Archetype is
A perfect or typical specimen An original model or pattern; prototype Content of the collective unconscious The constantly recurring organisation, pattern, motif.The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which are based.
This is an attempt to see many Indian vernacular archetypes in one place. It has been my obsession to study archetypes in architecture, art, music, sciences, religion, stories, to observe the innate knowledge, derived from the sum total of human history, which prefigures and directs conscious behaviour.
I am keen to learn cultural longevity aspects of Archetypes. I want to discover via documenting traditional houses to start with and see folk intelligence embedded into these traditional designs that have stood the tests of time and cultural changes. I am interested in the longevity of the form, structure, functionality and sustainability powers of archetypes.
In last 150 years, modern industrial approaches have infected to the environment by its war-like approach to the design of buildings and community living. I hope to revisit these wonderful architectural specimens and investigate any co-existence patterns.
This page will be ongoing work for a few months. Please access picture references and sources list here
KASHMIR
ANATOMY : Hamams - stone-floored rooms with hollow bases that are heated by burning wood underneath. Zoon dub - Cantilevered balcony. Pinjarkari- Wood carving
MATERIALS: Stone, plaster, bricks, wood, glass
ROOFING: Shingles, false ceilings,
TYPE: Traders house, Farmers house
FEATURES : Great insulation solution, earthquake resistance, locally sourced materials, community building, time tested plan, economical to build, flexible to suit building types
LADAKH
ANATOMY : Trongpa - Residential unit . Rapsal - Wooden lattice balcony. Gyazgo- Main door. Thokskar - Smoke outlet. Shelkhang - Upper Storey.
MATERIALS: Stone, mud plaster, bricks, wood
ROOFING: Wood, stone slab, mud mortar
TYPE: Monk's house, Shepard's house
FEATURES: Integrated social unit, Winter and summer solutions, religious consultation
Great insulation solution, earthquake resistance, locally sourced materials, community building, time tested plan, economical to build, flexible to suit building types
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