Classification (b): Evolutionary Typologies

1) Stilt Variety:

In respect to the use of material and certain technical aspects, there is considerable similarity between the single or multi-unit category of vernacular architecture. Thus, traditionally, both the varieties extensively use traditional housing materials such as thatch, bamboo, wood, cane etc. Thus, while the houses are primarily made of bamboo, the roofs are generally covered with thatch. The stilt architectures of the tribal communities, who live mostly in single structure of rectangular shape, are superficially identical in style. Thus, the architectures of these communities exhibit considerable homogeneity in respect to form, layout, material, technique, and design. However, there is a gradual shift to permanent material such as Corrugated Galvanised Iron sheet, concrete post, or brick wall in lieu of traditional ones. During the course of such shift and transformation, there is a gradual shunning of the tradition, especially in the stilt variety. However, in spite of such shift in the tradition, the traditional pattern and layout is continuing to a certain extent. Thus, even in the situation of such transformation, the important portion of the building such as hearth and cooking space are continuing in traditional manner.

Thus, the stilt architecture can be classified into three groups in respect to the use of material:

1) Traditional—Constructed by the members themselves, the structures that uses traditional ground plan, materials and design;

2) Tradition-Oriented Modern—Those uses modern building materials,constructed on ground, but traditional in other aspects;

3) Modern—Those do not follow traditional norm or design;

The modern type includes the buildings of the stilt dwelling groups that are constructed following the modern architectural norms where the tradition is not followed.

2) Ground Variety:

On the other hand, the earth-fast architecture of the vernacular building tradition shows three distinct evolutionary varieties. They can be grouped as:

1) Traditional—i) Traditionally known as Pajaghar, also known as kutcha house, are the earth-fast buildings, constructed by the members themselves, using traditional and natural materials such thatch, bamboo and mud.ii) However, new roofing materials like Corrugated Galvanised Iron sheet or polythene are coming up in the type, which is however constructed without the help of professionals.iii) a third variety, using permanent materials partially, called

2) Assam Type—The type developed during the colonial period, which uses both modern and natural material but usually traditional in layout. This type was originally thatch roofed and mud plastered

3) R.C.C. Type—It is a latest compact permanent structure and modern development