ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN- VI 

CAMPUS DESIGN  

SCHOOL OF DESIGN, MYSORE UNIVERSITY 

ASSIGNMENT BY : Divyanshu Patel - 1RW15AT023 

What should architecture and space making envisage for the users from this
particular cultural setting ?

"Architecture is a profession rooted in Culture." So, Architecture and Culture are interdependent
and inseparable. Culture has both sustainable and dynamic aspects with respect to time. If
culture had only stable status, Architecture would have been a consistent continuation
throughout history. But, the nature of human and culture of his society had been changed in
each and every generation. Therefore, the characteristics of shapes, forms and spaces defined
by Architecture is different in each period and generations. The changes in Architecture are
generally influenced by culture of that period and the takings from the previous one.

Thus, architecture or space in any such setting should always be a remembrance of the past but
involving the technology of the present and scope of growth for the future.

What a user should experience should be the essence of the context, the culture of today
borrowed from our past.

How does the cultural background and craftsmanship influence architecture ?

Any place is identified by its distinct cultural identity. Any example from the Indian context talk
about significance of a place with respect to its people. The difference in the mankind is
established through cultural habits.

The use of Jaali windows is a larger cultural response while also being a environmental
response. The idea of courtyards and verandahs are an offspring of lifestyle and habits.
Architecture is shaped through culture, which in return enhances this cultural belief.

 
 
 

The skillset, the details, the ornamentation is the cultural craftmanship, its the pride one takes in
rerpresenting themselves. And any form of architecture should strengthen this pride in a
communities cultural skills.

What are the learnings from Architectural History of the place?

As I travelled through the city of Mysore, the experience, the walk, the city wasn’t the same as
living in Bangalore.

Born and bought up in Udaipur, with its own historical context, i could develop similarities
between the two cities however couldnt claim the experiences to be the same.

Thus, an architectural history gives character to a city, a place a precinct. It adds user
experience and memory to any region.

Furture architectural history acts as a guideline to what can be achieved keeping the core
principles and values in the design form.Architectural History builds a storyline for a place which
one can ponder upon. It reconnects us to the lost and builds bridges for the future.

How to progress from historical styles into contemporary Architectural

language?
Every traditional architecture has its own language. It has evolved from many different
influences of lifestyle, traditions, and practical concerns acting together to define the geometry
that structures take as the most natural visual expressions of a particular culture. A form is a set
of evolved geometries on many different scales (i.e., ornamental, building, urban) that people of
a particular culture identify with, and are comfortable with. It is highly dependent on traditional
and local materials.

While I agree that we need to conserve various styles that have been copied, analyzed, critiqued, 
deconstructed, there's also a need to bring in new spirits or renew spirits in architecture. The houses 
and public buildings should try to reflect more of the current praxis and needs of the society. For 
instance, the idea of climate responsiveness in response to global warming or the need to conserve 
water especially in cities that are drying up. We should not limit architectural languages and its 
practice should not be limited to classicism, modernism, postmodernism, vernacularism, revivalism, 
neo-modernism, etc., rather we should analyze the core principles of these styles and their evolution 

 
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through ages and apply it in creating a building that reflects learnings from the past but fits in the 
present. 

What are the inter-relationships that exist on site [Within and beyond]? 

What are the negative impacts of the proposed building on the 

Environment? 
● Reduction in no. trees 
● Addition of carbon footprint 
● Natural landscape is disturbed 
● Water flow and drainage needs to be channelized 
● The existing surrounding changes and needs to be redefined sometimes 

How do we contribute positively to the ecology of the place through 

built-environment? 
● using traditional concepts of natural landform integration 

● natural orientation  

● effective methods of harnessing the climatic resources like the sun and winds  

● smart building material selection and application to suit geographical and climatic 
conditions 

● Cause minimal destruction the existing, incorporating trees in site rather than 
cutting them 

● Natural water drainage system by study of slopes 

 
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