ARCHITECTURAL STUDY TOUR
Kinnaur to Spiti Valley - Documenting Architectural Change
In this ten day architectural study tour and workshop students have a chance to experience the changing architectural landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
The journey to Spiti begins in Shimla and ends in Manali. ٍThis architectural study tour allows studnents to experience the effects of geography, geology, climate, material availability and culture on vernacular architectural design and construction.
Upon reaching the high altitude cold desert region of Spiti the students will be immersed in a thriving vernacular architectural tradition.The itinerary of this architectural study tour includes villages visits, heritage documentation and three days of hands on workshops taught by highly skilled master craftsmen and women.
Itinerary
Day 1. Shimla to Kalpa visiting Nigulsari village enroute - Local Kinnauri lunch provided by the women of Chaura village.
Day 2. Kalpa to Pooh via Ropa Valley & Labrang
Day 3. Pooh to Kaza via Nako & Tabo
Day 4. Kaza - Hands on Workshop - Rammed Earth Construction on a live site
Day 5. Kaza - Lalung - Homestay in Lalung - Village visits to Lalung & Dhankar - Documentation of Heritage House
Day 6. Lalung - Documentation consinued & Hands on Workshop Adobe Blocks
Day 7. Lalung to Kaza via Kwang - Heritage Reconstruction Site visit. Hands on Workshop Earthen Plasters
Day 8. Kaza day trip to Langza, Hikkim & Komic
Day 9. Kaza to Chicham via Ki Gompa & Kibber village
Day 10. Chicham to Manali
Learning Outcomes
- Confidence in interpreting vernacular architecture
- Recognising bio-climatic design features
- Documentation of heritage architecture
- Familiarity with earthen materials in vernacular construction
- Understanding of bio-climatic design concepts
- Exposure to passive solar for energy efficient heating and cooling
- Confidence in working with hands using all natural construction materials
- Critical understanding of the influence of industrial materials on vernacular architecture
***Photos on this page were shot during a Tour & Workshop conducted as part of the CEPT Summer School Program 2023.