Have you ever noticed how the design of houses changes completely across different parts of India? While some regions feature small windows and flat roofs, others have large openings and sloped roofs. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, architectural styles vary significantly. What is the reason behind this? Renowned architect Sanjay Puri discussed these fascinating details in a podcast.
Architecture Shaped by Climate and Weather
Sanjay Puri explained that home designs evolve according to the regional climate. In Rajasthan, flat roofs serve crucial daily household purposes and handle intense heat. In contrast, heavy rainfall in regions like Goa and Kerala demands sloped roofs. Meanwhile, cities like Delhi require a balance of extreme summers and winters, dictating specific apartment and house orientations.
He noted that aesthetics must go hand in hand with environmental adaptability. While certain basic parameters like courtyard planning might remain similar in hot regions, distinct structural changes are mandatory depending on local geographical challenges.
From Flat Roofs in Deserts to Slopes in Snow
Explaining regional roofing, Puri stated that Rajasthan's flat roofs are utilized for various chores like drying grains and sun-drying items. However, implementing the same flat design in high-rainfall zones would lead to waterlogging and leakage.
Similarly, Goa, Kerala, and mountainous regions like Kashmir rely on sloped roofs. While coastal regions use them to drain heavy monsoon water efficiently, Kashmir utilizes slopes to slide off accumulated winter snow easily, preventing structural damage.
Balancing Seasons in Capital Delhi
The National Capital Region faces extreme weather patterns, experiencing both freezing winters and scorching summers. Consequently, modern home layouts here are strategically oriented. Southern sunlight warms homes during winters, while northern-facing windows prevent harsh direct sunlight during peak summers.
This report is based on architectural insights shared by expert Sanjay Puri in a public podcast discussing regional Indian housing design. Credit: Respective Podcast / Creator.
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