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This article traces how folk architecture can act as a sustainable tool to preserve local identity and cultural heritage in India. It discusses how regional building traditions use indigenous materials and respond to climate, giving examples like Bhonga in Rajasthan/Kutch, Naalukettu in Kerala, and Zawlbuk in Mizoram. It argues that integrating indigenous design into modern urban planning can reduce carbon footprint, support local craftsmen, maintain cultural diversity, and strengthen communities’ connection with place.
Urban spaces suffer from the homogenisation of architecture. The elitist nature of modernization strips down the cultural aspects of design into a dry, minimal, standardized practice. As a response, there is an emerging shift towards folk design in the hospitality industry. People now seek the nourishment of culture as a vacation from the dullness of industrialized architectural design. Forming the very identity and experience of a place, folk architecture connects people to the essence of a region — when tourists visit Bali, they seek out places that 'feel like Bali'.
Mirroring local traditions, the use of indigenous materials and technology, harmony with the natural and cultural environment, and the cultural and historical context go on to form the folk architecture of a region. Embracing sustainable design, it becomes a powerful means of upholding cultural identity, bringing people and communities closer together and connecting them to a shared heritage and place.
Folk architecture's sensitivity to climatic conditions also enhances its performance in diverse environments. Designs are tailored to optimize ventilation, shading, and natural light, adapt to local weather patterns, and minimise the need for energy-consuming HVAC systems. In a country with a diverse climate like India, this adaptability is particularly advantageous, creating comfortable living spaces and reducing energy consumption simultaneously.
In the desert areas of Rajasthan and Kutch, the 'Bhonga' features a circular shape, thick mud walls, thatched roofs, and local materials, ensuring a cooler interior amidst searing heat. In Kerala and parts of South India, the 'Naalukettu' incorporates an internal courtyard, large windows, pitched roofs, and terracotta roof tiles to cope with the tropical climate. The 'Zawlbuk' House in Mizoram represents a simple yet culturally significant structure made of thick bamboo mats, split bamboo poles for partitions, and a thatched roof, preserving tribal traditions in the Northeast with hay and straw as integral materials.
Folk architecture also aligns with the goals and initiatives of sustainable development. It reduces the carbon footprint of transport in construction and promotes the use of locally-sourced materials; supporting regional economies and artisans. The conservation and adaptation of indigenous buildings also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage; celebrating the country's diverse architectural traditions
Folk architecture in India stands as a shining example of sustainable and culture-embedded design. By harnessing local knowledge, resources, and traditions, these structures offer energy-efficient and climate-responsive solutions for modern urban challenges. Promoting and modernizing folk architecture in urban design can foster a stronger connection between people and their environment while respecting cultural heritage and advancing sustainability efforts. Embracing folk architecture is not just an architectural choice, it is an expression of India's diverse identity and a commitment to a greener, more resilient future.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
Inside A Kerala Farmhouse Created In Visual & Structural Harmony With Nature
How A House In Gujarat Uses Low Pressure & 'Passive Energies' To Beat High Temperatures
Is 'Vernacular Architecture' The Best Way To Tackle Seismic Threats Across India?
