Field Atelier
- Vol.86(11), Nov
- Mumbai Indian Institute of Architects 2021
- 72-75p.
The studio is based in Goa, India which experiences tropical climate with monsoons for over six months. The architecture is influenced by it, but not restrained: some horizons have the sea and some the mountains. Most of the houses are built in locally available laterite stone with cement or lime mortar. The need for beauty in architecture along with serving practical purposes is deep rooted in our conscience. As one walks the village streets one comes across houses with front verandahs- a space that lends a feeling of invitation in the minds of the passerby. A verandah is one of the most important inventions for a Goan house or for a similar climate. It protects the walls of the house from the harsh monsoon and yet allows one to enjoy the rains. While observing vernacular architecture or architecture of the past one learns that the vernacular builders had a profound understanding of climate and the built form evolved to adapt to the climate of the place. For us, this is the essence of ‘technology’ which comes from the native knowledge and the wisdom of construction.