IIA TN Webinar - Vernacular Architecture in Contemporary Context

This is a brief video about vernacular architecture from the IIA-TN Webinar series with renowned Indian design expert Dr. Benny Kuriakose. He discusses in this video how he combines vernacular architectural elements into his designs. He shares his expertise on timber construction's advantages and how it has been used in his projects.

Vernacular architecture is sometimes described as a type of regional construction that uses traditional materials, techniques, and resources from the region in which the structure is located. The setting and distinctive physical and cultural features of the region serve as one of BK's main sources of inspiration, particularly when it comes to the topic of sustainability. He sees himself as an interpreter of this data, creating and modernising these ideas for the time being. Given how much the environment and local ecology have an effect on and inspire it, it is an excellent source of information.

He has put a lot of effort into developing this fusion of modern approaches with centuries-old ideas throughout the years. Within the many regional variations that exist within a state in India, one must learn to appreciate, learn from, and adapt to a contemporary environment and our modern ways of living. However, Benny Kuriakose continues, "We still want to examine how the present building industry runs, even if we believe that India's unique materials, environment, and culture are sufficient to provide us what we need to design and develop distinctive, sustainable structures."