Art and Architecture: Incorporating Local Culture into Modern Developments

Have you ever stopped walking to admire a building – one that looks like it’s from another era? As Bangalore based real estate developers, we continue to seek novelty and innovation in urban housing, embracing all possibilities in the future-forward landscape of today. However, it is important that we cherish the legacy of our traditional architecture practices. Let’s take a stroll through memory lane, and explore how Bangalore is blending the past and present to create culture-rich homes.

The Old Amidst the New

Bangalore’s buildings have seen a mix of cultural influences and movements over the years, be it the Tudor Revival style of the Bangalore Palace, or the Neo-Dravidian design of the Vidhana Soudha. Each part of the historical city and cantonment carries its distinct flavour and look. As the city’s development soars towards the sky, many residents are looking towards cultural designs and looking to add small pieces of our history into their homes.

Creating Adaptable Homes

From the Guthu houses of Coastal Karnataka to the Thotti Mane of Mysore, Karnataka’s architectural styles are diverse and influenced by regional traditions and climate. These houses are well-ventilated, with a central courtyard and pillars to support the structure. Cultural architecture is built for adaptability, working with seasonal variations and local weather conditions to build durable structures.

Many homeowners are now seeking to incorporate these features into their home designs. A central courtyard, for instance, not only provides ventilation, but also offers privacy and a space for community-dwelling. The use of red oxide in flooring has cooling properties and is durable in the long-term, making it the perfect choice for tropical, humid environments. These features, combined with artistic woodwork designs and lattice work (jaali), offer a unique feeling to the space.

Landmark Locations

There are many heritage properties across the city that are archives of traditional architectural practices. For example, the Devanahalli fort area features homes with oxide flooring, Madras terrace and local stone craft. The Pete (City) region houses several buildings with architecture that combines tradition and modernity. There are buildings in Malleshwaram that blend local architecture with Art Deco elements, most notably the prominent curved edges and bright colours. As Bangalore based real estate developers, we can draw inspiration from legacy structures to incorporate these techniques into contemporary architecture.

Art with a Presence

A growing trend in interior design is personalising homes with folk art pieces and antique handicrafts, turning everyday spaces into museums of their own. This includes painting styles from across India such as Kalamkari, Gond, Pattachitra or Patua, and Warli. By contributing to the development of sustainable art practices that use natural materials, we also help preserve the artisanal craftsmanship behind the pieces. Additionally, supporting local handicrafts such as Channapatna woodworks and Mysore sandalwood crafts can enhance the interiors of homes. Bangalore based real estate developers can help foster the growth of folk artisans and our handicrafts, thereby aiding in the growth of our cultural forms.

Past, Present and The Best of Both Worlds

While modern technology offers us amenities like air conditioners and refrigerators, these can be energy-consuming and costly to run. At the same time, such technologies have become indispensable for our daily needs. Instead of seeking out the past over the present, we must seek to integrate the best of both worlds. For instance, you can enhance the utility of ceiling fans in the summer by combining them with vetiver curtains in the day, allowing cool air to enter the house while keeping out the warm winds. Using clay pots to store water, buttermilk and other beverages keeps the drinks cool naturally, offering a refreshing alternative when ice is not available. Sustainable living can often be found in the customs of our past.

Fusion Tips for Builders

Incorporating traditional techniques can drive up the costs of building, but the results are a one-of-a-kind space, tailored to fit the buyers’ tastes. As Bangalore based real estate developers, investing in architects and designers with a strong background in cultural architecture and development can provide the right features for future homes. These elements can be used in subtle ways, and interwoven with modern designs to complement the users’ needs. At the end of the day, good design isn’t just about aesthetics, but also balancing functionality and ease of use.