TRADITIONAL INDIAN SPACES

QUESTION BANK
UNIT I; PRINCIPLES & FUNCTIONS OF INDIAN SPACES
PART-A
1. Briefly explain the reasons to study and understand 'traditional
indian spaces'.
2. Explain vernacular architecture
3. Does a Vernacular element in architecture evolve based on the
context? Substantiate your answer and construct a justification for
the same, with necessary situations, illustrations & examples.
4. Brief shastras behind space planning in india.
5. How does a vernacular style get its unique identity?
6. Explain with sketches 1 vernacular element that withstands various
climatic conditions in a vernacular house.
7. Explain with sketches 1 vernacular element that withstands various
climatic conditions in a temple.
8. Explain with sketches 1 vernacular space that is an output of a
cultural setting in a vernacular house.
9. Explain with sketches 1 vernacular space that is an output of a
cultural setting in a mosque.
10.
Brief the significance of horizontal Vernacular element with 5
factors.
11.
Give brief accounts on the spatial role of columns in
vernacular architecture with examples.
12.
Give brief accounts on the spatial role of doors in vernacular
architecture with examples.
13.
What are the attributes of roof in traditional Indian spaces?
Give necessary examples.
PART-B
1. Is it really necessary to study and understand the traditional indian
spaces, in these advanced times? Structure a subjective argument
and construct a justification for the same, with necessary situations,
illustrations & examples.
2. Choose a geographical region and give detailed accounts of the
prevalent vernacular architecture. Substantiate a critical view on the
architectural features and the underlying conditions which evolved
the uniqueness.
3. Explain in detail a Vernacular Architecture Style with a case of
Vernacular typology w.r.t its planning, spaces and spatial elements.
Give detailed report on vernacular elements of the chosen building
w.r.t its climatic, geographic and cultural settings & your
understanding of Indian aesthetics and its reflection in its
Architecture.

4. Explain in detail a case of a Temple w.r.t its planning, spaces and

spatial elements. Give detailed report on vernacular elements of the
temple & your understanding of Indian aesthetics and its reflection
in its Architecture.
5. With the case as CHETTINAD give detailed accounts on its context,
town planning concepts, spatial planning, and water conservation
techniques. Explain the reflections of all the above w.r.t. vernacular
elements and spatial narratives.
UNIT II; SPACE ARTICULATION & INDIAN AESTHETICS
PART-A
1. Explain your understanding on Indian Aesthetics
2. How does Indian Aesthetics stay unique as compared to other
Aesthetic ideologies?
3. Explain the part-whole relationship briefly w.r.t indian context.
4. What does the term 'Kinesthetics' mean?
5. Give only sketches on the reflection of Indian Aesthetic ideology in
spaces and architectural elements.
6. Explain 2 material finishes from select cases of vernacular houses,
with necessary sketches.
7. Give accounts of your aesthetic response to an Indian vernacular
element, with necessary sketches.
8. Give accounts of your aesthetic response to an Indian vernacular
space, with necessary sketches.
9. Are ideologies of Indian Aesthetics expressed in everyday life?
Narrate with specific cases.
10.
Does time play a major role in experiencing spatial aesthetics
in Indian context?
11.
Opposites as Counterpoints Explain with examples.
12.
Does visual and Physical axis remain the same in Indian
context? Substantiate with temple as example.
13.
Explain how TRADITION keeps the History, Architecture and
Aesthetics alive even after passage of many centuries.
14.
What is the role of Semiotics in Indian Aesthetics and its
spatial reflections?
15.
Explain the significance of THRESHOLDS in Indian spaces with
examples.
PART-B
1. Explain in detail the alchemy of time over space w.r.t traditional
indian architecture and the beliefs & understanding which guided it.
Give cultural & spatial examples wherever necessary.
2. Express your understandings on 'Duality of Existence' with
necessary illustrations & examples, in detail.

3. Give detailed accounts on how day to day activities carried out in a

select case of a vernacular house reflect Indian Aesthetics.
4. Give detailed accounts on KINESTHETICS an Aesthetic Experience
with a case of a temple and its spatial narratives. Substantiate with
necessary diagrams and sketches.
5. Give detailed accounts on KINESTHETICS an Aesthetic Experience
and spatial narrative with a case of any traditional housing typology.
Substantiate with necessary diagrams and sketches.
UNIT III; SPACE AND ENERGY
PART-A
1.
2.
3.
4.

What do you understand by the term energy in space?

Discuss about the energy in space in temples.
What is the significance of water in and around a temple location?
Is site selection important in the case of a temple? Defend your
explanation.
5. Explain the concept of Energy Fields in Temple Architecture.
6. list few authors who have discussed about space and energy
7. What is the significance of Idol worship and the energy fields in a
temple?
8. Explain the role of five elements in the daily rituals carried out in a
temple.
9. List a few elements that are designed to trap more energy in a
temple complex.
10.
How important are measurements in Temple architecture?
11.
Explain about the mandalas and its significance in temple
design.
PART-B

1. Energy in space explain this statement in detail with a particular

temple as an example.
2. What are factors that are taken into consideration, before designing
a temple from site selection till completion of the building? Give
detail accounts on the same.
3. A Temple is more than a building Give your subjective
expressions and explanations on the given quote.
4. Explain how the traditions and rituals followed in temples emanate
positive energy to its visitors.

UNIT IV; RESEARCH WORK ON INDIAN INTERIORS

PART-A
1. What is the generic need for research in any specialisation?
2. Brief on the scope of research in the area of Interior Architecture.
3. What is the significance of research in traditional Indian spaces (Esp.
Interiors)?
4. Brief the 2 broad types of analysis(Qualitative & Quantitative) in
research with necessary explanations.
5. List the scope of Computer advancements in the field of Generic
Research.
6. List the scope of Computer advancements in the field of Research,
specific to Traditional buildings.
7. Briefly list the various areas of research discussed by researcher in
the fields related to Traditional buildings & Interiors.
8. Briefly list and explain the Quantitative analysis methods in
Traditional buildings & Interiors.
9. Briefly list and explain the Qualitative analysis methods in
Traditional buildings & Interiors.
10.
What could be the possible outcome of research in Traditional
buildings (Esp. Interiors)?

PART-B
1. Write detailed accounts on the various areas of research discussed
by researcher in the fields related to Traditional buildings with
examples and sketches supporting your arguments.
2. Give detailed explanations on the Quantitative analysis methods in
Traditional buildings, specific to example of your chosen typology.
3. Give detailed explanations on the Qualitative analysis methods in
Traditional buildings, specific to example of your chosen typology.
4. Write an argument in detail supporting the need for Documentation,
Research, Research Outcomes and Outcome oriented Proposal for
Traditional buildings & Interiors with a specific Geographic region
and for a specific typology in that region. How could the Proposals
be brought to action?