Subject Code & Name: AR25401 – Regional and Vernacular Built Environments in India
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)
Branch: B. Arch. (Arch)
Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0
Course Objectives
- To introduce the nature of evolution/ determinants of human settlements.
- To give an understanding of regional manifestations in settlements and architecture as evolving from contextual forces.
- To study the important manifestations of regional/ vernacular architecture and settlements in different regions of India.
- To learn by case studies the design sensitive interventions that balance historic preservation with modern utility.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Note: in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala unit the official PDF repeats “Vernacular/ regional architecture of Kashmir as particular productions” where Kerala is evidently meant; the wording is kept as printed.
Unit I – Human Settlements, Determinants and study of Vernacular Architecture
Determinants of morphology of human settlements – climate response, socio–cultural and economic aspects, geography, etc, Differentiating between rural and urban settlements. Overview of settlement evolution in India. Relation between settlement morphology and architecture. Discussion of the terms traditional architecture, regional architecture, indigenous architecture, vernacular architecture, etc., Vernacular/ regional architecture as a process and responsive design. Concepts, approaches, survey and study of vernacular/ regional architecture –aesthetic, architectural, anthropological, etc., General aspects to be studied in vernacular/ regional architecture of India –climatic response, forms, spatial planning, socio-cultural aspects, symbolism, colour, art, materials of construction and construction technique, etc.,
Unit II – Settlement Morphology and Regional Architecture of Gujarat and Rajasthan
Determinants and morphology of rural and urban settlements in Gujarat. Vernacular/ regional architecture of Gujarat as particular productions. Determinants and morphology of rural and urban settlements in Rajasthan. Vernacular/ regional architecture of Rajasthan as particular productions.
Unit III – Settlement Morphology and Regional Architecture of Kashmir and Bengal
Determinants and morphology of settlements in Kashmir. Vernacular/ regional architecture of Kashmir as particular productions. Determinants and morphology of settlements in Bengal. Vernacular/ regional architecture of Bengal as particular productions. Colonial and modern influences.
Unit IV – Settlement Morphology and Regional Architecture of Tamilnadu and Kerala
Determinants and morphology of settlements in Kerala. Vernacular/ regional architecture of Kashmir as particular productions. Determinants and morphology of rural and urban settlements in Tamil Nadu. Vernacular/ regional architecture of Tamil Nadu as particular productions. Colonial and modern influences.
Unit V – Contemporary adaptation of Regional and Vernacular architecture – Case Studies
Adaptive Reuse of various vernacular buildings to regional contexts – Design sensitive interventions that balance historic preservation with modern utility-the case specific contextual adaptation / the philosophy and ethics, economics of recycling buildings with sustainable regenerative system-: Vernacular building of region-specific case studies – namely Chettinad houses and palaces, Tamil Nadu ,Wadas / Havelis of Gujarat, Rajasthan , Tharavadu/ colonial structures of kerala and boat houses and mansions, Kashmir and others . Organisations and architects promoting craft and techniques of vernacular architecture today –-Hunnarshala Foundation - Thannal Hand Sculpted Homes -,Tamil Nadu, India, Centre for Vernacular Architecture Trust (CVAT) – India, Dharmalaya Institute - Himachal Pradesh, Benny Kuriakose & Associates - Chennai, Didi Contractor- Auroville Earth Institute, Pondicherry. Modern buildings adapting key aspects of vernacular architecture including spatial planning, craft, materials, etc—case studies Good Earth Malhar, Bangalore - ,Daya’s Madh Island House – and Rustam Mehta residence Lonavla - Nari Gandhi,Development alternatives HQ- Delhi - Development Alternatives , Atelier School, Bangalore - Biome Environmental Solutions Contractor Krushi Bhawan,
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: An understanding of the built environment as a process and knowledge of its determinants.
- CO2: Ability to analyse built environment through the knowledge of approaches to its study.
- CO3: Knowledge of settlement morphologies and regional/ vernacular architecture in specific regions of India.
- CO4: Ability to analyse contemporary interpretations and applications of vernacular architecture.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment: 40%, End Semester Examinations: 60%
- Internal methodology: Two Assessments with equal weightage. One Assessment as Internal written Test /Examination (50%), second as Assignment (50%) of any mode such as study, seminar, and or a combination of modes, etc.
Source: Official Anna University – B. Arch. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026
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