Reviving The Wisdom of the Past | How Can Traditional Techniques Help Save the Planet?

The history of mankind has provided us with plenty of solutions for today's problems, and passive design in India is one such technique that has stood the test of time.

In today's time, with the intense summer in India, we seem to have no choice but to reach for cooling systems such as mechanical ACs to keep cool. According to statistics, mechanical ACs account for approximately 10% of India's total electricity consumption. They provide immediate relief, however, they significantly increase carbon emissions, worsening the very problem they are intended to solve.

Can we not find a way to balance thermal comfort with environmental responsibility at the same time?

The answer is passive design- a traditional and forgotten technique!?

Temperatures Rise as Cooling Demand Rises

With temperatures rising and urban areas expanding, the demand for air conditioning in India is skyrocketing. Currently, India's per capita cooling energy consumption stands at 69 kilowatt-hours (kWh), compared to the global average of 272 kWh.?

The demand is set to increase 11 times by 2050, further straining our energy resources and escalating greenhouse gas emissions.?

There is a very sad irony here - in our quest to keep cool, we are actually making the planet warmer. This situation creates a cooling paradox, where the more we rely on mechanical cooling systems, the more we contribute to global warming and the need for even more cooling.

Can We Stay Cool without Machines?

What if we told you that there is a way to stay cool without relying on machines? In the past, passive cooling systems were the norm until mechanical cooling systems became prevalent.?

Let’s first understand what passive design is in simple terms!

Passive design refers to the strategic use of natural elements such as sun, wind, and vegetation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. In this way, we can create sustainable living environments by utilizing natural resources to minimize the need for artificial heating and cooling.

The time has come to reconsider and implement passive design strategies for more sustainable and energy-efficient comfort, due to their impact on the environment.

Modern Problem Requires “Historic” Solutions - Exploring Historical Examples of Passive Design

As the industrial revolution began in the middle of the 19th century, many things changed. Passive cooling techniques, such as orientation of buildings, use of natural materials, and greenery, were forgotten in favor of mechanical cooling methods - which offer instant and controllable relief from heat.

We are now beginning to understand the value of these techniques in helping us create a sustainable and energy-efficient environment. We have a rich architectural heritage in India that offers many examples of passive design.

One of the prime examples is - The Bhungas of Kutch in Gujarat. These traditional beehive-shaped huts, constructed from locally available materials like mud and grass, provide excellent insulation, keeping interiors cool during the scorching summers and warm in the chilly winters.?

Similarly, the Wada designs of Nagpur incorporate courtyards that facilitate natural ventilation and light, significantly reducing the reliance on artificial cooling.

& Fast Forward to Today’s Time!

Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan, designed by Architect Bijoy Jain’s Studio Mumbai, shows how traditional passive design principles can be integrated with contemporary architecture. The building uses natural ventilation, light shelves, and locally sourced materials to create an energy-efficient environment, showcasing the enduring relevance of passive design.

Studio Mumbai’s?Palmyra House is another example of how passive design can be seamlessly integrated into modern architecture. The house uses adjustable louvers made from local Palmyra palm to control airflow and natural light.?

Situated within a coconut grove, the building benefits from natural shade, reducing heat gain and reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

Another notable example of modern passive design is the Pali Palms project in Mumbai by architect Seema Puri Mullan.?

This residential complex leverages the tropical climate to its advantage. The linear orientation of the building allows for three open faces, maximizing sunlight and ventilation. Deep overhangs provide shading, while aligned east-west windows facilitate through-ventilation, making the design ideal for the local climate.

Why Is Passive Design Important Today? (Do We Need More Reasons?)

As urbanization accelerates, India is expected to add 273 million urban dwellers by 2050, approximately 20% of its total population. This growth will place immense pressure on our energy resources, requiring more passive design principles than ever before.?

Passive design is important today not only because of the hot climate in India but also due to the variability in weather conditions and differences in regions, making it a versatile and effective approach to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

According to various studies, optimizing building orientation, using shading devices, and enhancing natural ventilation significantly reduce cooling energy consumption.

According to the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), adopting energy-efficient measures in residential buildings can lead to energy savings of up to 35%.?

Moreover, passive design is not just about energy savings. Buildings designed with passive principles often have better indoor air quality and natural lighting, contributing to the overall well-being of occupants.

The India Cooling Action Plan of 2019 underscores the importance of adopting climate-appropriate building envelopes, which can reduce cooling energy demand by 20% over the next decade. Passive design plays a crucial role in achieving these goals.?

Last but Not Least - Can We Be More Kind to Our Planet?

Our planet and future generations are at risk of irreversible damage if we don't address the problem now!?

NOW is the time for us to embrace these principles as we move forward, and build a future that is both comfortable for people and kind to our planet as we go forward!