Research &

Documentation

A living vernacular knowledge atlas:

A systematic inquiry into India’s vast vernacular built environment - decoding construction systems, material logics and spatial intelligence, to build an archival knowlege bank and further integrate into developmental policy frmaework and continuation.

Field Studies

19

Regions Documented

13

Material Explorations

06

Papers / Reports

05

Exhibitions

03

Research Objectives

01 : Document

Construction Systems & Processes

Decoding structural sciences, structural forms, and building processes specific to each region and climate.

02 : Learn

Material Application by Region

Recipes, mixes, finishes, and proportional logics of indigenous materials across India's diverse ecologies.

03 : Compile

Research Papers and/or Reports

Collating findings into generic principles and region-specific guidelines from documented field evidence.

04 : Integrate

Integration of Learning into Design Projects

Evolving the learnings and integrating them into architectural design projects, aligned with national development standards.

Research Mission Statement

‘2-Layered Framework’

Research & documentation feeds into a two-tier policy model: first establishing generic principles applicable to all vernacular construction, then layering in specific guidelines tied to region, material, and developmental context; with the long-term goal of integration into India's national building and development norms.

Layer 01 - Generic

Foundational Framework

Universal principles distilled from cross-regional study of India's vernacular traditions, applicable regardless of geography or material.

Climate-responsive design principles
Structural performance standards for natural material systems
Artisan skill and knowledge documentation protocols
Material sourcing and sustainability thresholds

Layer 02 - Specific

Regional & Sectoral Guidelines

Region- & sector-specific regulations derived from field evidence. Initial application targets tourism development, heritage conservation, and ecological zones.