Evaluation of vernacular housing on sustainability – a case study of weaving settlements of Kushanpuri, Kuisiria and Bhatli village in Bargarh district of Odisha, India
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2044-1266
Article publication date: 28 September 2021
Issue publication date: 23 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The research aims to explore the wisdom, knowledge and practices in vernacular housing settlements with their sustainability underpinnings as tools for modelling rural affordable housing in tropical regions. The study is based on a weaving settlement in Bargarh district of Odisha, which is globally acclaimed for its Ikkat style of weaving.
Design/methodology/approach
A hierarchical framework of sustainability resting on the three pillars of ecological, economical and environmental dimensions is derived from existing theoretical research. This framework of 22 indicators is subsequently assigned to assess the sustainability of the vernacular weavers' settlement through quantitative evaluation. A qualitative assessment through observation and deduction also verifies the result.
Findings
Since the vernacular weavers settlement performs very well on the sustainability scorecard, the paper suggests that its best practices can be incorporated while designing affordable housing so that social, cultural and heritage values are retained and a climate conscious, energy-efficient sustainable approach is ensured.
Practical implications
The recommendations from the assessment has many lessons while framing policies for rural affordable housing as it cannot have one size that fits all settlement typology irrespective of the occupational, climatic and social needs.
Originality/value
The sustainable design and planning principles embedded in this vernacular settlement offers a valuable blueprint to re-imagine the affordable housing in rural areas which can be myopic if it does not take into account the occupational needs and life style of craftsmen dwellers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This research has been funded by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Government of India).
Citation
Panda, S. and Ray, S.S. (2023), "Evaluation of vernacular housing on sustainability – a case study of weaving settlements of Kushanpuri, Kuisiria and Bhatli village in Bargarh district of Odisha, India", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 549-569. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-03-2020-0036
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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