Reviving Indigenous Construction Techniques

Maharshi Patel

CT2023

In this studio we worked with materials like Bamboo, Mud and stone. Starting with different case studies we understood how these materials were traditionally used. Next we did case study on some modern uses of these materials where some modern construction techniques and few adjustments to these materials were made. Using this knowledge gained in these case studies we designed an exhibition center according to the climate using local materials and indigenous construction techniques in modern context.

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Case study 1 was on the construction of traditional bamboo structures of Assam. The wall sections and joinery details shown here is exactly how these structures are built.

The images here are of 1:10 scale part models of bamboo houses in Assam. The joineries used in these models are exactly the same used in actual houses.

Case study 2 was on Ghau Ghar in Surendranagar, an cow shelter designed completely with bamboo. We went to this site for two days where we took the measurements, necessary details to make drawings and sections of the structure.

We made actual sized model of the base joinery used in Ghau Ghar with actual materials. On the rights is an 1:10 scale part model of the structure.

The site given to me was Jaisalmer. Out of the two sites in jaisalmer I chose site B as it was having an large number of trees with good foikage which would help me provide shade throughout the day in such an hot and humid climate.

Starting with the conceptual sketches, we developed an better idea of air circulation in an built environment and started desiging the plan using anthropometrics in them.

Beginning with basic plans as we proceeded we came to an final plan with a good balance of built environment and courtyards.

The wall sections show an detailed of what is in the wall in terms of layers. The wall sections here show the complete details including the flooring and terrace details.

After understanding the material and the technical details it was time to we make some models form actual materials. First one is an 1:10 scale wall of coarsed random rubble of Jaisalmer sandstones. Next is an actual scale model of wall. And the last one is an 1:50 scale model giving an better idea of the plinths in my design.

For deriving the exact shape of the roof according to my design it was necessary to make an catenary model for the same. I started by hanging the model upside down. Than i started hanging strings according to the anchor points in my designs and started to develop vaults as per my design. These strigs would also specify the direction of load transfer in the roof. A catenary model helps in the better understanding of load transfer and shape of an structure having vaults, arches or dome. The same logic was used here to get continuous perfect curves.