India has a rich heritage
in architecture. There is, however, a major shift in focus
from traditional methods and forms to industrial and synthetic
materials which follow international trends in building
and form. They are replacing India's own distinct philosophy
and systems of building. We have become followers and not
creators. Not enough thought has been given to the consequences
of these trends to the nation and its housing and architectural
needs. Architectural students today need to be well informed
about India's traditional vernaculars and methods of building
and materials in order to reflect and innovate solutions
which are pertinent to India and which may create trends
internationally in the future.
Architects with a sound knowledge
of materials and conservation techniques are necessary to
conserve even the most important buildings and neighborhoods
representing India's architectural heritage. Reuse of heritage
buildings is almost non existent in India, but is a highly
developed field elsewhere in the world employing thousands
of talented architects.
With the intention of creating
a better awareness and understanding of traditional vernaculars,
their materials, techniques and conservation DakshinaChitra
has planned a series of workshops.
DakshinaChitra
invites applications from architectural students and young
architects for our orientation workshops on Vernacular Architecture
of South India, Traditional Materials and Building Techniques,
and Introduction to Conservation Techniques. The workshops
will be taught by our commited and experienced team of architects,
civil engineers and outside experts.
Our hands-on workshops are
based on the research, fieldwork, conservation and construction
of vernacular architecture carried out by our foundation
over the last 15 years. The workshops can be taken separately
or as a series. Each workshop will be five days at a cost
of Rs. 1500 all inclusive of stay, food and materials. The
schedule for 2005 is given below.
Workshop
titles / fees/ other details
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