A Related Study Programme (RSP) is an important component of Architectural education at IAPNU. RSPs are focused on documentation of culturally charged spaces, traditional articulations, vernacular dwellings, climatic responses, efficient resource use, societal representations, environmental organisations, local technologies, regional varieties, etc. RSP 2021-22 was conducted in Khadia ward no.-1&2 near Astodia Darwaja in the historic walled city of Ahmedabad, as a response to Ahmedabad walled city being declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Ahmedabad’s timber and masonry based domestic architecture is a unique and exceptional aspect of its heritage. These closely-packed, courtyard typology houses are cultural spaces which have evolved over centuries as per lifestyle of the Gujarati family. All houses follow similar construction system like timber post & beam frame structure, floors projecting onto the street, wooden brackets, wooden door windows, infill masonry walls, floors with wooden joists, elaborately carved wooden façades, etc. giving a harmonious and cohesive character to the entire urban fabric. The courtyard, a central climatic control feature of these dwellings along with timber and brick as construction materials, give year-round comfort to its inhabitants. Rest of the spaces of the house are arranged around or along the court.
2nd year students of IAPNU worked in groups under guidance of their faculty members from November 29 to December 19, 2021 to carry out measure drawings and photographic documentation of above mentioned traditional house form of Khadia ward-1&2 in and around Pakhali ni pol, Jadabhai ni pol, Khara Kua ni pol, Shamla ni pol, Aka Sheth Kua ni pol, Upali Sheri, Nichali Sheri, Wad ni pol, Kanchwado, Pipardi ni pol, Lamba Pada ni pol, Bado Pol, etc.
