THE CONTINUITY OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE AMIDST CHANGES, VILLAGE SHYOPURA, INDIA

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to understand the spatial structure with respect to permeability of vernacular/rural architecture of Rajasthan state in India. It also attempts to investigate the relationship of courtyard as an important aspect of rural housing.Design/Methodology/Approach This paper examines the typology of rural houses of a Rajasthan village built over more than a century. It justifies the continuity of typology through activities helping in understanding the vernacular environment as a concept in popular or domestic rural architecture. With the help of space syntax methods the spatial pattern and social relationship has been understood. Paper is divided in four major parts. The first part discusses the concept of vernacular along with the contextual village. The second part discusses the methodology of space syntax and method of making justified graph. The third part discusses the data analysis. Finally the conclusions are discussed. The research makes use of space syntax methodology with the help of Justified Graphs of 10 different houses of Village Shyopura in Mandawa town of district Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan state of India. These houses were built during past 125 years.Findings The results of the analysis show how the traditional typological approach to housing forms remains still relevant as an example of vernacular architecture. The study’s aim is to avail insight into the continuity of vernacular traditions with specific interest and socio-cultural relation of spatial formation of courtyard in houses the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the study have been combined together to reach at the conclusions.Research Limitations/Implications Due to time limit only 10 houses have been studied in hot dry climatic region of India. There continuity of vernacular architecture can be tested by using the similar methodology use3d here to establish stronger relevance of the argument.Social/Practical Implications The research establishes the continuity, but on a slight note also mentions of changing architectural arrangements of vernacular houses. Conservation architects have potential work to do in such areas.Originality/Value The study has been conducted and tested with a unique methodology adopted in India