Teaching traditional building knowledge online at a contemporary university: learning from traditional knowledge holders

Abstract

This research focuses on traditional knowledge holders who teach Vāstu vidya or the knowledge of architecture online at a contemporary university in India. Efforts towards decolonizing have led universities to add content on traditional knowledge into course curricula. Typically, content is added to existing courses which are taught by academics. However, there is deep rooted and systemic perception that traditional knowledge is not scientific. The courses at Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad are unique as the curriculum is devised and taught by traditional knowledge holders, who have adapted their teaching to the online format. This study asks what university educators who teach architectural design in contemporary academies can learn from traditional knowledge holders. The research involved visiting traditional knowledge holders to discuss the online curriculum, their teaching approaches, Vāstu design principles, application of traditional building knowledge and visiting buildings or case studies including residences and temples. This paper contributes towards increasing awareness of the traditional knowledge system, its relevance to contemporary university teaching and adds empirical research that helps validate its value and significance for a broader audience.