Documentation and conservation of vernacular architecture: conservation and continuity

Abstract

Vernacular architecture is the expression of our ethnicity. India is a land of immigrants, and this is a reason for the vitality and the richness of our culture. There is need for continuity so that principles of coherence inform the practice of conservation, which in recent times has led to making ‘heritage’ a marketable commodity. To develop an effective documentation practice it is necessary to promote a conservation ethos which is based on a knowledge base rather than marketing techniques. The most lasting and visible examples of our culture are the buildings which survive our mortal selves. The production and maintenance of built environment is a fundamental human activity which offers an opportunity to engage with culture in a comprehensive manner. The paper describes an exercise to conserve the building culture of the Kangra valley as a case in point.

Keywords:

• Ethnicity
• Continuity
• Conservation
• Built environment
• Community
• Evidence