Srinagar, Jan. 11 -- Humanity has evolved to live in given ambiences by making adjustments and choosing patterns of food, shelter etc. in an attempt to adjust things to the utmost comfort. The construction and design of shelters, as we know them now, are deeply tied to the cultural identity, reflecting the traditions, beliefs, and environmental conditions of a community. For instance, indigenous structures such as igloos, mud huts, or stilt houses exhibit resourcefulness and harmony with the local climate and available materials.

Additionally, cultural values of a society influence spatial arrangements, decorations, and functionality while a shelter is being constructed in a particular region. Thus, a shelter is not merely a physical str...