The Elusive South Asian Stilt Architecture of the Chittagong Hill Tracts

What is it about?

This research uses vernacular architecture or ethnic architectural building typology as a key tool to establish, or reiterate, the common proposition that CHT (Chittagong Hill Tracts) is the western fringe of a Southeast Asian cultural sphere. In this article, we examine the stilt or platform typology of the CHT to reflect on the inter-ethnic cultural position of the CHT. The analytical framework hinges on the notion that architecture is constructive, in parallel to language, in establishing a heritage position.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

It is important for three reasons: 1. Architecture so far has played an incidental role in constructing heritage position in the CHT. This is a fresh approach grounded in dwelling technology and vernacular heritage. 2. The scope is inter-ethnic and transnational across border regions; this approach in deep architectural history and an liminal geography has not been pursued before in regard to CHT. 3. The austronesian heritage and the possibility of a wider cultural reference for CHT.