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[THEMATIC REPORT] GREEN ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

by CHARU SMITA | 11-04-2021 17:37





We have seen a tremendous decline in architecture conditions and quality over the past few decades. While this is no news, it is also something that cannot go unnoticed by our eyes. The private industrial sector have been corrupted in terms of architecture: using cheap materials while promising the best and earning huge profits. These materials can harm, not only the enviornment but also the buildings. As they wear down in a short period of time, the industrialist can redesign it, and hence, a vicious cycle is run by these capitalists. Note that demolishing a building at a particular place over and over again in a short period of time, will not only harm its surrounding but also increase pollution, fine dust level and in turn global warming. It is these corrupted ideologies that act as a barrier between India and green architecture. 

Post mail officers did not create G-mail, candle makers did not create bulbs. We need an external source to promote green architecture in India. So what can be this external source? The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), formed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in 2001, is the leading green building movement in India. It introduces a building which uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building. Government is also making concepts like rainwater harvesting mandatory among others. The effects of global warming are adverse: drastic temperature variations, drought situation, and floods, to name a few. Need of the hour is to mandate the usage of eco-friendly building material that could unburden the atmosphere from harmful gases.

According to the Council of Architecture, green building materials that are gaining in popularity in India are

  • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), engineered wood, and even straw bales for a strong and sustainable building structure.
  • Cellulose, cotton, wool, polyurethane, polystyrene and isocyanurate for insulation.
  • Steel, slate/stone, composites made from plastic and rubber for roofing.
  • Natural clay plaster; paints, stains and coating with low or no volatile organic compound; natural fibre flooring made of wool, cotton, bamboo, cork; and paperless drywall for internal finishing.
But the Council not only tells us about the importance of Green architecture, but also the past that revolves around it. Concept such as Green building is not new to the world, however, has grown popular in the last few years. A perfect example of this is the ancient 'Hawa-Mahal', a historical monument. It is part of the Indian state, Jaipur's tourism. Although construction of the structure dates back to 1799, it is a ¡®Green Building¡¯ as temperature inside the monument is relatively low from the surroundings outside. The cooling effect created by presence of small perforations in the facade of the building is an example of clever architecture in a hot and humid country like India. These monuments popularize the topic of green building in India. While it is popularly known as 'The palace of Wind'. I hope that the new generation not only knows it by its beauty, but also its popular green design and the reason behind its name.