Kerela

CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE
OF KERALA
Prepared by : Mrs.S.H.R.Jawahar Benazir,
School Of Architecture & Interior Design
Culture & Architecture
Location of Kerala the Gods

own Country
Culture & Architecture of Kerala
KERALA is an Indian state located on the

Malabar coast of south-west India
The state has an area of 38,863
38 863 km2
(15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to
the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the
east and south,
south and the Arabian Sea on the
west.
Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital.
Kerala is a popular destination for its
backwaters, beaches, Ayurvedic tourism
and tropical greenery.
greenery
The state has the highest literacy rate in India
with 99 percent.
Kerala's
principal
religions
are
Hinduism(56 2%) Islam (24.70%),
Hinduism(56.2%),Islam
(24 70%)
and
Christianity (19.00%)
State
language
Malayalam
State symbol
SSri Padmanabhaswamy
Pd
bh
Shanku
State songg
Vanjij bhoomi
State animal
Indian Elephant
State bird
Great Hornbill
State tree
Coconut
State sport
Kalaripayattu
State dance
KKathakali
th k li &
Mohiniyattam
State flower
Golden shower tree
The story of Kerala is mirrored in the

evolution of its art and culture.
Keralas
K l geographical
hi l features
f t
l d to
led
t the
th
distinct ways in which Kerala culture
developed in the territory.
The relative isolation of Kerala from the
mainland of India in the east, and the long
open coast on the west had strong influences
on culture of Kerala .
Traditional Chenda Melam
Keralas long and inviting coastline that
witnessed
it
d the
th arrival
i l off many foreign
f i people
l
and cultures and its backbone of hills
facilitated the retention of its legacy
Kerala offers a cultural kaleidoscope in it
literature, language, music, dance, theatre
and rituals
rituals; the pluralist basis of Kerala
culture mosaic is reflected in its art forms.
Kalari Payattu Martial Arts
The culture of Kerala is distinct

with an admixture of innumerable
facets of various cultures.
The tradition of classical arts
which
h h has
h been
b
E d in Kerala
Existed
K l
for more than a thousand years
are:
Koodiyattam: Sanskrit drama
performed in Kerala-the oldest
existing classical theatre form in
the entire world, having originated
much before Kathakali and most
other
h theatrical
h
l forms.
f
Kathakali: The spectacular dance
g
dance,
drama of Kerala integrates
music, poetry, and histrionics.
Mohiniyattam (the dance of Enchantress):

It is one of the gracefully elegant classical
dance forms with lasya as the predominant
element.
Thullal: This art is characterized by
simplicity of presentation, wit & humour.
Folk arts are: Theyyam, thira, Mudiyettu,
kaduvakali Velakali,
kaduvakali,
Velakali kakkarissnatakam,
kakkarissnatakam
Chavittunatakam, Maragamkali, kolakali,
Parichamuttukali,
Bhadrakalipattu,
pulluvanpattu and Thiruvathirakali are some
of Keralas folk art forms.
Martial Arts: Kalaripayattu is an ancient
tradition of martial training and Discipline.
VARIED CULTURE OF KERALA
Pookolam
Boat Race
The colorful Onam Sadhya
Backwaters & boathouses
CLASSICAL ART FORMS OF KERALA
Mohiniaatam
Kathakali
Oppana
Thiruvathirakali
TRADITIONS OF KERALA
Elephants
p
are an integral
g ppart of
daily life in Kerala. Indian
elephants are loved, revered,
groomed and given a prestigious
place in the state's culture. They
are often referred to as the
'
'sons
off the
h sahya
h .''
Traditional Jewellery
Ayurveda Massage
Temple Festival
TRADITIONS OF KERALA
KERALA ARTS
The earliest known form of artistic
expression in Kerala art were cave
paintings, engraved and painted in caverns
and rock shelters.
shelters
The first available evidence of this Kerala art
belonged to the Neolithic period at Marayoor
andd Edakkal.
Ed kk l
Kerala also has a rich mural heritage
datingg back to the 8th century.
y
Kerala Mural art employed natural color,
extracted from plants and minerals applied
on a specifically prepared surface.
surface
Mural remained the major form of artistic expression for many centuries.
However, since mural art, Kerala found expression only on the walls of temples and
palaces, its reach was confined to a small segment of the population.
10
KERALA ARCHITECTURE
Kerala architecture is one of the most unique in India, especially in its striking
contrast to Dravidian architecture, Tamil architecture popularly seen in South
India and its close resemblance to Oriental architecture like Japanese,
Japanese Tibetan and
Nepalese.
The architecture of Kerala has however been influenced by Dravidian and Indian
V d architectural
Vedic
h
l science Vastu
V
Sh
Shastra
over two millennium.
ll
The Tantrasamuchaya
Tantrasamuchaya,, Thachu
Thachu--Shastra,
Shastra, Manushyalaya
Manushyalaya--Chandrika and
Silparatna are important architectural sciences,
sciences which have had a strong impact
in Kerala Architecture .
The Manushyalaya Chandrika
Chandrika, a work devoted to domestic architecture is one
such science which has its strong roots in Kerala.
The architectural style has evolved from the states peculiar climate and long
history of influences of its major maritime trading partners like Chinese,
Chinese
Japanese, Arabs and Europeans.
11
VAASTU SHASTRA
Vaastu shastra is an ancient science which
h l to
helps
t gett the
th natural
t l benefits
b fit freely
f l offered
ff d
by the five basic elements of the universe.
These basic elements are Akash (SKY),
Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni
(FIRE), and Vayu (WIND).
(WIND).
Vastu Shastra can be applied by keeping in
harmony with these basic five elements of
nature.
Vastu
V t refers
f
t 'abode'
to
' b d ' or mansion
i andd
Shastra or Vidya means science or knowledge.
Vastu Vidya is the sacred holistic science
pertaining to designing and building of houses.
The principles of vastu have been derived from
Sthapathya Veda
Veda- one of the ancient sacred
books in Hinduism.
Vaastu Purusha
12
The ancient relics say that Vaastu

is based on two forces "positive"
andd "negative"
"
ti " which
hi h are
constantly interacting with each
other on the surface of the land.
These forces would get disturbed
whenever any structure is erected
on a vacant land,
land to maintain a
balance.
If there are more ppositive energies
g (forces) than the negative
g
energies,
g the result of
such a construction would yield more benefits to the inmates leading to a more
successful, healthy, wealthy and peaceful life, contrary to this if the negative
energies dominate the premises the effects could be negative.
negative
13
The Sanskrit word vaastu means a dwelling or house with a

corresponding plot of land.
The vrddhi, vstu, takes the meaning of "the site or foundation of a
house, site, ground, building or dwelling-place, habitation,house".
The underlying
y g root is vas "to dwell,, live,, stay,
y, abide". The term
shastra may loosely be translated as "science, doctrine, teaching.
What is the name for the Earth as per
Thatchusastra?
As per Thatchusastra the Earth is called Vasthu.
What is the basis of Thatchusastra?
The basis of Thatchusastra is the measure. The
measure is evolved from paramanu
paramanu . The
muzhakool (carpenters measure) is the
elementary measure of Thatchusastra.
14
Vastu shastra is an ancient doctrine which consists of precept born out of a

traditional and archaic view on how the laws of nature affect human dwellings.
The designs are based on directional alignments.
alignments It is primarily applied in Hindu
architecture, especially for Hindu temples.
The foundation of Vastu is traditionally ascribed to the mythical sage Mamuni
M
Mayan
i South
in
S th andd Vishvakarman
Vi h k
i North
in
N th India.
I di
While Vastu had long been essentially restricted to temple architecture, there has
been a revival of it in India, in recent decades, notably under the influence of late V.
Ganapati Sthapati, who has been campaigning for a restoration of the tradition in
modern Indian society since the 1960s.
While the fields are related, Shilpa Shastra explicitly deal with sculpture forms,
statues, icons, stone murals etc.
The doctrine of Vastu Shastra is concerned primarily with architecture building
houses forts,
houses,
forts temples,
temples apartments and other buildings.
buildings
15
TYPES OF HOUSES
Usuallyy the single
g houses are called
'Sala' in Thatchusastra. (They face
towards the East, the North, the
West or the South).
South)
The house that faces the East, may
have extensions from the northern
andd southern
h edges,
d
it becomes
b
a
house with three parts.
This is called "Sukshetra'.
Prosperity will flourish if one lives in
such a house.
If two extensions are made from

the edges of the house facing west
such a construction is called
'Dhwamsyam
Dhwamsyam .
Residents in 'dhwams' will suffer
from loss of sons, torture from
enemies,
i
andd obstructions
b t ti
f
for
everything such other ruins.
16
If a house is constructed facing the south

and extensions are taken from the
eastern and western edges, it becomes a
house with three parts. This is called
'Chulli' as pper Thatchusastra.
Residents of such a house will suffer from
loss of wealth, loss of children, diseases
for kids,
kids increasing enemies etc.
etc
If extensions from both the ends

of a house facing the north is
made it is called 'Hiranyanabhi'.
Living in such house bring in
prosperity and wealth to the
inmates. Godliness will prevail
always in such houses
17
If two separate salas (houses)

existing one at the south and the
other at the north are joined by
a long trough such a residence
is called 'kancham
kancham''. Life in a
'kancham' will be always
quarrelsome.
quarrelsome
If the
h 'kizhakkini'
'k h kk ' in the
h east andd the
h
'padinjattini' in the west are joining by a
longg trough
g (wooden or metallic) such a
residence is called 'Sidhardhakam'. Life in
such a house will always be prosperous
and flourishing.
flourishing
18
NALUKETTU
Nlukettu is the traditional homestead of
Tharavadu where many generations of a
matrilineal family lived.
The traditional architecture is typically a
rectangular structure where four blocks
are joined together with a central
courtyardd open to the
h sky.
k
The four halls on the sides are named
Vadakkini (northern block),
block) Padinjattini
(western block), Kizhakkini (eastern
block) and Thekkini (southern block).
The
Th architecture
h
was especially
ll cateredd
to large families of the traditional
tharavadu, to live under one roof and
enjoy the commonly owned facilities.
KIZHAKKINI - House structure

existing north-south prayer &
pooja
THEKKINI - House structure
existing east-west; keeping
wealth & for human dwelling
PADINJATTINI - House structure
existing south-north for storage
(crops and grains in the olden
days)
VADAKKINI - House structure
existing west-east; Kitchen.
19
NALUKETTU
If all the four structures above are joined as one house it is called a 'Nalukettu.
Among them at the middle of the padnijatini, there will be the pooja muri(place
off worship)
hi ) andd 'nellara'
' ll ' (room
(
f keeping
for
k i paddy).
dd )
On both the sides there will be two bed rooms Thekkini and kizhakkini are meant
receiving he guests.
Vadakkini is for cooking and dinning. (Kitchen and dining room).
In the middle of the structure there will be the central yard which wil be in a
rectangular shape. 'Nadumuttam' (central yard) will be usefull for getting light
and air into the house.
Moreover there will be an underground cave for flowing cut the rain water that
falls in the 'Nadumuttam'.
An 'Ettukettu' is that which is joined by two 'nalukettu's. An 'Ettuketu' will have
two nadumuttams.
20
21
TYPES OF NALUKETTU
Nalukettus were differentiated based structure kind as well as based
on caste of its occupants.
BASED ON STRUCTURE
Traditionally Nalukettu has one
courtyard with 4 blocks/halls
constructed around it in cardinal
directions.
Nalukettus having 2 courtyards
are known as Ettukettu ((8 Blocked
structure) as they have altogether
8 blocks in cardinal directions.
Some super structures have 3
courtyards, which then are known
as Pathinarukettu (16 blocked
structure).)
BASED ON CASTE
For Nairs and other Feudal lords,
lords
including Mappila Muslims of Malabar,
most of the Nalukettus are referred as
Tharavadu or Mallikas
For Upper Ezhava and Thiyya classes,
their Nalukettus are referred as Madom.
For Kshatriya, their residences are
referred as Kovilakoms and Kottarams.
For Syrian Christians,
Christians their residences
are referred as Medas and Veedus.
For Nampoothiri communities, their
residences
d
are referred
f d as Illams.
Ill
22
ELEMENTS
OF
NAALUKETU
23
SITE PLAN OF A TYPICAL ILLAM

'Natasaala
Natasaala'' & 'Poomukham
Poomukham'' (Drawing
Room)
R ) - Place
Pl to receive
i guests
'Puthanara
Puthanara'' (New chamber) - Room
'Padinjattithara' (The western wing of
to store pickles and keep luggage of
quadrangular type of house) - Place to
Antharjanams
Antharjanams.
receive respected persons and serve
'Vadakke Akam'
Akam' - Labour Room
them meals.
'Vadakke Kett'
Kett' - Lunch hall for
'Deenamuri
Deenamuri'' (Sick Room) - Room for
N b h for
Namboothiris
f noon meals.
l
sick male members.
'Kizhakke Kett'
Kett' ('Thekketh
('Thekketh')') - Dinner
'Vadukkini
Vadukkini'' (The northern part) - Place
hall for Namboothiris on special
p
t do
to
d rituals
it l
occassions.
'Meladukkala
Meladukkala'' - Day-to-day dinner hall for
'Sreelaakam
Sreelaakam'' - Worship Roo
Namboothiris.
'Adukkala
Adukkala'' Kitchen
'Kalavara
Kalavara'' (Store room) - Room to store
'Oottupura
Oottupura'' - Place to prepare feast
Rice, Coconut Oil, Coconuts, etc.
on special occasions.
Paathrakkalavara'' (Vessel store
'Paathrakkalavara
Nd i
Nadumittam'
' - Inner
I
courtyardd
'Nadumittam
room) - Room to store vessels which are
24
not in daily use.
PADIPPURA
It is a structure containing a door forming
part of Compound wall for the house with a
tiled roof on top.
It is the formal entry to the compound with
the house.
POOMUKHAM
It is the prime portico soon after steps to
the house.
Traditionally it has a slope tiled roof with
pillars supporting roof. Sides are open.
In the earlier days, the Head of the family
called Karanavar used to sit here in a
reclining chair with thuppal kolambi
(Spittoon) by the side of chair.
Poomukham
with a covered
walkway (Nadappura) from gate
25
CHUTTU VERANDAH
From the Poomukham a verandah to
either
i h side
id in
i front
f
off the
h house
h
through open passage called Chuttu
Verandah.
It has hanging lights in equal distance
hanging from its slope roof.
CHARUPADY
By the side of Chuttu verandah and Poomukham,
wooden benches with carved decorative resting
wooden
d pieces
i
f resting
for
i the
h back
b k are provided.
id d
This is called Charupady.
Traditionallyy the familyy members or visitors used
to sit on these Charupady to talk.
26
AMBAL KULAM (POND)

Kulam
Kulappura
At the end of Chuttu verandah there

used to be a small pond built with rubble
on sides where water living plant called
Thamara (lotus) or Ambal used to be
planted .
BATHING TANKS(KULAM)
Almost every house has its own
Bathing Tank (Kulam) and hall at the
entrance of tank (Kulappura)
Kulam
27
POOJAMURI
NADUKATTILA
The best spot for 'poojamuri' is in the

east coner.
But usually the position for poojamuri is
fixed in the arapurra (central store
house for paddy and other riches) or
closer to the arappura towards the
centre.
The room for worship should not be
loacated under any staircase as it is a
bad omen & a call for misfortune
The spot for the central door frame

(Nadukattila) for a house facing the
E t mustt also
East
l face
f the
th East.
E t
Azhiyakam (the room with

wooden ventilator) adds to the
functional and architectural value
28
NADUMUTTOM
Traditionally Nadumuttom or central
open courtyard is the prime center
the Nalukettu.
There is an open area usually square
shaped in the exact middle of the house
dividing the house in its four sides.
Due to this four side division of the
house by having a Nadumuttom,
Nadumuttom Houses
with one Nadumuttom used to be called
as Nalukettu house.
Similarly there was Ettu kettu and
Pathinaru kettu which are quite rare
with two and four Nadumuttom
respectively.
Nadumuttom will be normally open

to sky, allowing sunshine and rains
to pour in.
This is to allow natural energies to
circulate within the house and allow
positive vibrance within.
A thulsi or tree will be normally
planted in center of Nadumuttom,
Nadumuttom
which is used to worship.
Architecturally the logic is allow
tree to act as a natural air purifier.
29
The outer verandahs along the

four sides of the Nalukettu are
enclosed differently.
differently
While both the western and
eastern verandahs are left
open, the
th northern
th andd southern
th
verandahs are enclosed or
semi-enclosed.
The courtyard created at the centre by these

four halls is auspicious and is called
Nadumuttom or Ankanam.
As the Ankanam is usually sunk it is also
called Kuzhi(pit)-Ankanam.
The
Th inner
i
verandah
d h aroundd the
th Ankanam
Ak
i
is
open.
The protruding
Th
t di roofs
f off the
th four
f halls
h ll
formed shady verandas and protected
the rooms from direct sunlight, keeping
them cool even on the hottest of days.
30
Jasmine platform (Mullathara), an

integral part of Nadumittam
Nadumuttom
with
holy
thulsi
in
center of it
SSnake-mound
k
d (Paambumputtu)
(
b
)
in Nadumittam
31
Art work/sculptures
on pillar
Gigantic
Gi
ti
pillars
Twin pillars
32
COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS

The common buildingg materials used for
vernacular construction in Kerala are mud,
laterite and granite stone blocks, lime
mortar wood,
mortar,
wood bamboo,
bamboo clay roofing tile
and coconut palm leaves.
leaves
Though granite stone is a strong and
d bl building
durable
b ld material,l due
d to its limited
l
d
availability mostly to the highlands, the use
of ggranite is limited to the foundation of
buildings.
Clay was used in many forms - for walling,
in filling the timber floors and making
bricks and tiles.
Palm leaves were used effectively for
thatching
h hi
the
h roofs
f andd for
f making
ki
partition walls.
33
LATERITE
Laterite stones and timber are the
most common building
b ld
materials
l in
Kerala.
Soft laterite stones are available in
most parts of the state, at relatively
low depths. These are quarried and
dressed for building the walls.
walls
Laterite stones, called 'Vettukallu
Vettukallu'' in
local language, is abundant in the
midlands
idl d off Kerala.
K l These
Th are relatively
l i l
soft stones that could be dressed and
cut with ease.
Laterite stones improve in strength as
they are exposed to sun and moisture.
This unique quality makes laterite a
material of choice for construction.
34
TIMBER
Timber, abundant in the state, is the other
most important structural element used in
Kerala.
Large number of rivers and water bodies Rose wood and teak are popular hard
made it easy to transport huge trees from wood used in construction.
the hilly regions of the state to the plains. Timber is the prime structural
The masterful joinery and skillful carvings material
t i l abundantly
b d tl available
il bl in
i
are common in older buildings.
many varieties in Kerala - from
The elements are dressed and accurately bamboo to teak.
cut on the ground and joined to form the Perhaps the skilful choice of timber,
wooden roof frame, on which then the tiles accurate joinery, artful assembly and
are spread.
delicate carving of wood work for
The local artisans use elaborate systems columns, walls and roofs frames are
to ensure absolute accuracy in woodwork the unique characteristics of Kerala
without which framing the roof structure architecture.
hit t
would be impossible.
35
36
TILES
Tiles are the most commonly visible unifying
feature of Kerala architecture.
Tiles paved on wooden trusses were the most
common and elegant roofing of the yester years.
Today, Due to the limitations of the materials, a mixed
mode of construction has evolved in Kerala
architecture.
The stone work was restricted to the plinth even in
important buildings such as temples.
Laterite was used for walls.
37
The various
areas of a
typical
Kerala
Nalukettu
House..
House
Wood,
L
Laterite,
Laterite
i ,
Terracotta
and Granite
plays
an
important
role
in
forming
a
traditional
K l
Kerala
house
38
ETTUKETTU
For larger homes and
wealthier families, there
are more elaborate forms
of the Nalukettu, called the
Ettukettu (eight halled with
t central
two
t l courtyards)
t d ) or
Pathinarukettu (sixteen
halled with four central
courtyards).
Traditional sloped elaborate

roofing of an Ettukketu
39
Ettukketu
Tharavad
40
COMPOSITION & STRUCTURE

Kerala architecture can be broadlyy divided
into 2 distinctive areas based on their
functionality, each guided by different set of
principles;
The gabled roof and ceiling works are the
prime feature of Kerala architectural style.
RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE,
ARCHITECTURE
primarily
l
patronized by temples of Kerala as well as
several old churches, mosques
q etc.
DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE, primarily seen in
most of the residences. There are
distinctively styles,
styles as Palaces and large
mansions of feudal lords different from
houses of commoners and also marked
diff
difference
exists
i
b
between
religious
li i
communities.
Religious Architecture
Domestic Architecture
41
COMPOSITION & STRUCTURE

The primary elements of all
structures tends to remain same.
The base model is normally circular,
square or rectangular plain shapes
with a ribbed roof evolved from
functional
u
a consideration.
d a
The most distinctive visual form of
Kerala architecture is the long,
steep sloping roof built to protect
the houses walls and to withstand the
heavy monsoon, normally laid with
tiles or thatched labyrinth of palm
leaves, supported on a roof frame
made of hard wood and timber.
Structurally the roof frame was

supported on the pillars on walls
erected on a plinth raised from
the ground for protection against
dampness and insects in the
tropical
p a climate.
a
Often the walls were also of
timbers abundantly available in
Kerala
Kerala.
Gable windows were evolved at
the two ends to provide attic
ventilation when ceiling was
incorporated for the room
spaces.
p
42
COMPOSITION
Most of the buildings appears as
low height visually, due to oversloping of roofs, which are meant
to protect walls from rains and
direct sun shine.
The science of Vastu plays a very
important role in developing
architecture styles.
The basic concept underlines that,
every structure built on earth has
its own life, with a soul and
personality which is shaped by its
surroundings.
The most important science which

Kerala has developed purely
indigenously is Thachu-Shastra
(Science of Carpentry) due to the
easily availability of timber and its
heavy use of it.
The concept of Thachu underlines
that as timber is derived from a
living form, the wood, when used
for construction, has its own life
which must be synthesized in
harmony with its surroundings and
people whom dwell inside it.
43
WOOD CARVING OF KERALA

The large number of temples in Kerala
and the doors, windows, and ceilings of
most ancient taravads or ancestral
homes show the high level of
craftsmanship prevalent in woodcarving.
The wood used is mainly teak.
teak
These elegant taravads have massive
teak doors, studded with brass.
Rich carvings are found in the
archways of these doors and the
ceilings have scenes from religious
epics, as well as flowers, foliage and
animal motifs.
A lot of sculptural and relief work is
found as part of wood work
44
The motifs found in the woodwork are Puranic

scenes and depictions from the epics, along with
h
human
fi
figures,
animals,
i l birds,
bi d trees,
t
andd
flowers..
flowers
Rathas or temple chariots used during certain
ceremonies showcase the artistry and technical
mastery of the craftspersons of Kerala.
Wood
Wood-carving
carving is a highly evolved craft in Kerala,
Kerala
and the best examples are seen in the temples
and churches.
One
O off the
th richest
i h t examples
l off wood-carving
d
i is
i
the
Mahadeva
temple,
Katinakulam,
Trivandrum.The ceiling is beautifully carved with
Brahma, the god of creation, sitting on a swan in
the centre.
Elephant carving is also a specialisation here and
elephants are produced in a variety of postures
and sizes.
Culture & Architecture
of Kerala
45
PADMANABHAPURAM
PALACE
C
46
THE SREE PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

Represents the most
classic Kerala domestic
architecture.
It is also the world's
largest wooden palace
made on sloping
p g roofs,,
granite and rosewoodteak
wood
work
combinations.
combinations
47
Important buildings in the palace include:

MANTRASALA King
Kingss Council Chamber
MANTRASALA
THAI KOTTARAM
KOTTARAM Mother Palace (also known as Darbha Kulangara Kottaram)
The Thai Kottaram is the oldest part of the palace.It was built during the reign of
R Varma
Ravi
V
K l kh perumal,l 1592 1620 CE.A
Kulasekhara
CE A secret tunnell over one
kilometer long from this building provided the royal family with an escape route
in times of war.
NATAKSALA the Hall of Performance, or of Performing Arts
UPPARIKA MALIKA the Kings Quarters a four-story building at the center
of the palace complex containing the Kings Treasury, sleeping quarters, resting
and study rooms, and the top floor serving as the worship chamber of the royal
household. Martanda Verma built the Kings
King s Quarters in 1744 A.D.
THEKEE KOTTARAM the Southern Palace
A ceremonial feasting hall, which can accommodate around 1000 guests
48
Ornamental wooden brackets

MANTRASALA
49
Ceiling
of
Ekantha
mandapam--verandah
mandapam
Thai Kottaram
Interior with rich wooden

carvings--carved out of a
carvings
single jackfruit tree
50
51
AMBARI MUGHAPPU
Built for King to view

the holy chariots during
festivals.. The structure
festivals
built in the shape of
Ambari,, the seat put on
Ambari
the elephants
p
back for
safaris..
safaris
52
Natakasla -Exterior
Navaratri Mandapam- with its
reflective flooring and carved
pillars,, where dance p
p
performances
take place.
53
Wooden Brackets
The wooden overhead

beams that support the roof
54
The ceremonial Dining Hall Ootapura
Upparika Malika
55
Ornamental
carvings on
wood
56
CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONS
IIM, KOZHIKODE
CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
ASHTAMUDI RESORT
NAPIER MUSEUM
57
The Institute is located in

Kunnamangalam, a sub-urban area of
Kozhikode ,Kerala.
Kerala
IIM, KOZHIKODE
58
The campus is spread across two hills which are part of the Western Ghats
IIM, KOZHIKODE
59
Bricks to me are like faces. All of them are

made of burnt mud, but they vary slightly in
shape and colour. I think these small variations
give tremendous character to a wall made of
thousands of bricks, so I never dream of
covering such a unique and characterful creation
with plaster, which is mainly dull and
characterless I like the contrast of textures of
characterless.
brick, of stone, of concrete, of wood.- Laurie
Baker..
Baker
CDS,TRIVANDRUM
60
The campus,
p designed
g
and constructed byy the famous architect, Dr Laurie
Baker epitomizes his unique style and philosophy of adaptive building methods
CDS,TRIVANDRUM
61
The design exhibits a

range of concepts applied
byy Laurie Baker,, to the
individual buildings as per
suiting to their needs of
function,, scale,, and
dimensions.
Also these buildings are a
good example of the
saying Form Follows
Function.
CDS,TRIVANDRUM
Construction features used in the structure are: Foundation constructed of random rubble
mixed in lime surkhi mortar; (lime
manufactured from manufactured from sea
shells on the site).
Super
S
structure
t t off load
l d bearing
b i brick.
b i k Slabs
Sl b
are of filler tiles; whereas flooring is a mixture
of local quarry tiles.
Windows are made out of jack wood.
Bathrooms are plastered, rest all surfaces
either exposed or whitewashed.
The precast stair treads used in circular stair
tower are made of filler slab and bamboo
reinforcement.
Roofs are of folded concrete slab.
62
All the concerns of his

architectural
hit t l
practice
ti
th
the
sensitivity to the natural contours
& elements of a site, the honest &
optimum utilization of the
materials find an expression in the
plan &structures of the center.
center
It has all the Baker
characteristics- the jalis, the
t diti l roofs,
traditional
f the
th stepped
t
d
arches, the overhanging eaves and
the skylights. Baker is able to
transform vernacular architecture
to suit the requirements of a
modern academic institution
CDS,TRIVANDRUM
63
ASHTAMUDI RESORT
The resorts architecture reflects
the unique style of construction
deployed by the Travancore Raj.
Ashtamudi means, 'eight-armed',
after the eight arms of the lake.
The Ashtamudi Lake is the
gateway to a glimpse of the
serene backwaters,located
backwaters located in
Kollam.
Ashtamudi
Ah
d Resort
R
is famed
f d for
f its magnificent
f
views off nature that
h leaves
l
an
indelible impression on ones mind.
p y expression
p
of the
It is built in the Traditional THARAVAD STYLE
STYLE; a contemporary
vernacular style indigenous to Kerala.
ASHTAMUDI RESORT
64
ASHTAMUDI RESORT
65
The traditional elements/features with

contemporary materials.
Traditional ornamental carved pillars

ASHTAMUDI RESORT
66
NAPIER MUSEUM
The Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated in Trivandrum,
the capital city of Kerala.
The
Th architectural
hit t l masterpiece
t i was designed
d i d by
b Robert
R b t Chisholm
Chi h l
Napier Museum is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and
architectural style with gothic roof and minarets.
Interestingly, the structure has been designed to condition air naturally. the
museum remains cool even on a scorching summer day.
The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts,
bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also
contains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma and
Nicholas Roerich, as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.
The Museum grounds also hold a Zoological garden, which is one of the oldest in
I d This
India.
Th Zoo
Z was established
bl h d in 1857 andd is spreadd over 55 acres.
NAPIER MUSEUM
67
NAPIER MUSEUM
68
The
main
architectural features
of the museum are its
gothic roof and
minarets;
ornamentation
t ti
using
i
bronze and stone
sculpture;
The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian
architectural
hit t l styles.
tl
The museum is an architectural marvel with natural air-conditioning,
The Napier Museum in Trivandrum displays a unique combination of authentic
Kerala style of architecture added with Chinese and Mughal touch.
69
The most intriguing feature of the

museum is its architecture. The
magnificent edifice stands in the lush
observatory gardens, a symbol of the
architectural magnificence achieved by
combining Chinese and Mughal styles
with Kerala's traditional forms of
construction.
t ti
The tall minarets, gothic roofs and stained glass windows and the vivid use of colors
such as blue, pink, yellow, red and white make it a dreamy sight.
High arches, intricately carved balconies, red and white grilles and stone
ornamentations give the museum its charms.
charms
NAPIER MUSEUM
70
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://www.google.co.in/
//
/
http://www.keralaculture.com/
http://lauriebaker.net/
http //la riebaker net/
Traditional buildings of India, Ilay Cooper, Thames and Hudson Ltd.,
London

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