Anand Achari
Dr. Prof. Anand Achari is Principal at VES College of Architecture, Mumbai
Exploring ancient architectural design and construction practices offers a wealth of inspiration for designing sustainable buildings for the modern world. Cross-pollination of knowledge from the past and present is crucial
In the relentless pursuit of modernisation and innovation, we often overlook time-honoured wisdom of the past. On the subject of sustainability in architecture, a concept many believe to be a recent development, there’s a wealth of knowledge to be derived from ancient civilisations. Earliest societies, with limited access to modern resources, developed ingenious techniques to enable people to live in harmony with their environments. By revisiting these techniques, we can unlock valuable insights for constructing sustainable buildings for the modern world.
One of the hallmarks of sustainable architecture is Bioclimatic Architecture, which emphasises designing buildings to respond to the specific climatic conditions of their location. Earliest architects were intuitive practitioners of this approach. They utilised building orientation, layout, and materials strategically to maximise comfort and minimise energy usage. For instance, dwellings in hot, arid climates often featured small windows on sun-facing sides and larger openings on north facades to provide natural ventilation. Conversely, buildings in colder climes preferred south-facing windows to capture solar heat gain. The good news is that contemporary architects are embracing ancient bioclimatic design principles with renewed interest.
Another nostrum of sustainable design is to minimise reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Passive heating and cooling strategies through careful building orientation, and use of natural materials are making a comeback in sustainable architecture. They mandate thick walls made of materials with high thermal mass to absorb and release heat slowly, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures through the year. Courtyards, a traditional feature of many ancient cultures, played a crucial role in passive cooling. Strategically placed courtyards provided shade, channelled cool breezes, and facilitated natural ventilation.
Windcatchers, iconic towers in traditional Persian architecture, are another ingenious example. These structures captured prevailing winds, directing cool air into buildings while simultaneously enhancing air circulation. Modern architects are incorporating these principles into their designs, using careful building orientation, strategically placed windows, and light shelves to maximise natural light and ventilation while minimising reliance on mechanical energy sources.
Ancient architects were acutely aware of the importance of local and natural materials. Readily available resources such as stone, wood, and earth, reduce costs of transportation and environmental imbalance. Techniques such as rammed earth construction, extensively used in the Great Wall of China, involved compacting local earth into walls, creating structures with exceptional thermal mass. This mass absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, naturally regulating indoor temperatures — a passive heating and cooling solution that has become important today. Similarly, cob — a mixture of clay, sand, water, and straw — was used to create durable and energy-efficient dwellings.
Beyond bioclimatic design, ancient civilisations also excelled in water management, a critical aspect of sustainable design today. Stepwells of Rajasthan and Gujarat are prime examples. These elaborate structures with descending stairs leading to deep underground water sources not only provided access to fresh water but also served as cool community spaces during hot summers. Cisterns, used for rainwater harvesting, were another feature of the age old practice of water management. Avante garde latter day architects are integrating these practices into sustainable design, rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and water-efficient landscaping to reduce reliance on piped water supply.
The utility of sustainable design goes beyond materials and energy efficiency. It also encompasses designing and constructing adaptable and resilient buildings. Several ancient civilisations excelled in this area as well. They featured movable partitions and modular construction allowing for flexible layouts that could be adjusted to changing needs. Vernacular architecture, specific to particular regions and climates, also embodied the principle of adaptability. Ancient architects mastered sustainable design by balancing the pancha mahabhuta (five elements of nature) through mindful usage of local materials (earth) and rainwater harvesting (water), which reduced environmental impact. Smart layouts with natural ventilation (air) and thermal mass materials (fire) minimised energy needs, while efficient use of space maximised natural light and airflow.
Exploring classical design and construction practices offers a wealth of inspiration for modern, sustainable buildings. By combining knowledge of the past with modern technology and innovation, we can design buildings that are not only energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly but also comfortable, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing. Cross-pollination of knowledge from the past and present is crucial as we strive to build a more sustainable future for our endangered planet.
