Course

Module 1:

Climate & Architecture TheoryIntroduction to climatic zones in India; passive design strategies: shading, ventilation, orientation; case studies of climate-responsive buildings

Module 2:

Building DocumentationMeasured drawing techniques; on-site study and documentation of rural/vernacular buildings; documentation techniques (photographic, drawings, material mapping, questionnaire survey); building analysis and conclusion/recommendations

Module 3:

Rural Design StudioUnderstanding socio-cultural dynamics of a rural context; identification of issues and design problem based on participatory methods; conceptual and schematic design through models and sketches; context-specific material, climate and technology applications; design development; presentation

Module 4:

Seva and Community EngagementSite immersion and Seva-based learning (participation in a local build/repair/clean-up effort); reflection on role of architects in social transformation.

Module 5:

Architectural Writing and ReflectionIntroduction to architectural writing formats: descriptive, analytical, narrative; writing about buildings, people, and places; critiquing one’s own design work and peer feedback

Course Objectives

• To introduce students to climate-responsive architectural design and integrate environmental parameters into design thinking.
• To develop the ability to document, analyze, and interpret built environments through drawing, measurement, and observation.
• To sensitize students to the spatial, material, and cultural dynamics of rural and semi-urban settlements through field immersion and participatory design.
• To inculcate values of service (Seva), empathy, and ethical responsibility in architectural practice through community engagement.
• To foster writing and reflective thinking as tools for architectural inquiry, documentation, and critique.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• CO1: Design contextually responsive architectural solutions incorporating climate, culture and user needs.
• CO2 : Analyze existing buildings and settlements through drawings, photographs, and written narratives.
• CO3: Develop conceptually sound rural design interventions based on fieldwork, user interactions, and community needs.
• CO4: Demonstrate empathy, ethical awareness, and responsibility in design decision-making through real-world applications.
• CO5: Communicate design ideas effectively through verbal, visual and written mediums including narratives, reports, and sketches.

Reading Material:

1. V. Olgyay, Design with Climate, Princeton University Press, 1963.

2. Amos Rapoport. (1969). House Form and Culture. Prentice-Hall.

3. Laurie Baker. (1991). Architecture for the People.

4. Charles Correa. A Place in the Shade. Penguin Books.

5. Christopher Alexander. (1977). A Pattern Language. Oxford University Press.

6. Hassan Fathy. (1973). Architecture for the Poor. University of Chicago Press.

7. Arvind Krishan et al. Climate Responsive Architecture ? A Design Handbook for Energy Efficient Buildings. TERI.