Vastu Shastra: A Passive Design Strategy in Sustainable Architecture

Abstract

The ancient Hindu Architecture and Design was majorly based on Vastu Shastra principles. Vastu Shastra is an 8000 year old Indian Architectural Theory having a system of design, layout of the rooms, orientation, space arrangement, and many more strategies. Sustainable Architecture aims at providing the best suitable layout and design of a building to limit the harmful impact to the environment. It is believed in sustainable architecture as well, that traditional and vernacular architecture are the best examples of sustainable buildings. Heritage structures were built on the principles of Vastu Shastra and they have great structural stability as well as indoor quality. Based on various energies such as solar, wind, thermal, lunar, cosmic and light energy, Vastu Shastra provides design guidelines in a natural way. Indian Heritage structures have been proven as sustainable in terms of design, planning, materials, thermal comfort, climate adaptability, Ventilation and light. The research study aims at finding connections between Vastu Shastra and Sustainable Architecture Strategies. The methodology of the research is based on theory, case studies and literature review of books, scholarly journals and articles. The outcome of the research will create a new perspective towards the scientific knowledge of Vastu Shastra and encourage Architects to consider such strategies in Design.