Identification of archetypical vernacular architectural form of Bengal

Abstract

The architecture of Bengal produced a distinct regional identity which was influenced by Geoclimatic, political, social, religious and cultural characteristics as well as the material and environment of this region. All of these influences have unfolded a type of architectural style which has roots both native and vernacular. In order to provide better architectural response for the future, it was essential to look back on examples that have passed the test of time and provide clue to inherent qualities of traditional Bengal architecture. During this discourse the study tend to refer to various architectural form as traditional vernacular form but without concrete evidence that uniquely belongs to Bengal. The question, therefore, was what and which one is Bengal’s archetypical vernacular architectural form? In Bengal, like any other part of the world, traditional architecture showed its sustainability resilience by their harmonic balance with the surrounding society and environment. With its specific character of forms and spatial relationships, these traditional built forms hold the heritage of the country’s long history and traditions. The history, which is taught in making local architects accept as reference for practice, seeks a basic form identified as the origin of architecture in Bengal. The assumption behind any historical approach is that one can learn from the past; the study of the past is of value philosophically as well as in making us aware of the complexity and overlapping of interventions. This study here forth begins with the point that history of establishment of human institution in the deltaic region in Bengal that can be understood by revealing the relation among human instinct, environment and built form. Vernacular architecture is also subject to change over time. The past studies of vernacular architecture form mostly are confined to the historical point of view and generally attached great importance to the most basic project studies which including but not limited to conducting massive surveys, collecting historical data and mapping. As a consequence, a large number of valuable data and experience was accumulated and turned into the essential conditions of research on archetypical vernacular architecture form through the critical literature reviewing, progressive archaeological excavation and by the referencing of historic pictographic information. However, in order to have a more focused study and cater to living demands and emotional appeal of modern residents, besides architecture, research methods and theoretical system of other disciplines were used for reference, and also new perspectives were formed to understand and study the spatial form and reconstructing technology of vernacular architecture. The cross connection and mutual complementation of Architecture and other modern science fields, such as Humanistic Geography, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology and contextual study has opened up new discipline research directions. This has provided a lens to look back to Bengal architecture to decipher archetypal form. The study attempted to trace back the archetypical vernacular architectural forms in Bengal that is instrumental in generating all the types of architectural built form in various scales. The analysis in this research is an attempt to learn from the past, understand the present and chart directions for design for a better future. Basic archetypical architecture of Bengal has components like a plinth above flood level, openness, ventilation, rain repelling wall and roof all employing locally available materials. From a simple shelter in the flood plain with responsive Bhita (site), Bera (wall/enclosure), Chala (Roof) and Uthan (Courtyard) an archetype evolved in the Bengal delta. This archetype has evolved in to various forms in response to technical, social and cultural interventions and needs from time to time. This archetypal form shows clue to all the sustainable architectural forms that has evolved in this region.