Courtyard Houses Of India

- Extensive documentation of courtyard houses, both traditional and contemporary - More than a thousand images, drawings, plans and maps - Overview according to climate, geography, philosophy and religion Indian architecture is not about an object in space; instead it integrates space within the object where the built and the unbuilt become counterpoints to vitalize each other. This engulfed void known as the courtyard lies at the genesis of urban dwellings in India. In this book the author traces the metaphysical, mythical, socio-cultural, environmental and spatial roles of the courtyard in the domestic architecture of India - from early civilization and Vedic times to Islamic and colonial influences. This book documents traditional courtyard dwelling types across India within diverse climatic, cultural as well as geographic zones such as West (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra), South (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa), East (Bihar, West Bengal), Central (Madhya Pradesh) and North (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir). Courtyard Houses of India documents, analyzes and infers the attributes and manifestations of traditional courtyard houses and examines the diverse interpretations of those as applied in contemporary homes.

Indian architecture is not about an object in space; instead it integrates space within the object where the built and the unbuilt become counterpoints to vitalize each other. This engulfed void known as the courtyard lies at the genesis of urban dwellings in India. In this book the author traces the metaphysical, mythical, socio-cultural, environmental and spatial roles of the courtyard in the domestic architecture of Indiafrom early civilization and Vedic times to Islamic and colonial influences. This book documents traditional courtyard dwelling types across India within diverse climatic, cultural as well as geographic zones such as West (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra), South (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa), East (Bihar, West Bengal), Central (Madhya Pradesh) and North (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir). Courtyard Houses of India documents, analyses and infers the attributes and manifestations of traditional courtyard houses and examines the diverse interpretations of those as applied in contemporary homes.

The courtyard house is one of the most enduring architectural forms, transcending regional, historical and cultural boundaries. Its balance of simple appropriate construction, environmental control and social and familial structures continues to engage architects and architectural historians. That the courtyard house is still relevant today is indicated through its ability to accommodate continual transformation without losing any of its formal integrity and cultural roots. This book presents a series of viewpoints on courtyard houses from different periods and in different regions around the world; from the Harem courtyards of the Topkapi Palace and the low-cost housing settlements of Protectorate Casablanca, to contemporary design strategies for courtyard houses in the arid Gulf region. Together, the essays illuminate issues of particular relevance in architectural, art historical, and conservation discourses today.

This book demonstrates, through discussions on sustainability and regional identity, and via a series of case studies, that the courtyard housing form has a future as well as a past.

This book provides an understanding of the very roots of what constitutes the Indian context by examining its notions of time, space and existence. the study unravels the inherent virtues of traditional Indian architecture and interprets them as universal dictums, relevant to reinstate in contemporary times.

Accelerated urbanization imposes immense pressure on the dwindling energy sources and fragile ecosystems. Yet, the resource crunch confronting energy supplies can be alleviated if we design and develop future buildings by incorporating sound concepts of energy efficiency and sustainability.Covering 41 projects from India's various climatic zones, this book provides thorough insights into the context, techniques, and benefits of energy-efficient buildings. The projects highlight design responses to varied climatic conditions, appropriate materials and construction methods, implementation of energy-efficient systems, and effective utilization of renewable energy to reduce pressure on grid power.This book will inspire architects, designers, urban planners, engineers, and students to build for a better tomorrow.