RANGANATHAN ARCHITECTURE COLLEGE
COURSE CODE : AR6007 YEAR / SEM : III / VI
COURSE TITLE : VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE ACADEMIC YEAR : 2018 - 19
QUESTION BANK
UNIT-I INTRODUCTION
PART-A
1. What is the significance of Vernacular architecture?
2. Define vernacular architecture.
PART-B
1. “Vernacular Architecture is people’s architecture” – Justify with an example.
2. How do you establish a building as a Vernacular building?
3. Explain in detail Kuccha and Pucca architecture with relevant examples from Indian vernacular architecture. Sketch
neatly.
4. “Vernacular architecture is a process and not a product”. Explain in detail.
5. Discuss in detail on cultural and contextual responsiveness of vernacular architecture.
6. Explain the various methodologies in the study of vernacular architecture.
7. What are the surveys and studies used in Vernacular architecture? Explain in detail with sketches.
UNIT-II APPROACHES AND CONCEPTS
PART-A
1. Define Architectural anthropology.
2. What is the concept of vernacular architecture?
3. What are the two approaches in the study of vernacular architecture?
4. Write the broad typologies of vernacular buildings.
5. Classify vernacular style in architecture.
6. Name any two pioneers of vernacular architecture.
7. List the factors that influence Vernacular architecture.
8. What are two generative factors of vernacular architecture?
9. Briefly explain symbolism.
10. Briefly explain spatial planning.
11. Mention the importance of color in vernacular architecture.
PART-B
1. Discuss the various approaches and methodologies in the study of vernacular architecture in detail.
2. Explain the importance of aesthetic dimensions in vernacular architecture. Illustrate with examples.
3. What is meant by “aesthetic”? Outline the aesthetical approach to the study of vernacular architecture.
4. Highlight the importance of Anthropology in the study of vernacular architecture?
5. How does “Amos Rapoport” bring out the relevance of anthropology in his book “House, Form and Culture”?
6. “Decoration of functional elements in a vernacular building was a symbol of social and economic status”. Illustrate
through examples.
7. Elaborate in detail on the various concepts to the study of vernacular architecture of a place.
Ar.Rajarajeswari
UNIT-III VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN REGIONS OF INDIA
PART-A
1. Why timber was used in the Kutch region houses?
2. What are house boats?
3. How are walls constructed in Rajasthan using traditional method?
4. What are the salient features of house boat in Kashmir?
5. Write any four folk art forms of India.
6. Discuss the salient features of a Haveli.
7. How did the climate influence the settlement pattern in Rajasthan?
8. List the different types of floating shelters found in Kashmir valley.
9. Give four examples for Havelis.
10. Differentiate between boat houses and house boats.
11. Sketch any two construction techniques used for vernacular style architecture.
12. List the building materials used for vernacular style architecture.
13. What is a zoon dub? Outline its purpose.
PART-B
1. Bring out the characteristic features of Havelis reflecting the local culture and tradition.
2. Enumerate the influences that lead to Bohra Muslim houses.
3. How did culture and context influence the vernacular architecture of Kashmir? Explain in detail with sketches.
4. Explain in detail the construction techniques and building materials used in vernacular architecture with sketches.
5. Illustrate with sketches the construction techniques, planning and layout of the traditional Bhunga houses in Gujarat.
6. Illustrate with sketches the architecture of Havelis of Rajasthan with an example.
7. “Conception of space starts with a single cell”. Illustrate with examples from vernacular architecture of Rajasthan.
8. Briefly outline the evolution and development of “kadki” in urban vernacular dwelling of North Gujarat region.
Illustrate with sketches.
9. How did culture and context influence the vernacular architecture of Rajasthan? Explain in detail with sketches.
10. Explain the construction techniques and building materials used in Wooden Houses and Mansions of Gujarat.
UNIT-IV VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF SOUTHINDIA
PART-A
1. Name any two examples of Vernacular settlements in Kerala.
2. Give an example of a proportioning system used in a Vernacular building.
3. What is a Koothambalam?
4. List any four major salient features of Agraharam house.
5. Write any four building materials used for vernacular style architecture prevalent in Kerala.
6. Outline any four characteristic features of vernacular styles prevalent in Tamil Nadu.
7. Outline any four characteristic features of vernacular styles prevalent in Kerala.
8. Sketch any two construction techniques used for vernacular style architecture.
9. List the building materials used for vernacular style architecture in south India.
10. Explain “Nalukettu” planning principles.
PART-B
1. Discuss the role of economy, color, symbolism and materials in the Chettinad architecture.
2. What factors influence the vernacular architecture of Tamil Nadu when compared to Explain in detail with sketches?
Ar.Rajarajeswari
3. Briefly discuss with sketches about the planning principles and proportioning systems used in Padmanabhapuram
palace.
4. Sketch and explain in detail the spatial configuration and architectural features of a typical Namboothiri illam.
5. Briefly discuss with sketches about the planning principles used in Chettinad buildings.
6. What is the spatial organization in a Chettinadu dwelling? How did the social structure influence its planning?
Illustrate the manifestations of proportions in the design of built form.
7. Outline the evolution of Kerala vernacular architecture.
8. Highlight the salient features and construction details of dance theatres in Kerala.
UNIT-V WESTERN INFLUENCES ON VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA
PART-A
1. Sketch a typical housing typology at Cochin.
2. Write the significance of traditional fishing nets of Cochin.
3. Name any two house typologies influenced by Western architecture.
4. Name the different typologies of Houses found in old Pondicherry settlement.
5. Outline any four Colonial influences on the Tradition Goan house.
6. Differentiate between traditional Bangla and Victorian villa.
7. Sketch a typical French house at Pondicherry.
8. What is a “Bangla”?
9. Mention any two salient features of Jewish settlement.
10. Sketch any two construction techniques used for vernacular style architecture.
11. List the building materials used for vernacular style architecture.
12. What are the factors that influence a settlement pattern?
13. Sketch any two types of settlement patterns observed in a rural settlement.
PART-B
1. Why is Pondicherry diverse as a settlement?
2. Compare and discuss on the settlement pattern and house typologies in Pondicherry and Cochin with sketches.
3. Outline the planning principles materials and methods of construction used in Victoria villas with sketches.
4. What are the cultural and contextual determinants of the settlements and dwelling units in Fort Cochin and
Matanchery?
5. Trace the evolution of the building typology Bungalow from traditional Bangla with neat sketches and explain the
spatial configuration and architectural features of a typical Bungalow.
6. Elaborate on the colonial influences of vernacular architecture in India. Discuss briefly on the characteristics of an
“Anglo-Indian Bungalow”.
7. Outline the morphology of the French Colonial settlement at Pondicherry. Highlight the salient features of a typical
Franco-Tamil Dwelling.
8. Write brief note on Settlement pattern and house typologies in Cochin with sketches.
9. Differentiate the planning principles used in French houses and Tamil Nadu houses in Pondicherry with sketches.
Ar.Rajarajeswari
