CLIMATE AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE --- A WAY FORWARD;LAHORE --- A CASE STUDY.

Abstract

The city of Lahore is a custodian of history of rich traditions, norms and culture spanned over a period of about 2000 B.C. The people living inside Walled City Lahore “Andrūn s̲̲h̲ihr” have been carrying these traditions and norms since inception of Lahore and have emerged as their trademark i.e.,, exquisite hospitality, cordiality and delightful festivals etc. The culture of the people of Andrūn s̲̲h̲ihr Lahore was directly affected by these traditions and norms thus made living inside Andrūn s̲̲h̲ihr exceptional and cherishable. Vernacular architecture and planning of Andrūn s̲̲h̲ihr was also shaped up by these norms and traditions. This research paper presents architecture and planning and culture as “cause and effect” where culture was considered as a “cause” and architecture and planning as “effect”. The term “Vernacular” means architecture and planning yielded as an effect. Qualitative research was conducted for the purpose. Surveys were performed with a focus on Andrūn Luhāri Gate area as it was the origin of Walled City. Primary data was collected through pictorial documentation of residencies and interviews of the residents of Andrūn Luhāri Gate. The research paper emphasizes the beauty of the connection that was formed between residents and culturally and climatic responsive vernacular architecture of Walled City (Andrūn s̲̲h̲ihr) by providing a logical balance between traditions, culture architecture and urban planning.

The paper suggests that architecture and urban planning are ahead of individuality and use of costly materials. If architecture is produced as a response to culture and climate of a region it will remain connected to the residents and shall sustain for a longer period of time. If the point advocated by the research paper mingles up with contemporary architectural practices it will make architecture and urban design “A regional craft” and that is a way forward.