Manifestation of Vernacular Strategies into Contemporary Architecture: A Comparative Case Study in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Current architectural advances and practices are the product of constant trial and error of numerous construction approaches that emerged from our forefathers’ expertise; these trial and error methods gave birth to vernacular architecture. At its most basic level, vernacular architecture entails the use of locally accessible materials and a reaction to the user’s immediate surroundings, climate, and demands. The deep regard and flawless communion with the natural environment, as well as the perfect relation and comprehension of the user’s demands, are two major vestiges of vernacular architecture that might be resources for contemporary design (Creanga et al., 2010). It’s crucial to figure out what vernacular tactics are and how they might be applied to modern building. Vernacular structures all across the world provide instructive instances of long-term building solutions. These solutions, however, are thought to be inapplicable to modern structures (Rashid et al., 2015). With the growing popularity of vernacular architecture, several architects have stepped up their game by intervening with their own unique take on the form and reintroducing it as contemporary vernacular architecture. This has not only helped the architects gain recognition, but it has also resulted in the resurrection of numerous vernacular architectural styles in the modern world. With the help of late Ar. Didi Contractor’s works, this thesis aims to break down an existing vernacular built-form in terms of pre-determined parameters and further study the vernacular strategies involved in the material planning, design, and construction of that particular built form, such as material, construction technique, response to context, and climate. Finally, formulating a comparative analysis to showcase the evolution of vernacular strategies in contemporary vernacular practice along with unique intervention.