VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE, KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

The Event was organized by Department of Civil Engineering in association with the Career Development Cell and Industry Institute Partnership Cell having Er. S. Keerthana Proprietor Dhiran and Associates, Coimbatore. She explained clearly about the trends and importance of Vernacular Architecture with suitable case studies.  Vernacular architecture is building done outside any academic tradition, and without professional guidance. This category encompasses a wide range and variety of building types, with differing methods of construction, from around the world, both historical and extant, representing the majority of buildings and settlements created in pre-industrial societies. Vernacular architecture tends to be overlooked in traditional histories of design. It is not a stylistic description, much less one specific style, so it cannot be summarized in terms of easy-to-understand patterns, characteristics, materials, or elements. She had also discussed that Vernacular architecture is affected by social issues, as the owners of traditional buildings are usually more interested in comfort, functionality, and maintenance than in aesthetic. Vernacular houses are not always adapted to present-day needs, and, therefore, their preservation is currently a serious challenge. The local environment and the construction materials it can provide, govern many aspects of vernacular architecture. Areas rich in trees will develop a wooden vernacular, while areas without much wood may use mud or stone. This event enhanced the knowledge of Civil Engineering students and will help to upgrade themselves. Resource person also clarified the doubts raised by the students and interacted with them. Totally 6 faculty members and 126 students attended and were benefitted from the programme.