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BOOK REVIEW

House From and Culture


AMOS RAPOPORT

According to the author, Amos Rapoport architectural records have always been largely
about monumental architecture, genius designs and not about the environment it is surrounded
by. The author suggests that the monumental structure, genius designers contributes a very
insignificant amount of influences on the built form around it instead the vernacular, folk or
popular architecture has a deeper mark on its environment. So the book focuses the reason
behind the house form which is the main component of the environment. In his opinion in
contradiction to the popular belief the house form is not only a product of physical constraints
but it is rather a product of a collection of various reasons such as culture, and a freedom of
choice etc.
The author points out the study can no way be described as one man point of view. It is the
collection of numerous researchers on this topic and on those related to it. He strives to
generate the meaning of vernacular architecture and its transition throughout the course of his
study. According to him design is not unanimously claimed by architecture, its a melting pot
of socio-cultural, cross cultural, topographical and historical factors.
In the 1
st
chapter The Nature and Definition of Field the author tells us that design
originates from its surroundings and culture. The definition of vernacular architecture is hugely
debated, but we come to the conclusion that it had laid its root in the neighborhood it had
developed in. The design of the habitat should not deviate from the accepted hierarchy in the
settlement. One that can blend in with its surroundings is considered to be acceptable widely.
Design can be analytical over aesthetic values or may be repetitive due to various social
factors. In due course of time we find that vernacular system has evolved and had added
numerous elements to be at par with the modern era. But people opt more for originality
nowadays as a result of which vernacular architecture is losing its true essence.
The author in his 2
nd
chapter Alternative Theories of House Form states that design
has been greatly influenced by climate. Man since time immemorial had been constructing
dwelling to escape the natural calamities. In a way climatology has contributed to the variation
in design which can be best understood by igloos in the North Pole, morocco tents in the
dunes, wooden huts in the tropical forests, etc. He has mentioned about various materials and
framework that are interlinked to create a dwelling. The design also depends on socio-
economic, defense, religion, etc. factors. All these factors along with varied usages gave birth
to the variety in forms of the habitats.



In the 3
rd
chapter Socio-Cultural Factors and House Forms the description is an
elaborate explanation of the title. He emphasizes this as a stronger reason over the previously
mentioned factors that initiate a design. According to him its the reaction of human beings to
external stimuli that affects his dwelling more than physical forces. He has given an insight to
the caste based system in India where houses in a settlement are no more designed on the basis
of mutual interest but are based more on their status in the society. To sum it up the houses are
greatly affected by habitants basic needs, the families living in it and the social interactions.
In the 4
th
chapter Climate as Modifying Factor he recalls the role of climatology as
the reason behind the form of a typology of houses. The micro-climatic factors were an
important reason for human beings to construct shelter for themselves.
The author in the 5
th
chapter Construction Materials and Technology as Modifying
Factors tells us about the importance of various materials and framework that makes up a
building. The lack of proper construction technology can lead to the failure of design even if it
is compatible with the physical forces and social policies. Again this has led to the
improvement of technology construction wise when the materials are not abundantly available.
In the 6
th
and final chapter A Look at the Present the author sums up the
transformation of the various aspects of design and its evolution to what we see in
contemporary times. He pinpoints to the availability of numerous options, which were the
result of solutions in response to the hurdles, as the reason behind the indefinite nature of
design and the gradual decline of the true form of vernacular architecture. In due course of
time the vernacular system had evolved through the various forms of dwelling to create the
modern day society.

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