.jpg)
India has a rich heritage with talented artists and craftsmen, who are weaving innovation from the scrap and taking the product to the next level. Like any other different spheres, architecture also has come a long way shifting towards modernization. People started creating shelters for themselves when they started to lead settled life. The traditional or vernacular architecture came into being with the zeal of crafting a comfortable shelter to maintain a cozy life with family.
Vernacular architecture is not followed by any specific style or designs. The people used to create their homes using the material from the surroundings. Gradually, with each passing day, society’s needs and requirements forced the people to upgrade their construction method according to the climatic conditions of the region.
Vernacular architecture is the synergy of rich cultural heritage and traditions that revolves around the eras withstanding the test of time and proved its timelessness
.jpg)
Courtyard Houses of South India
The architecture of courtyard is widely seen all over the world with few modifications according to the tastes and requirements of the people. The designs of courtyard offer good amount sunlight and maintain proper ventilations inside the house. In maximum cases, widely available materials like, Laterite stones, wooden rafters, mud plastering, flooring were used. The designs of courtyard have become more polished with new designs of architectural wonders. In the traditional houses of south India courtyard and the raised verandah in the home’s interior, is known as ‘thinnai’, is used for sitting and relaxing. Few people used this space for gathering and gardening. Preeminent examples of modern courtyards are Chettinad courtyard of Tamil Nadu, Thottimane Courtyard of Karnataka. In case of Kerala, courtyards are generally seen inside the house as a linker between the exterior and interior part of the house. In Andhra Pradesh also we can find courtyard with modern light fixtures, wooden pillars attached with swing adorned with traditional decors. In such houses, the use teakwood is predominantly seen for furniture and decorative elements. Wooden doors with decorative metal elements are also widely observed in such architectural structures.
.jpg)
Traditional Decor Items Ruling the Modern World
How much we get inclined to the modern interior styles and get influenced by the western culture, traditional home decor styles will be the most loved and elegant among them all. One of the widely used home decor item of traditional home is the large sized paintings, followed by brass decor items. In traditional South Indian homes, metal lamps which are called ‘nilavilakku’ or ‘kuthuvilakku’ or ‘thookkuvilakku, are seen. The furniture is strictly needed to be wooden with shiny polish. Indian folk arts like Madhubani, Worli, and Kalamkari is used as wall decor, bed cover, sofa or cushion covers, reflects the elegant embodiment of Indian royal art and craft. We can also use terracotta art and artisanal rugs which are eco-friendly as well as affordable.
Last Note
In the days to come, traditional architecture will transform into more vibrant and dynamic ideas, preserving the intensity and alluring effects, holding the hands of modern art and architecture. By blending traditional into modern style, we can switch to sustainable solutions, promote local economies, and contribute to preserving cultural identities. We are living in the era which is technology driven having all the cutting-edge facilities and with this zeal of creating we are forgetting about the health of our environment.
As the result, the whole world is grappling with the harmful effects of pollution, in such a tight condition, contemporary vernacular architecture is only therapy for healing, preserving, and reviving.
Copyright © 2024 HomesIndiaMagazine. All Rights Reserved.
