What an architect builds and how he does so is to a great extent influenced by what he sees, experiences and records. My practice in vernacular architecture is inextricably bound with my entire childhood spent in a village. Since the last six years, my Ahmedabad-based d6thD design studio promotes the use of locally available materials, traditional building techniques, and culturally and climatically relevant building design. A retrospective of my work in various regions of Gujarat reflects my perseverance in designing with an overt principle of vernacular architecture.
I understood vernacular by some of the fundamental attributes and characteristics that it brings. One characteristic attribute is that it has evolved out of the conditions of the place locally and the second attribute is that it has continued to evolve over time. Thus implying, the particularity to place as well as evolution of time. Hence, vernacular is not about grandmother’s nostalgia or the reverence for the old; and so I call it ‘the new vernacular architecture’.
I always ask myself, what does ‘modern’ means? Can’t we go back to the past and carry on with that wonderful history of research and development by applying twentieth century knowledge, and show love and respect for all that has gone before us? And so here I am trying to be a so-called modern by using the research work done by our forefathers.
My design with honesty and truth in the choice of materials and the method of using them is the result of my inspiration from Indian villages. Simple life patterns with the values of village people who are content and happy even with the very few material possessions, left an indelible impression on my mind. My design, therefore, is always based on cost reduction techniques shown by vernacular architecture which gives better quality and an Indian identity. I strongly believe that Vernacular Architecture is not merely a style but it is an attitude, which carries with it a holistic lifestyle.
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