Prerana Vasisht
Introduction: Why Our Future Needs Our Past
India’s construction legacy is rooted in centuries of lived experience—wisdom passed
through generations in the form of homes that breathe, adapt, and stand resilient
against time. From the earthen homes of the Deccan to the stone masonry of the
Himalayas, our architectural traditions have always responded to their environment
with intuition and balance.
Yet, in the race to modernize, these practices are being edged out. Urban skylines now
reflect glass facades and concrete grids, often ill-suited to the local climate and
resource reality. What’s worse, our building policies reinforce this disconnect by
favouring mass-produced materials and industrialized methods.
This post reflects on a key challenge I intend to explore through research: the gap
between policy and practice. It asks an urgent question—can we truly achieve
sustainability if our codes and guidelines ignore time-tested, low-impact ways of
building?
The Disconnect: When Policy Overlooks Proven Practice
Across the country, architects and community builders are rediscovering traditional,
locally-adapted construction techniques. From passive cooling in desert dwellings to
flood-resilient bamboo structures in the northeast, these methods are not relics—
they’re solutions. They use fewer resources, require minimal processing, and can be
built and maintained by local craftspeople.
However, these approaches rarely receive formal approval in mainstream projects. Our
regulatory system—particularly the National Building Code (NBC)—tends to favour
materials and methods developed in or adapted from Western contexts. While there’s
nothing wrong with innovation, ignoring native intelligence is a missed opportunity for
context-aware construction.
Through my project, “Identifying the Gap: Between Existing Building Codes &
Construction Policy and Practice for Sustainable Development,” I intend to examine
how this regulatory oversight disincentivizes sustainable, local solutions. The result? A
built environment that’s increasingly misaligned with both ecological needs and cultural
context.
Why Vernacular Construction Matters
Built by the Climate, for the Climate
Traditional construction methods are deeply tuned to the regions they emerge from. In
Kerala, sloped tile roofs shed monsoon rains efficiently. In Rajasthan, thick earthen
walls keep interiors cool despite scorching summers. These aren’t aesthetic choices—
they’re environmental adaptations.
Material Efficiency Without Sacrifice
Many vernacular techniques use natural, renewable, and often recycled materials.
Whether it’s bamboo, thatch, stone, or compressed mud blocks, these resources are
typically sourced locally—cutting down the embodied energy associated with
transportation and manufacturing.
Social and Cultural Continuity
Beyond their functional value, these practices also sustain local economies and
preserve cultural identity. Traditional building isn’t just about physical shelter; it’s about
continuity of language, community, and tradition. Supporting these methods supports
livelihoods.
Resilience and Adaptability
Vernacular systems often evolve in response to risk—be it earthquakes, cyclones, or
water scarcity. For instance, the use of stilted construction in flood-prone areas of
Assam shows how local knowledge systems account for and adapt to environmental
hazards—something many modern buildings fail to do.
The Challenges We Need to Confront
While the benefits are undeniable, the barriers are systemic:
National and state-level policies don’t provide a structured space for alternative
construction methods. With compliance often tied to formal standards, many
sustainable projects are left in limbo, or worse, penalized.
Because traditional methods haven’t always been formally documented, they are
treated as “unscientific.” This deters developers and institutions from adopting them,
even when they’re proven effective on the ground. However, there has been some
change in this perspective in the recent years, but there is still a long road ahead.
- Little or No Institutional Support
There’s minimal funding for research on indigenous materials or techniques. Vocational
training rarely includes vernacular methods. As a result, fewer young professionals are
exposed to them, and the generational transfer of knowledge is at risk.
- Urban Aspirations and Perception Gaps
Culturally, there’s also a perception issue—vernacular materials are often seen as
symbols of poverty or backwardness, rather than as smart, climate-resilient choices.
We need a shift in how society views traditional architecture—not as a step back, but as
a leap toward smarter sustainability.
A Way Forward: Toward Smarter, Inclusive Policy
The way we build can either accelerate environmental degradation or help reverse it. To
align construction practices with our sustainability goals, our policies need to evolve.
Here’s what can help:
Policy Reform with Flexibility
India’s building codes must be revised to allow more room for contextual decision-making. Regional appendices to the NBC, for example, could detail guidelines that validate traditional systems for specific climates.
Knowledge Transfer and Research
Establishing centres for regional building traditions, funding interdisciplinary research,
and updating architectural curricula can help rebuild the knowledge base that’s slowly
being lost.
Incentives and Access
Offering financial support—whether through subsidies, low-interest loans, or faster
clearances—for projects that adopt regionally appropriate techniques can drive
meaningful change at scale.
Public Engagement and Demonstration
Model buildings, community workshops, and digital storytelling can make these ideas
more accessible. When people see the beauty and functionality of traditional practices,
perceptions can shift.
Conclusion: Building a Future That’s Rooted, Not Rigid
We don’t need to look far for solutions—we just need to look closely at what’s already
around us. Indigenous building practices offer a roadmap to resilience, not only
environmentally but socially and economically.
The future of construction in India doesn’t have to be a choice between tradition and
technology. It can be both. But for that to happen, our policies must be as responsive
and grounded as the materials we hope to promote.
Let’s bridge the gap—not just in our codes, but in our mindsets.
About the contributor: Prerana Vasisht is an architect with experience in sustainable and earthen construction. She completed her B.Arch from REVA University in 2022 and has worked extensively in the field of natural building technique. She has been involved in designing and executing projects that focus on eco-friendly materials and alternative construction methods. She is a fellow of EPAYF 2.0 – Environment Policy and Action Youth Fellowship, Cohort 2.0.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI:
Ministry of Culture: Preserving Heritage, Promoting Identity
PM e-Vidya: Digital Education for Inclusive Learning 2020
Acknowledgement: This article was posted by Khushboo Dandona, a research intern at IMPRI.
