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This thesis examines the construction practices in the traditional domestic architecture of Kerala in India. In doing so, it identifies two vital aspects of the architecture, namely the Vedic planning principles of the Vasthushasthra and the indigenous craft practices. The thesis pays tribute to both: the theories of Vasthushasthra in the construction of houses are examined in detail; the craft practices are documented and analyzed through a field study of 24 houses in Kerala selected across the caste, class and religious structures of the society. The thesis arrives at the proposition that the construction practices in the domestic architecture of Kerala, as evident in the case studies, are the result of a simultaneous presence of both these aspects. The Vedic principles were adapted to the contingencies of the context. The craft and techniques prevalent in Kerala at that time are part of a larger picture of cross-cultural transfer of techniques that occurred in the early historic times. Thus in Kerala, practice and theory worked together towards making a traditional domestic architecture that was meaningful and relevant in the socio-cultural, political and religious context at that time.

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The appearance of the contemporary suburb is one of its most criticized and problematic features. Architects find themselves challenged by its increasing size and complicated planning issues. These challenges are compounded because traditional methods of control do not specifically confront these issues. A less comprehensive method of control, design codes, has recently emerged to address some of the limitations associated with traditional forms of control. This thesis is a survey of five design codes used in contemporary suburbs. Specific focus is given to examining the organization and objectives of design codes, and what architectural elements are regulated. The survey suggests that the most noticeable features of design codes is that they are specific to a project and site, address unique objectives of a particular community, and specifically address suburban design problems. This underlines the essential role design codes have in reshaping and ultimately improving the diminished appearance of the contemporary suburb.

Traditional communities in most Third World countries today are facing the influx of all industrialized economy which is leading to the introduction of new building technologies, infrastructure and modern communications. This has resulted in a change in the built environment of traditional settlements. / There are many dynamic factors which help to shape the decisions people make about the physical nature of their built environment. The linking of these decision-making factors to the external forces influencing society is very important to arrive at a clear understanding of how traditional forms give way to new ones. This thesis links global and local forces in interaction in the small mountain community of Karimabad, Hunza in Northern Pakistan, which is experiencing the effects of a capital economy and the new social and cultural milieu which accompanies it. Added to that the community has also been subjected to the effects of international tourism and development projects. The thesis shows, how, under the influences of these factors, the local traditional house form has transformed in terms of change in building materials and housing layouts. / This study was also carried out with the view of linking local perceptions of change, with the actual physical changes in housing. The thesis attempts to show how the ordinary household in Karimabad makes its decisions for change, and views the outside world and their place in it, and how this change is reflected in the changed house forms and building materials. This research also draws on the theoretical framework and references of how globalization is affecting traditional settlements on the periphery. / The findings of the study point to a strong link between external influences, especially of media, tourism, and international development institutions, and the changed house forms and materials. It also shows that it is not possible to isolate individual decision-making from external influences, especially where material culture is concerned.

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