TRADITIONAL

HOUSING OF
LUCKNOW
SUBMITTED TO: Prof. Ranbir Kaur

SUBMITTED BY: Harneet Kaur (07), Simran Rode (09),

Gurpreet Kaur (18) and Megha Jain (25)

B.Arch, sem 8, sec A, (2020-2025)

INTRODUCTION
Lucknow city is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is located
roughly in the centre of the state, on the Gomti river
about 72 kms east of Kanpur. Lucknow is situated at the
junction of numerous roads and rail lines.
The city is a marketplace for agricultural products and its
industries include food processing, manufacturing,
handicrafts, and railroad shops. Its population, which has
grown dramatically since the late 20th century,
surpassed that of Kanpur in the early 21st century to
become the most-populous city in Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow, also known as the “city of Nawabs” is renowned
for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance and
culinary delights. It has a fascinating blend of Mughal and
British architectural styles. The city has a vibrant cultural
scene, with classical music, dance, and poetry flourishing
here for centuries.

IMAGE SOURCE: hindustanilife.com

 IMAGE SOURCE: mapsofindia.com

ABOUT THE CITY

The city has the older habitations in the central part and
the newer settlements all around it. The older buildings
are located in the center of the city, surrounded by
newer settlements. The older areas of the city (South of
the Gomti river) are characterized by high density and
pre-colonial settlement structures. The outer and
peripheral areas have primarily been settled in the post
independence period.
HISTORY
Lucknow's history is rich and diverse, shaped by various
rulers and cultural influences over the centuries.
• Ancient Period: The area around present-day
Lucknow has been inhabited since ancient times. It was
part of the Gupta Empire in the 4th century AD and
later came under the rule of various dynasties,
including the Kannauj Kingdom and the Delhi
Sultanate.
• Mughal Era: Lucknow rose to prominence during the
Mughal period. In the 16th century, it became a
prominent center of culture, arts, and learning under
the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar. However, it was
during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the
18th century that Lucknow truly flourished. Asaf-
ud-Daula was a key figure in shaping Lucknow's
architecture, culture, and administration. Many of
the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Bara Imambara
and Rumi Darwaza, were built during this period.

IMAGE SOURCE: Wikipedia.org

• Nawabi Rule: Lucknow reached its zenith of glory
during the Nawabi era in the 18th and early 19th
centuries. The Nawabs of Awadh, particularly Asaf-
ud-Daula and his successors, contributed
significantly to Lucknow's cultural and architectural
heritage. The city became known for its refined
manners, literature, music, and cuisine. Lucknow
emerged as a center of Shia culture and Urdu poetry
during this time.
• British Period: With the annexation of Awadh by
the British East India Company in 1856, Lucknow
came under British rule. The city played a significant
role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known
as the First War of Indian Independence. The Siege
of Lucknow was a pivotal event during the rebellion,
and many historical sites in the city bear witness to
this period of struggle.
• Post-Independence: After India gained
independence in 1947, Lucknow became the
capital of Uttar Pradesh. The city continued to
grow and develop, becoming an important political,
cultural, and economic center in northern India.

Nawabs of LUCKNOW
 POPULATION
According to the latest reports, Uttar Pradesh is the most
populated state in India, whereas Lucknow is the second
most populated city in Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow's 2023 population is now estimated at 5,150,731.
Lucknow has grown by 106,062 in the last year, which
represents a 2.1% annual change.

 Population Overview
According to the census,
 The largest of the numbers is the urban population. The
urban population as of 2011 stood at 2,902,920 with
1,509,451 males and 11,393,469 females.
 The city population consists of 51% males & 49%
females.

 City Size and Population Density

Lucknow covers a total surface area of 349 sq.km. In
combination with the growing number of residents in
Lucknow, the population density comes to 8,100 residents
per sq.km.

 Lucknow Slums
Total no. of Slums in Lucknow city numbers 65,629 in which
population of 364,941 resides. This is around 12.95% of the
total population of Lucknow city.
According to the Oxfam India survey on Lucknow carried out
in 2005, 787 slums were identified which constituted a
population of 10.18 lakh.
CLIMATE
Lucknow lies within a composite climate zone. The
climate data for the last twenty years, published by the
central building research institute, Roorkee, is
summarised below (CBRI, 1989):

AIR TEMPERATURE
the average monthly maximum temperature during the
year's hottest month (May) is 41.2° C, while the
average monthly minimum temperature during the
year's coldest month (Jan) is 8.9°C.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY
the relative humidity during the summer can be less
than 25%; the relative humidity during the most humid
months is in the range of 78% to 82%.
RAINFALL
The total annual rainfall
is 940mm.

SOLAR RADIATION AND SUNSHINE

The average solar radiation in June is 20.2 MJ/sq m per
day. lucknow experiences 8 to 10 hours of sunshine for
nine months and 5 to 6 hours during the
remaining three months.

WIND SPEED
the wind speed is in the range of 8 to 10km/hr from
May to Sept. The predominant wind direction is east.
 MAPS OF LUCKNOW

Figure: Study Area –Lucknow City And Peri –Urban Areas Showing Transitional Peri-urban
Rim Which Gets Engulfed In Urban Core As Urbanization Proceeds.

Image Sourse: ISRO Sac Respond Project

MASTER PLAN

Figure :Map Showing the Proposed

Lucknow City’s Master Plan 2021

Source: ISRO-SAC Respond

Project
 LAND USE
Estimated area in
1987 was 9170
which increased
by 77.4% in year
2004-05. Trends
in land use has
changed
interestingly,
residential use
Source: Lucknow Muncipal Corporation
dramatically
increased in
comparison to all
other uses,
although there
has a been a
notable growth in
commercial,
industrial and
public sector
land use.
Source: Lucknow Muncipal Corporation
 LAND USE

Figure: Land Use Map Of Lucknow Source: Lucknow Muncipal Corporat

Figure: Future Growth direction In Lucknow

Source: Lucknow Muncipal Corporation

 ARCHITECTURE
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar
Pradesh, boasts a rich architectural
heritage that reflects a blend of
various styles. Let’s delve into the
fascinating architecture of this
historical city:

1. MUGHAL INFLUENCE
Source:https://www.adotrip.com/
- The Mughal architectural style in destination-detail/214-bara-imambara

Lucknow is characterized by its

monumental scale, with buildings
often featuring large courtyards,
imposing gateways, and massive
domes. Source:https://www.treebo.com/blog/
historical-places-in-lucknow/
- Architectural elements such as
chhatris (domed pavilions), pishtaq
(projecting portal), and jharokhas
(overhanging enclosed balconies)
are common features seen in
Mughal-influenced structures.

- The use of intricate geometric

patterns, arabesques, and floral Source:https://www.jotrends.com/
culture/the-magnificent-structures-
motifs in decorative elements such of-mughal-architecture-in-lucknow/
2. NAWABI ELEGANCE

- Nawabi architecture in Lucknow is

characterized by its refinement and
sophistication, with a focus on intricate
detailing and elegant proportions.

- Buildings often feature elaborate

stucco work, including delicate floral
patterns, intricate arabesques, and Source
http://www.sid-thewanderer.com/2016/12/jam
exquisite calligraphy, showcasing the a-masjid-mosque-lucknow.html

craftsmanship of skilled artisans.

- The incorporation of water features

such as fountains, pools, and cascades
adds to the serenity and charm of
Nawabi gardens and courtyards.

3. BARA IMAMBARA

- The Bara Imambara complex Sourcehttps://navrangindia.blogspot.com/

2018/06/awe-inspiring-chota-imambara-symbol-
encompasses several architectural
of.html

marvels, including the main hall, the

Asifi Mosque, the Bhool Bhulaiya maze,
and lush gardens.

- The main hall, known as the Hall of

Public Audience, is a vast space
spanning over 50 meters without the
support of any internal pillars, Source http://www.mouthshut.com/product-
reviews/Bara-Imambara-Lucknow-Photos-
demonstrating ingenious engineering. 925752753
- The Bhool Bhulaiya maze, with its
intricate network of narrow passages
and staircases, is designed to bewilder
and intrigue visitors, offering panoramic
views of the city from its upper levels.

4. CHHOTA IMAMBARA Source

https://www.yatra.com/india-tourism/attractio
- The Chhota Imambara is renowned ns-in-lucknow/bara-imambara

for its opulent interior decoration,

featuring intricate stucco work, gilded
ceilings, and elaborate chandeliers.

- The central hall, adorned with crystal

chandeliers and intricately carved
wooden screens, serves as a place of
congregation for religious ceremonies
and rituals. Source
https://www.sid-thewanderer.com/2017/01/chota-
- The exterior facade of the Chhota imambara-lucknow.html

Imambara is adorned with ornate

minarets, domes, and arched doorways,
showcasing the grandeur and elegance
of Nawabi architecture.

5. RUMI DARWAZA

- The Rumi Darwaza, constructed in

the 18th century, is a magnificent Source
https://www.sid-thewanderer.com/2017/01/chota-
gateway that serves as a symbol of imambara-lucknow.html

Lucknow's architectural splendor.

- The gateway features a unique
blend of Mughal and Awadhi
architectural elements, with its
octagonal shape, arched openings,
and ornate floral motifs.

- The Rumi Darwaza is crowned

by a large cupola adorned with
intricate geometric patterns and
Source
Quranic inscriptions, creating a https://www.pinterest.com/pin/729512839616
859402/
striking silhouette against the
skyline of Lucknow.

6. RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURE

- Lucknow's traditional houses,

Source http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-
known as havelis, are lucknow-india-old-walls-lucknow-residency-built-mughal-style-took-
place-to-served-as-residence-british-resident-image35240758

characterized by their spacious

layouts, intricate woodwork, and
decorative facades.

- Havelis often feature multiple

courtyards, each serving a specific
function such as social gatherings, Source https://www.dreamstime.com/residency-also-called-
as-british-complex-group-several-buildings-common-precinct-
religious ceremonies, or private city-lucknow-uttar-pradesh-image179327436

retreats.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS USED :
•The most common building materials used
in the traditional houses of Lucknow are
Lakhauri bricks and lime.

•The elevation of a typical traditional house

is decorated with stucco, featuring motifs
and floral patterns made out of lime plaster.

•The thickness of masonry walls generally

varies from 45 to 90 cm .

•The thick masonry walls are constructed

with Lakhauri bricks and mortar, made out of
Thick masonry of Lakhauri
lime and surkhi.
bricks in traditional house
Source: the author of the
•The walls are sometimes rough or mostly paper
finished with lime and stucco plaster.

Articulated street façade of traditional lucknow houses

Source : The author of the paper
 The roofs and floors use two types of construction.
 One method involves laying closely positioned timber beams and
covering them with reed or grass matting, with a thick layer (30–
45 cm) of lime concrete on top.
 The second type of roof construction is a jack arch vaulted
ceiling, made out of bricks on steel girders covered in thick lime
concrete with brick ballasts.
 In both cases, the roofs and floor are finished with lime and
cement plaster.

Heavy timber roof of traditional houses . Source: the

author of the paper

Exterior view of Rizvi house .Source : the author of the paper

CASE STUDIES :
1) RIZVI HOUSE

This is a traditional courtyard house in Chowk, Lucknow, built

around 1915 and meant to serve as a «Janana Imambara», or
ladies’ mourning place (Fig. 11). The mourning still takes place at
the time of Moharram (first month of the Islamic calendar) in the
Majlisi, or the mourning hall; for the rest of the year, the Majlisi is
used as a living room. Rizvi House is a two-storey building with a
small central courtyard, 7.05 x 6.4 m. The courtyard is surrounded
by living spaces on three sides and has an entrance on the north
side (Fig. 12). The Majlisi is a two-level hall, which opens into three
Imambaras in the front, two mosques on the right (at both levels),
and a room on the left.
PASSIVE FEATURES
OF RIZVI HOUSE
 The layout of the house is slightly
shifted towards the west,
maintaining the NE-SW
orientation.
 The largest openings and the View of central courtyard of
entrance are on the NE side, i.e. Rizvi house . Source : the author
of the paper
in the windward direction.

 The walls on the ground floor are 90 cm thick; on the first floor,
the wall thickness decreases to 60 cm. The masonry walls are
constructed out of lakhauri bricks and finished with lime plaster .

 The roof is 36 cm thick; its structure includes a jack arch with

lakhauri bricks on steel girders, finished with lime concrete.

 The massive walls and heavy roofs offer greater thermal

resistance and hence increase the thermal time lag. The exterior
and interior of the building are whitewashed, which helps reflect
solar radiation.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
OF RIZVI HOUSE IN
SUMMERS
The thermal performance of different spaces inside and outside the
building in the summer. The temperature in the room on the north
side was found to be more stable as compared to other rooms. The
outdoor temperature fluctuation was in the range of 17–18°C,
whereas the indoor temperature fluctuation was around 5–6°C. The
maximum indoor temperature was 8–9°C lower . Ground-floor plan
of Rizvi House (Source: the author of the paper) . Summer
temperature in different spaces in Rizvi House (Source: the author of
the paper) than the corresponding outdoor temperature. While the
outdoor air temperatures changed from 25 to 43°C, the air
temperature in the courtyard fluctuated between 26 and
33°C. This was due to the small, two-level shaded courtyard, which
helps cool the airflow inside the rooms and ensures ventilation
throughout the building even when the weather outside is calm. The
outdoor relative humidity varied from 22 to 55%, but the relative
humidity in different indoor spaces varied from 32 to 45%, which
was within the comfort zone (Fig. 16). We found that the maximum
external surface temperature—that of an exposed wall in the
afternoon—reached 54°C, whereas the temperature of the wall’s
surface inside the house was 33°C. This can be attributed to the
time lag, occurring due to the wall’s massive, 45 cm thickness. The
temperatures in different spaces of the first floor were consistently
higher by 1 to 1.5°C.

Summer temperature in different spaces Relative humidity in different spaces in

in Rizvi House (Source: the author of the Rizvi House (Source: the author of the
paper paper
 View of the central courtyard of
Qaiser Jahan House (Source: the
author of the paper

Ground-floor plan of Rizvi House

(Source: the author of the paper

Two-level room with timber ceiling

in Qaiser Jahan House (Source: the
author of the paper)

THERMAL
PERFORMANCE OF RIZVI
HOUSE IN WINTERS
It is clear from the graph in
Figure 17 that the outdoor
temperature fluctuated from
8.5 to 22°C, but the indoor
temperature in different spaces
was never less than 16°C, even
though the inside of the
building received very little
direct solar radiation. The
indoor temperature fluctuation
in different rooms was in the
First-floor plan of Rizvi House range of 4–5°C.
(Source: the author of the paper
2) QAISER JAHAN HOUSE
This is the courtyard house of the late Mrs. Qaiser Jahan Begum,
which is around 125 years old. The house opens into a narrow
street through an entrance lobby, which also opens directly into
the courtyard (Fig. 18). The square-shaped (10.75 x 10.0 m)
courtyard is centrally located, enclosed by rooms on three sides,
and has an entrance on the west side. There is a two-level hall on
the eastern side of the courtyard; the other three sides are
surrounded by single-level structures. The two-level hall opens into
an Imambara and two bedrooms. This hall is also used as a
«mourning place» during Moharram (Fig. 19). The configuration of
Qaiser Jahan House

Ground-floor plan of Qaiser Jahan

House (Source: the author of the
paper
 PASSIVE FEATURES OF QAISER JAHAN
• HOUSE
The house opens into the narrow street, which is shaded by the
balcony and projections of the buildings on both sides.
• The entrance to the house is through a lobby, which opens into the
central courtyard.
• As the courtyard gets heated up during the day, the hotter air rises
and the denser cool air, which is drawn from the shaded streets,
rushes into the courtyard, ventilating the interiors of the
surrounding rooms.
• The absence of openings on the exterior surfaces helps reduce
heat. The two level entrance on the southwest side shades the
building from the afternoon sun.
• The walls are 60 cm thick and constructed out of lakhauri bricks
finished with lime surkhi plaster.
• The roof is 45 cm thick and constructed out of brick ballast, mixed
with lime surkhi mortar and laid on timber planks supported by
timber beams.
• The massive walls, heavy roof, and timber ceiling offer greater
thermal insulation and increase the thermal time lag.
• The ventilation apertures facilitate the stack effect and extract the
warm air from the rooms.
• There is also vegetation in the surroundings, which provides
evaporative cooling. The exterior of the building is plastered with
lime mortar and whitewashed, which reflects the solar radiation to
some extent.

Summer temperature in different spaces in

QaiserJahan House (Source: the author of the paper
 THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF QAISER JAHAN
HOUSE IN SUMMERS
The temperature in the courtyard of Qaiser Jahan House was
found to be a little higher than in the courtyard of Rizvi House in
the afternoon and a little lower in the early morning. This can be
attributed to the bigger courtyard in Qaiser Jahan House as
compared to Rizvi House. The outdoor relative humidity varied
from 20 to 56%, but the relative humidity in different spaces
varied from 31 to 46%, which was within the comfort zone . The
overall relative humidity, in this case, was lower than in Rizvi
House, because of the bigger courtyard and more cross
ventilation in the rooms.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF QAISER JAHAN
HOUSE IN WINTERS
The temperatures measured in different rooms of Qaiser Jahan
House were found to be slightly higher during the daytime and
slightly lower during the night, as compared to Rizvi House.
This can, once again, be attributed to the presence of a bigger
courtyard in Qaiser Jahan House. The outdoor temperature
fluctuated between 7.5 and 23°C, but the indoor temperature
of different spaces was never less than 12°C. The indoor
temperature fluctuation in different rooms was in the range of
4–5°C.

Relative humidity in QaiserJahan Relative humidity in QaiserJahan

House in summer (Source: the author House in winters (Source: the
of the paper) author of the paper)
3) LDA HOUSE
This building is a MIG (Middle
Income Group) house, which was
built by the Lucknow Development
Authority in Aishbagh, Lucknow,
around 40 years ago. It is a double-
storey building with a living room,
a kitchen, a bathroom, and a
bedroom on the ground floor and a
bedroom and a bathroom on the
upper floor. The consists of 23-cm-thick load-bearing brick
The construction
masonry walls and a 6»-thick roof. The rooms are 3.0 m tall and
openings have 0.9 x 1.2 m dimensions.

Ground- and first-floor plan of LDA House

(Source: the author of the paper)
SALIENT FEATURES OF LDA HOUSE
This building is a part of semi-detached row housing and is
compactly planned, with a small front and rear yard.
Energy consumption was not considered as a design criterion for
houses of this type.
There are only a few openings, which face the front and rear yard;
this obstructs free air movement and does not provide cross
ventilation.
The living room is located on the western side without proper
shading, which causes discomfort in the summer. The roof of the
first floor is a 10-cm-thick R.C.C.
structure, finished with small brick ballast and cement sand mortar.
The roof is a major source of heat gain for the upper floor due to the
absence of appropriate terracing. There is no proper sunshade over
the first-floor openings on the south and west side, hence the
openings do not cut the solar radiation in the afternoon and heat up
the interiors due to the high transmittance of glass. Nor is there any
proper projection on the terrace level on the south and west side to
shade the walls on the first floor.
This causes the walls to heat up, thus letting the heat into the rooms
through conduction. The plastered exterior surface with whitewash
reflects solar radiation to some extent.

Winter air temperature in different spaces in

LDA House (Source: the author of the paper)
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF LDA HOUSE IN
SUMMERS
The room temperature in different spaces was found to be above the
slightly warm range. The outdoor temperature fluctuation was in the
range of 19°C, whereas the indoor temperature fluctuation was in the
range of 7°C. The maximum indoor temperature was 6–7°C lower
than the corresponding outdoor temperature. In this case, we could
clearly observe that the indoor temperature of this house was 4–5°C
higher than the temperature of the traditional house during the same
hours of the day. This can be attributed to the thin walls, the R.C.C.
structure, and the lack of proper wall shading. The outdoor relative
humidity varied from 23 to 54%, but the relative humidity in different
indoor spaces varied from 28 to 42%. The overall relative humidity
with reference to thermal comfort was slightly lower than in any
traditional house.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF LDA HOUSE IN
WINTERS
The room temperature in different spaces was found to be below the
slightly cool range. The outdoor temperature fluctuation was in the
range of 15°C, whereas the indoor temperature fluctuation was in the
range of 6°C. The maximum indoor temperature was 3°C lower than
the corresponding outdoor temperature. In this case, we could clearly
observe that the indoor temperature of this house was 4–5°C lower
than the temperature of the traditional house during the same hours
of the day . This can be attributed to the thin (23 cm) brick masonry
walls and the 10-cm R.C.C structure without proper wall shading.

Relative humidity in LDA House in summer Winter air temperature in different spaces in LDA
(Source: the author of the paper) House (Source: the author of the paper)
CONCLUSION :
•It is clear from the study that appropriate use of materials, spatial
organization, construction techniques, and passive design features
could bring about the much-desired comfortable environment inside
the house.

•Natural cooling can be achieved by the proper orientation of the

building, an appropriate layout, a good landscape design, proper
shading devices, and a properly designed roof, overhangs, external
surface finish, and vertical shadings, oriented in an optimal way in
relation to the sun and wind.

•We can infer from the analysis of our experiments that the
traditional building form, structure, and materials were originally
selected to suit the climatic conditions and ensure optimal comfort
and shelter from climatic factors invading indoors, without any
mechanical means, i.e. heaters, fans, coolers, air conditioners, etc.

•The traditional architecture of Lucknow features well-shaded

buildings with heavy facades and limited openings on the external
elevation.

•The basic form of the traditional building employs a combination of

mass, shade, and ventilation, which lets the building breathe in
harmony with nature and ensures the best range of comfort
conditions for the occupants inside.

•The principles of good thermal design used in traditional buildings

are still valid today, and it would still be possible for modern
designers and architects to incorporate these design principles into
buildings that are suitable for modern-day living, in order to
conserve energy and provide better thermal comfort. Perhaps the
solution lies in rediscovering the features and techniques used in
traditional buildings and recreating them in the contemporary
architectural form.
 The region-specific built forms are a result of centuries of
experimentations, shaped by social, cultural, religious, and
technological influences.

 They would be continuously refined by subsequent

generations, albeit at a very slow pace and through trial and
error, depending on societal characteristics, technology, and
materials. As a result, these built forms served the purpose very
well, being rooted in their locale; they satisfied the functional,
climatic, and aesthetic aspirations of their users.

 It is known that the value of traditional regional architecture is

not limited to it being cultural heritage, which is reason enough
for its study. Such architecture also has tremendous potential
for influencing the current architectural trends in the respective
region (Krishna and Rewatkar, 2006). The real challenge is to
achieve maximum thermal comfort at a minimum energy cost,
through adjusting various energy conservation measures and
techniques at the building design and construction stage. It is
an architect’s responsibility to be mindful of the climate and
aim for energy efficiency and human comfort while designing
modern-day buildings.

 There is a need for establishing a planning and design

methodology, based on the philosophy of translating the spirit
of the old into an idiom of the new design, instead of mere
superficial recreation
.
 An architect needs to understand how to blend lessons from the
traditional heritage together with modern technology in building
design.

 Hence it is essential to take the wisdom of the past and evolve

the built form, creating the more humanized, more climate-
responsive, and more environmentally friendly buildings of
tomorrow.
THANK YOU