35 Vol 86,October 2005T raditional Architecture and Planning T echniques in Himachal Pr adesh (Ms) M Jain,Non-memberI Singh,Non-memberDr S C Sharma, Non-memberThis paper highli ghts the evolutio n of traditiona l architecture and settl ement pattern in the hill region of Himacha l Pradesh. The paperdiscusses the art and archite cture which grew out of the man and natural interaction . It discusses the various Archit ectural Styles of templesevolved over a period of time, their const ruction techniques and materia ls used by the people of Himacha l Pradesh. The design and planningconsidera tion in the hills wh ich require extra sensitivity and ca re because of the delicat e nature of terrain and eco-syst em are described. Thepaper suggests that the traditional archit ecture which is the outcome of man's interact ion with nature should not be disturbed. The planningtechniques which have been scientifically proved successful due to difficult terrain and the scientific use of locally available material should beencouraged. Keywords:Tradition al architecture; Settlement pattern; Eco system; Man-natur e interaction; Planning techniques INTRODUCTION The state of Himachal Pradesh has a treasure of traditional architecture. This traditional architecture has stood the test oftime. This art and architecture have mostly grown out of age-old cultural heritage and numerous religious beli efs. It comman ds deep interest and respect as it represents and reveals the many faceted realities of the people living there. The ancient art and architecture of Himachal Pradesh hav e survived in the form of metal sculpture, wood carvings, stone carvings, paintings, traditional residential settlements and temple architecture.The most elementary form of hill architecture is represented by the old temples, which are scattered everywhere all along the mountain slopes and in the valleys. They are of indigenous styles and peculiar to the hills. Preparation of layout plans in hill area for the construction ofdifferent types of buildings, such as housing clusters, commercial complexes, institutional buildings is much more complicated as compared to the preparation of such plans in the plains. Layout planning is complicated due to co nstraints of hilly terrain for construction of buildings and roads beyon d certain degree ofslope. It is further complicated due to the following: Difficulty of getting suitable orientation on the hill slopes. Problems of soil erosion and land slides . Restrictions by the fo rest department .( ban on cutting of the trees). Existence of tall shoddy trees and dense forest area, w hich obstruct the winter sun required for the buildings. Limitatio ns on the height of the building due to earthquake risk. High cost involved in the site development due to the cuttingand the filling process. Non-availability and transportation problems of construction materials. TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENTS The construction of the house or the habitable places usuallystarts near the resources like agricultural land, water etc. Prior to the commencement of construction, due consideration is given to the terrain and the climate (Figure 1). The tradition al house is in the form of a hut, and a hamlet develops when there are more than one hut and a small temple, dedicated to the local deity is gradually added. Thus from a singular struct ure of a hut, a small settlement is developed. The vernacular architecture of hamlets in Himachal Pradesh also varies from region to region, depending upon the climatic factors and the av ailability of local materials. It has been noticed that in the regions, comprising the Kullu valley, Satluj valley and the Ravi valley, a great commonality ofstyles exists (Figure 2). In the Satluj valley region, the typical house consists of stone and timber walls, constructed in what is known as Kath-Konastyle, an indigenou s style of constructio n, in which the walls are made with alternate courses of dry stone masonry and timber without any cementing mortar. Figure 1 Traditional settlements (Ms) M Jain and I Singh are with the Department of Architec ture, National Institute of T echnology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh; and Dr S C Sharma is with Giani Zail Singh College of Engineeri ng and Technology, Bathinda, Himachal Pradesh. This paper was received on May 9, 2005. Written discussion on the paper will be received till Janu ary, 31, 2006.
