Architecture without architects: Eavesdropping into the Reang House’s dialogue with its environment

Abstract

‘Vernacular Architecture’, according to Kingston Heath, represents a localized response to broad cultural systems, historical events, and environmentally determined regional forces, in short, an observable condition of dynamic cultural and environmental change and accommodation expressed in built form, whereby simultaneous identities exist (Heath 210). True to this spirit of a dialogue with the environment, it can also be defined as built form, or building techniques, that are distinctly indigenous, arise out of need and are driven primarily by materiality. The North-East of India, in particular Tripura, has a distinct cultural identity that also translates into its architectural style. Tribal architecture is highly risk resistant, bio-climatically sustainable and culturally relevant to the region. It is also very unique in its approach to overcome the site-specific restrictions that it is prone to. The social, cultural and ethnic significance that this style carries helps to define the architectural heritage of a region whose rich building traditions have not yet been investigated enough. This paper aims to look at an indigenous housing typology of Tripura- the Reang House, investigate it through the parameters pre-established for “Vernacular” architecture and dissect the socio-cultural implications of the same. The typology is examined through the lens of building climatology, technique, materiality, regional and social context, and cultural significance. The aim of this investigation is to again, define the typology and its relevance, given the region it is born out of and largely represents.