CONTENTS C e r t i f i ca t e Dedication Acknowledgement Introduction. 1 Aims and objec t i v e s . 2 S c o p e a n d l i m i t a t i o n . 2 Methodology. 3 Chapter 1 architectural response to natural elements 4-27 1.1 SUB-CHAPTER 1- sky: relationship of a built mass to sky. 1.1.1 Courtyards. Relationship. Variations. Scale Spatial arrangement. 1.1.2 Semi-open spaces. Relationship. Variations Repetition Spatial arrangement. 1.2 SUB-CHAPTER 2- water: relationship of a built mass to water. 1.2.1 Steps Relationship. Variations. Proportion. Nature of water body. 1.2.2 Channels. Relationship. Variations Use. Scale. 1.2.3 Isolated elements. Tanks Fountains. 1.3 SUB-CHAPTER 3- ground- relationship of a built mass to ground. 1.3.1 Plinth. Relationship. Variations. Proportion. 1.3.2 Steps/ramps. Relationship. Variations. Chapter 2 the surround 28-44 2.0. Introduction- The architectural surround and the natural realm. 2.1. Sky- ability to spiritually extend above/outside. Fenestrations. Courtyards. Semi-open spaces. 2.1.1 Mass void relationship. 2.1.2 Relationship pf a horizontal frame. 2.2. Water- source connecting the lives of the people. 2.2.1. Reaching of greater depths. Water as a source. Wells. 2.2.2. Access to water levels. Water as a religious functionality. Ghats. Tanks or kunds. Stepwells. 2.2.3. Special feature. Water as an aesthetical element. Fountains. Tanks. Channels. 2.3. Ground- ability to support. Plinths. Steps/ramps 2.3.1. Relationship of connection. Ground as a connecting element. Steps and ramps. 2.3.2. Relationship of a base. Ground as an anchoring element. Plinth. Chapter 3 casestudies 45-97 3.1. Case study 1: the step well of Adalaj. 45-64 3.1.1. Selection criteria. 3.1.2. Introduction- the stepwells of Gujarat. 3.1.4. Study analysis- external factor. Climatic influence. Socio-cultural values. Religious values. 3.1.5. Study analysis-internal adaptations and modifications. Water as a source. Ground as a planning element. Sky as a light source. Water as a social function. 3.1.6. Recollection. 3.2. Case study 2: the gardens of Mughul India- Shalimar gardens. 65-85 3.2.1. Selection criteria. 3.2.2. Introduction- the gardens of Mughul India. 3.2.3. Form and organization. 3.2.4. Study analysis- external factor. Climatic influence. Religious values. 3.2.5. Study analysis-internal adaptations and modifications. Ground as a planning element. Ground as a landscape element. Water as a planning/landscape element. Water as a religious element. Sky as a landscape element. 3.2.6. Recollection. 3.3. Case study 3: Centre for environment education. 86- 97 3.3.1. Selection criteria. 3.3.2. Introduction- center for environment education. 3.3.3. Form and organization. 3.3.4. Study analysis- external factor. Climatic influence. 3.3.5. Study analysis-internal adaptations and modifications. Ground as a planning element. Sky as a functional element. Water as a landscape element 3.3.6. Recollection. 3.4. Comparative analysis of the three case studies. 98-100 Summary. 101 I l l u s t r a t i o n c r e d i t s . 102-103 B i b l i o g r a p h y . 104-105