-mahal in Jaipur ) We feel pleasant in step wells ( in Gujarat and Rajasthan ) or gives cooling effect without any artificial air conditioning system. Stepwell is a vernacular architectural style used commonly in medieval India. A pool of water dug into the ground or surrounded by walls so that the air is constantly cooled by water evaporating in an enclosed, shaded area. The logic with high ceilings is that hot air rises and escapes from ventilators, automatically creating a cooling effect. One can easily noticed the source of drinking water at old hill-forts and water-forts which is nothing but the rain water harvesting system designed during the construction of these forts.

Jali patterns in palaces

Step-well

Rainwater harvesting in forts

During the period of time, we have lost these construction techniques may be due to British raj, population explosion, urbanization. We also started adopting western construction techniques. Considering today’s fast lifestyle it’s not advisable to protest western techniques. But for the environment sustainability, communion between old and new construction techniques shall be architect’s and developer’s responsibility. Indian cities have erected buildings that go against its immediate surroundings. A hot and humid sub-continent does not need glass buildings, which are better suited for cooler environments. Urban planners and architects should take a lesson or two from Indian history to create cities and buildings that are not only better suited for its environment, but also help in sustainable living.

In India we have Indian Green Building Council ( IGBC ) which was established in 2001. This council has developed guidelines for sustainable development. i.e. for land development and construction projects in a manner that reduce their impact on environment by allowing them to create energy efficient models of self efficiency. By these guidelines, council gives LEED rating to the building. CII Godrej green building centre at Hyderabad which was constructed in 2003 is the 1st platinum rated building in India. This building is constructed in 20000 sq.m area and today we have approx. 6000 certified green building projects. Mnay of these are hospitals, schools, commercial complex, hotels and residential complex too which is appreciated and recognized by WGBC in various platforms.

Many times Developers advertised their projects as green projects only by providing rain water harvesting and solar heating system , these are not the ‘ only’ criteria but the basic criteria of green building. Over the period of times environmental awareness is getting increased and so as in building construction techniques and material too. These eco-friendly materials and techniques play important role in sustainable development. When architects starts thinking , it manifests into the concept, the design , it finally rewards the environment with a building that complements the site and resources, and client with comfort and ease derived mostly from natural

Let this green revolution in architecture grow on and on in concrete Jungle.

Ar. RAHUL S. TAMBVEKAR.