Traditional Methods to Maintain and Conserve Earthen Houses in Goa – IndiaChenelle FatimaRodriguesauthorThe Goan architectural landscape is dotted with earthen structures of small, medium, and big sizes. These range from animal sheds to Indo-Portuguese manorial houses (Goa is a past Portuguese colony in India). Some of them are centuries old and continue to be in use today. However, many structures and the practices associated with them are being replaced — at a fast pace — by swanky laterite-stone and/or cement structures. The latter, of course, are less/not sustainable. There exists substantial documentation of the larger old buildings such as churches, government offices, mansion houses, etc. However, the houses of laymen, which constitute the majority of Goa’s architecture, are barely recorded or acknowledged in books and journals. As part of my post-master’s DSA-Earthen Architecture and Heritage dissertation, I studied 16 earthen houses in Goa and analyzed them to understand the traditional practices that contributed to the care, conservation, and longevity of these houses. The findings brought to light how local builders and inhabitants used functional designs, and local materials and techniques, to build as well maintain these houses. This paper intends to disseminate various indigenous architectural aspects, construction details, and onservation methods that were employed to maintain and prolong the life of Goa’s vernacular earthen structures. The information is intended to be shared in the hope that it would, in current times, facilitate heritage professionals, custodians, and inhabitants, in Goa and other parts of the world, in the upkeep of their earthen buildings.02. Types de construction03. Styles d’architecture04. Matériaux de construction05. Techniques de construction06. Structures de bâtiments07. Décorations et ornements05. Artisanat traditionnel04. Asie et îles du Pacifique2020iBoo Press House, LondonDocument issu d'une conférence ou d'un atelier