Vernacular architecture refers to traditional Indian practices and materials used in building traditional buildings. It varies across regions and is influenced by indigenous tribes, languages, and culture. Notable figures include Laurie Baker, Charles Correa, and Hafeez Contractor.
Gujrat's vernacular architecture, primarily made of wood, is intriguing due to its unique blend of dry and semi-arid climates. The region's diverse architecture styles, influenced by local materials and water sources, vary from stone and mud to woodwork, highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage.
Kutchi architecture, a variant of Gujrat's vernacular style, features carved wooden facades, bright interiors, and geometric designs. Bhungas, circular mud huts with conical thatched roofs, provide natural insulation and are made of clay, bamboo, and timber.
Ahmedabad's urban Gujrat features 'Pol Houses', clustered, centuries-old neighborhoods with narrow streets, unique entry gates, and carved wooden facades. These multi-storied houses, made of brick and mortar, have an internal courtyard.
Gujrat's vernacular architecture distinguishes bourgeois and proletariat, while upper class families reside in 'Havelis', blending European, Indian, and Islamic influences, adorned with intricate wooden carvings and colorful frescoes.