Work

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

Year: 2025

Type: article

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.

Source: Advancing Scholarship and Research in Higher Education

DOI: 10.59197/7rfppe38

Author: Aparna Datey

Institution: Queensland University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Architecture and Cultural Influences

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia