A Critical Evaluation of Thermal Performance of Traditional Built Forms of South West Bengal

DOI: 10.5176/2301-394X_ACE14.93

Authors: G.M. Alapure, Dr. Abraham George, Dr. S. P. Bhattacharya

Abstract:

Energy crisis, Carbon emission and Global Warming are the major contemporary challenges. Energy demands are soaring high. Building sector accounts for more than 50{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of total energy consumption. While modern residential built forms consume tremendous embodied and recurring energy; traditional built forms are by and large climate responsive. Although traditional technologies and methods might not give a classy and flashy architecture; they have a huge reserve of traditional wisdom to achieve sustainability. Thermal performance of traditional built forms shows positive results. Current research considers the traditional mud houses of South West Bengal for conducting critical evaluation of their thermal performance. The physical characteristics, material usage and local climate are considered for thermal performance evaluation. Thermal performance of traditional buildings against modern buildings is used for comparative studies. Mathematical modeling, comparative studies and results of the critical evaluation are presented. Further, the acceptability of such built forms and technologies and appropriate alternatives are also brought forth.

Keywords: Alternative technology; Thermal performance; Traditional built forms; Modern buildings