International Conference on
Traditional Knowledge Systems (ICTKS2026)

Indigenous Architectural Styles and Practices

• Study of traditional building techniques, materials, and designs used by indigenous communities.
• Influence of climate, geography, and culture on architectural forms.
• Vernacular architecture and its sustainable practices in local contexts.

Sustainable Building Materials in Traditional Architecture

• Use of local, natural materials such as mud, bamboo, timber, and stone in traditional construction.
• Benefits of using these materials for energy efficiency and ecological sustainability.
• The role of traditional construction in reducing carbon footprints.

Traditional Urban Planning and Spatial Organization

• Indigenous urban planning principles, including village layouts and space usage.
• Relationship between natural landscapes, water bodies, and settlement patterns in traditional planning.
• Social and cultural dimensions of space in indigenous communities (e.g., sacred spaces, community centers).

Climate-Responsive Traditional Architecture

• How traditional knowledge systems have adapted architecture to different climatic conditions.
• Passive design strategies in traditional architecture (e.g., natural ventilation, thermal mass, shading).
• Examples of architectural innovations like courtyards, thick walls, and sloped roofs.

Integration of Traditional Knowledge in Modern Architecture

• Revitalizing traditional building techniques in contemporary architecture.
• Case studies of contemporary buildings that blend traditional knowledge with modern designs.
• Challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional knowledge into modern architectural education and practice.

Sacred Architecture and Cultural Significance

• The role of traditional architecture in religious and spiritual practices (e.g., temples, shrines, mosques, etc.).
• Symbolism and sacred geometry in indigenous architectural practices.
• Conservation and preservation of culturally significant buildings and monuments.

Traditional Landscaping and Environmental Planning

• The relationship between traditional architectural design and landscaping (e.g., traditional gardens, agricultural land use).
• Indigenous knowledge of water management and landscape conservation (e.g., rainwater harvesting, terracing, agroforestry).
• Use of traditional landscape elements for environmental resilience, such as the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity.

Community-Led Architecture and Participatory Design

• How indigenous communities have historically contributed to the design and construction of their living spaces.
• Participatory design processes and co-creation of spaces with local communities.
• The value of community knowledge in shaping architectural forms and urban spaces.

Traditional Knowledge and Disaster-Resilient Architecture

• Traditional building methods for earthquake, flood, and cyclone resistance.
• The role of traditional knowledge in designing disaster-resilient communities and structures.
• Learning from historical responses to natural disasters and climate-related challenges in indigenous communities.

Cultural Preservation and Revitalization of Traditional Architecture

Traditional Building Materials and Techniques in Engineering

• Exploration of indigenous construction materials and traditional building techniques
• Traditional water harvesting, storage, and distribution systems used in ancient cultures.
• How traditional engineering solutions can address modern water scarcity challenges.
• Indigenous Water Management Systems in Engineering

Traditional Knowledge of Renewable Energy Systems

• Indigenous practices related to energy generation, such as wind, water, and solar energy.
• The role of traditional energy systems in sustainable engineering, focusing on off-grid communities.
• The use of traditional irrigation techniques.
• Indigenous knowledge of crop rotation, soil conservation, and sustainable farming methods.
• The integration of traditional agricultural engineering practices with modern sustainable farming technologies. Traditional Engineering Practices for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure
• Indigenous knowledge in designing disaster-resistant structures (e.g., earthquake-resistant buildings, flood mitigation techniques).
• How traditional engineering methods help in creating resilient infrastructure in regions prone to natural disasters.
• The role of community-based traditional knowledge in enhancing disaster preparedness and recovery through local engineering solutions.

Indigenous Approaches to Sustainable Land Management

• Traditional agricultural practices that promote soil fertility and prevent erosion (e.g., crop rotation, agroforestry, terracing).
• Indigenous knowledge of land stewardship and sustainable land use to preserve biodiversity.
• Case studies of sustainable land management practices from different regions and cultures.

Traditional Water Conservation Techniques

• Indigenous methods of water management, such as rainwater harvesting, water catchment systems, and canal networks.
• The role of community-based water management systems in ensuring equitable access and sustainability.
• The impact of traditional water conservation methods on drought-prone areas.

Biodiversity Conservation through Indigenous Knowledge

• Traditional practices of protecting ecosystems and species through sacred groves, tabu areas, and hunting restrictions.
• The role of indigenous knowledge in conserving endangered species and their habitats.
• Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern biodiversity conservation efforts.

Sacred Natural Sites and Cultural Heritage Conservation

• The importance of sacred landscapes, forests, and waters in indigenous cultures and their role in environmental protection.
• How the preservation of sacred natural sites contributes to broader conservation goals.
• The balance between cultural heritage preservation and environmental sustainability in sacred spaces.

Traditional Knowledge for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

• Indigenous strategies for adapting to climate change based on historical environmental knowledge.
• The role of traditional knowledge in building resilience to climate impacts such as flooding, droughts, and extreme weather.
• Case studies on the use of traditional knowledge in climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

Traditional Knowledge and Ecosystem Restoration

• Approaches to restoring degraded lands, forests, and ecosystems using traditional methods.
• The role of indigenous peoples in the recovery and conservation of critical ecosystems such as wetlands, mangroves, and grasslands.
• Traditional ecological knowledge in the context of reforestation and habitat restoration efforts.

Traditional Practices in Marine Conservation

• Indigenous knowledge of sustainable fishing, marine resource management, and conservation of marine ecosystems.
• Traditional marine conservation practices, such as seasonal fishing restrictions, taboo areas, and conservation of coral reefs.
• The role of indigenous coastal communities in protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable fisheries.

Integration of Traditional and Modern Environmental Conservation Practices

• The potential for combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches for effective conservation.
• Collaborative models between indigenous communities, scientists, and policymakers for integrated conservation strategies.
• Challenges and benefits of merging traditional knowledge with contemporary environmental management techniques.

Indian Knowledge System in Planning

Vaastu Shastra in traditional Architecture and Planning

• Principles and Foundations of Vastu Shastra
• Vastu and Site Selection in Architecture
• Vastu and Spatial Organization
• Vastu in Residential Architecture
• Vastu in Commercial and Public Buildings
• Vastu and Environmental Integration
• Modern Adaptations of Vastu in Contemporary Architecture
• Vastu and Sustainable Design
• Vastu and Interior Design
• Vastu and the Psychology of Space
• Vastu and Urban Planning
• Vastu for Heritage Preservation