**2. Reading in the world vernacular houses (visions, conception, implementation, and operation)**

In architecture, "vernacular" is the term used to refer to famous constructions, made by people whose main activity is not necessarily in the field of construction [11]. It is based on empirical knowledge of materials, gained over time, through repeated trials (and failures). Knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, orally. Today, when the need for authenticity is so great, the word "traditional" seems worn out and abused [12]. It is increasingly difficult to distinguish between authentic and inauthentic. If for food there is a clear definition of what is and what is not traditional, things are not as clear and regulated in the case of architecture. The rural environment is full of boarding houses that call themselves traditional but have nothing to do with the architecture of the place [13].

An architect will say that the traditional is related to vernacular architecture that is, the place itself. It has been developed and passed down from generation to generation, which does not mean that it has not evolved over time [14]. On the contrary, the traditional architecture has developed and refined, adapting to the times and needs, but permanently reflecting the environmental, cultural, technological, economic, and historical conditions of the local context. Although the phrases of vernacular architecture, and traditional architecture are considered synonymous, there are differences in nuance between them [15]. While vernacular architecture is created without the contribution of construction professionals, ie without architects, vernacular architecture can use craftsmen specialized in the construction process (but not architects) and is also based on local techniques and materials [16]. Traditional architecture denotes, first, the mode of transmission, from generation to generation and orally, but this is a valuable feature in the case of the first two forms.

#### **2.1 Experience of housing in India**

Houses in India are rooted in its history, culture, and religion. Tamil Nadu: The traditional architecture of South India is sometimes considered synonymous with the Agrahara-style of Tamil Nadu. The traditional house of Tamil Nadu Agrahara or Agraham reflects the primary Hindu roots of the state [17]. The Brahmins' home is considered a perfect example of this architecture. The name itself derives from the way it was placed in a village, which was like a garland. It is included in the houses leading to the primary temple of the village which are either dedicated to one deity or to different gods.

Mohenjo-Daro, city is the best-preserved and most extensive city, estimated to have had a population of 40,000. Mohenjo-Daro has a planned layout with rectilinear buildings arranged on a grid plan [18]. ln contrast to both Mesopotamia and Egypt, the Indus settlements seem to have been relatively egalitarian societies. There are neither palaces nor royal tombs, and no great temple complexes to indicate a concentration of power and wealth (**Figure 1**) [19].

Buildings were durable, being constructed of fired bricks of uniform size throughout the region, and houses were provided with underground drains connected to a well planned sewer system (see **Figure 2**) [20]. The houses organized around intern al courtyards that were open to the sky for light and air.

The plans vary, but all houses presented virtually complete facades to the street. Most were built of fired and mortared brick, some combined sun-dried mudbrick, and wooden structures [21]. While the buildings do not seem elegant in terms of architectural refinement, the clear urban layout, careful provision of a water supply [22]. Rooms were small, perhaps because there was a scarcity of wood to serve as beams for second floors and roof framing (**Figure 3**).

**Figure 1.** *Mohenjo-Daro city.*

**Figure 2.** *A traditional house from Mohenjo Daro city.*

Ancient cultures in Greece, Ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Japan, and India had all similar lists, sometimes referring in local languages to "air" as "wind" and the fifth element as "void" the classification of the material world, these five are earth, water, fire, wind/air, and void. These came from Indian Vastu shastra philosophy and Buddhist beliefs. The system of "five great elements", of Hinduism are Bhūmi – earth, Ap – water, Tejas – fire, Pavan - air or wind, Shunya (space or zero) void.
