Prototyping tile vaults in research thesis on Masonry Vaulting

Abstract

This research thesis explores the intersection of cultural exchange and building crafts through the lens of building technology, focusing on masonry vaulting in India. It combines the study of innovative masonry shell construction techniques with an evaluation of tile vaulting, a Mediterranean building technique that has been practiced in India for over 600 years. The research thesis work is organized into three parts.

The first part provides an overview of tile vaulting and its relevance in contemporary India, considering its unique principles compared to other vaulting traditions. It also examines the diverse masonry vaulting techniques and modules used in India, contrasting them with the prevailing reinforced concrete-based construction industry.

The second part presents case studies of iconic buildings in India, such as Villa Sarabhai, the National Institute of Design, and Sangath, which employed innovative vaulting techniques. The research explores the production and use of ceramic fuses in India, as well as indigenous burnt clay tubes, shedding light on cultural motivations for architectural expression and production in postcolonial India.

The third part focuses on the practical implementation of tile vaulting in India through the construction of five prototypes with local artisans. The aim is to understand the cultural reception of tile vaulting, assess the transfer of skills, and explore its potential integration into mainstream architectural production. The findings are compared with prevalent building methods, architectural trends, and social policies to evaluate the feasibility of adopting tile vaulting. The limitations of the research and possibilities for future extension are also discussed.

Overall, this research offers insights into the relationship between cultural exchange, building crafts, and building technology, with a specific focus on masonry vaulting in India. It sheds light on the historical context, showcases case studies, and provides practical considerations for the adoption of tile vaulting in contemporary architectural production.

The team of “Sankalan” and "Karigarshala" under guidance of Kiran Vaghela was involved in the third part of the research, wherein the practical implementation of tile vaulting of five prototypes were constructed with local artisans.