International Journal of Architectural Heritage
Volume 9, Issue 1 (2026)
Table of contents
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Biomimicry and Vernacular Ecology in Contemporary African Architecture: A Sustainable Analysis of “The Nest” in Namibia by Porky Hefer Design
Abstract: This article presents a sustainability-focused architectural analysis of The Nest (2018), an eco-lodge designed by Porky Hefer Design in Namibia. The study examines how biomimicry, African vernacular ecology, and material intelligence are integrated to create a low-impact, climate-responsive structure suited to arid environments. Drawing inspiration from the sociable weaver bird’s nest, the project adopts organic geometry, aggregated spatial organization, and woven construction techniques that mirror biological strategies for thermal regulation …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Heritage · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–8 Read article
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From Colonial to Contemporary: Adaptive Reuse as a Strategy for Reviving the Cultural Heritage and Architectural Grandeur of South Bombay’s Colonial Buildings
Abstract: As the cultural, historical, and economic nucleus of British India, South Bombay’s colonial architecture embodies the city’s layered identity. However, post-independence urban expansion and rapid modernization have contributed to the neglect and demolition of many heritage structures, gradually erasing the area’s architectural legacy. This research paper investigates adaptive reuse as a sustainable strategy to revive the cultural identity and architectural grandeur of South Bombay. This study examines adaptive reuse through …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Heritage · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 18–55 Read article
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Divine Light: Exploring the Functional and Emotional Role of Lighting in the Ramayana MuseumInteriors in Ayodhya
Abstract: Lighting plays a pivotal role in museum design, shaping not only the visibility and perception of exhibits but also the emotional and spatial experience of visitors. Within the context of the Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya, lighting assumes deeper cultural and spiritual dimensions. As Ayodhya is a city rooted in mythological and religious heritage, the museum’s lighting design must evoke the divine essence and timeless narrative of the Ramayana while ensuring …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Heritage · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 56–71 Read article
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Preserving the past: Stepwell as a Cultural Landscape and Sustainable Water Source
Abstract: Water is an essential element of nature and a fundamental resource for all life on Earth. Since ancient times, human civilizations have flourished around water sources, and rivers are revered as sacred, across diverse cultures. In India, traditional water conservation systems like stepwells played a crucial role in ensuring the availability of water throughout the year. Stepwells, known for its unique architectural and cultural significance, have been an integral part …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Heritage · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 72–84 Read article
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Culture as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Transformation – A Case of Revival of
Abstract: Delhi’s Urban Village Urban transformation has traditionally been influenced by culture which gives communities a means of re-establishing linkages to their past by encouraging their civic involvement and also promoting long-term economic success. Most cities in India have this strong cultural and historical foundation that shapes its urban fabric that have shaped their function. With its many intricate layers of history, Delhi proofs to be an engaging example of how …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Heritage · Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 9–17 Read article