Vernacular Havelies of Bikaner: Indigenous Method for Thermal Comfort

Abstract

Vernacular architecture based on bioclimatic concepts was developed and used through the centuries by many civilizations across the world. Bikaner is a non-river basin settlement in the hot and dry climatic zone of India and cooling of indoor spaces is the single main agenda for habitation design as the temperature is very harsh throughout the year. The vernacular architecture of the Bikaner Haveli’s has provided a comfortable shelter against the harsh climatic conditions of the region and has survived for many decades. Physical analysis of the Haveli’s provide with substantial data on their thermally comfortable design. The indigenous approach of its inhabitants for achieving comfort in these harsh climatic conditions is an exciting study area. Acclimatization plays a vital role in the perception of thermal comfort, and the younger generation does not perceive the same situation as comfortable as their parents and the natives of the land due to behavioural change. Bikaner have many Havelis dating over 250 years old, and these are master examples of vernacular architecture built by the indigenous community in response to the geographical location, climatic condition, and emerging from their cultural needs. The objective of the research is to understand indigenous cooling systems employed by the people and how they work. The process of physiological adjustment that takes place when subjected to stressful situations. The results show that the natural and passive design systems provide a comfortable indoor environment irrespective of the outdoor climatic variation. Is it more useful to re-introduces the native ways of lifestyle practices rather than adapting to global ways of living. In the paper, an attempt to bring forth the climate responsiveness, appropriateness and the adaptive lifestyle of the inhabitants of the vernacular Havelis of Bikaner.