Abstract

The evolution of human habitation has always reflected societal cultural and technological transformations. Ancient literature provides a rich repository of knowledge regarding the design construction and symbolism of shelters offering insights into material selection spatial organization climate adaptation and socio-cultural implications of dwelling practices. With the advent of rapid urbanization modern housing faces challenges such as population density resource limitations environmental sustainability and socio-economic disparities which necessitate innovative approaches grounded in historical wisdom. This research paper explores the nexus between ancient literary prescriptions on shelters—found in texts such as Vastu Shastra Greek and Roman treatises and early Chinese architectural literature—and contemporary urban housing strategies. By analyzing principles of orientation structural design space efficiency ventilation and socio-environmental integration in classical texts the stu