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Architecture & buildings:

learning from the past

ANAND ACHARI

N THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF modernisation and Exploring ancient architectural design
innovation, we often overlook time-honoured wisdom
of the past. On the subject of sustainability in archi- and construction practices offers a
Itecture, a concept many believe to be a recent devel- wealth of inspiration for designing
opment, there's a wealth of knowledge to be derived from
ancient civilisations. Earliest societies, with limited access sustainable buildings for the modern
to modern resources, developed ingenious techniques to world. Cross-pollination of knowledge
enable people to live in harmony with their environments.
By revisiting these techniques, we can unlock valuable in- from the past and present is crucial
sights for constructing sustainable buildings for the modern
world. naturally regulating indoor temperatures — a passive heat-
One of the hallmarks of sustainable architecture is Bio- ing and cooling solution that has become important today.
climatic Architecture, which emphasises designing build- Similarly, cob — a mixture of clay, sand, water, and straw —
ings to respond to the specific climatic conditions of their was used to create durable and energy-efficient dwellings.
location. Earliest architects were intuitive practitioners of Beyond bioclimatic design, ancient civilisations also
this approach. They utilised building orientation, layout, excelled in water management, a critical aspect of sustain-
and materials strategically to maximise comfort and mi- able design today. Stepwells of Rajasthan and Gujarat are
nimise energy usage. For instance, dwellings in hot, arid prime examples. These elaborate structures with descend-
climates often featured small windows on sun-facing sides ing stairs leading to deep underground water sources not
and larger openings on north facades to provide natural only provided access to fresh water but also served as cool
ventilation. Conversely, buildings in colder climes preferred community spaces during hot summers. Cisterns, used for
south-facing windows to capture solar heat gain. The good rainwater harvesting, were another feature of the age old
news is that contemporary architects are embracing ancient practice of water management. Avante garde latter day
bioclimatic design principles with renewed interest. architects are integrating these practices into sustainable
Another nostrum of sustainable design is to minimise design, rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling,
reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Pas- and water-efficient landscaping to reduce reliance on piped
sive heating and cooling strategies through careful build- water supply.
ing orientation, and use of natural materials are making a he utility of sustainable design goes beyond materials
comeback in sustainable architecture. They mandate thick Tand energy efficiency. It also encompasses designing and
walls made of materials with high thermal mass to absorb constructing adaptable and resilient buildings. Several an-
and release heat slowly, maintaining comfortable indoor cient civilisations excelled in this area as well. They featured
temperatures through the year. Courtyards, a traditional movable partitions and modular construction allowing for
feature of many ancient cultures, played a crucial role in flexible layouts that could be adjusted to changing needs.
passive cooling. Strategically placed courtyards provided Vernacular architecture, specific to particular regions and
shade, channelled cool breezes, and facilitated natural ven- climates, also embodied the principle of adaptability. An-
tilation. cient architects mastered sustainable design by balancing
Windcatchers, iconic towers in traditional Persian archi- the pancha mahabhuta (five elements of nature) through
tecture, are another ingenious example. These structures mindful usage of local materials (earth) and rainwater
captured prevailing winds, directing cool air into buildings harvesting (water), which reduced environmental impact.
while simultaneously enhancing air circulation. Modern Smart layouts with natural ventilation (air) and thermal
architects are incorporating these principles into their mass materials (fire) minimised energy needs, while effi-
designs, using careful building orientation, strategically cient use of space maximised natural light and airflow.
placed windows, and light shelves to maximise natural light Exploring classical design and construction practices of-
and ventilation while minimising reliance on mechanical fers a wealth of inspiration for modern, sustainable build-
energy sources. ings. By combining knowledge of the past with modern
Ancient architects were acutely aware of the importance technology and innovation, we can design buildings that
of local and natural materials. Readily available resources are not only energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly
such as stone, wood, and earth, reduce costs of transpor- but also comfortable, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing.
tation and environmental imbalance. Techniques such as Cross-pollination of knowledge from the past and present
rammed earth construction, extensively used in the Great is crucial as we strive to build a more sustainable future for
Wall of China, involved compacting local earth into walls, our endangered planet.
creating structures with exceptional thermal mass. This
mass absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, (Dr. Prof. Anand Achari is Principal at VES College of Architecture, Mumbai)

78 EDUCATIONWORLD AUGUST 2024