Art Beyond Visuals

Author: Tanvi Loyare
Site Location: Lado Sarai, New Delhi
Institute: SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Ninad Rewatkar

Description

Today, the cultural and architectural spaces of our cities remain ocularcentric, leaving
this vast community excluded from one of the most fundamental human experiences
“art”. This project, a Tactile Art and Training Center, responds to this urgent need by
reimagining the museum as a place where every sense touch, sound, smell, and even
thermal shifts becomes a medium of perception. At its core lies an art gallery designed
beyond the visual domain. Here, sensory pods, each defined by distinct materials,
textures, and thermal properties, create cocoons of experience. Skylights and contrasts
of light and shadow guide those with low vision, while fragrant plants and embedded
auditory landmarks help in orientation. Complementing this, a vocational training center
empowers visually impaired artisans to create, learn, and sell their work transforming
the space into both a cultural hub and an employment opportunity.
The project gives back to the community by opening its landscaped public spaces to all,
fostering child-like wonder for younger visitors while nurturing a shared sense of
belonging across generations.By making art accessible to all while placing the visually
impaired at its center, this project is not just a museum but a model of equitable design,
a living demonstration of inclusivity that we urgently need today.

Drawings

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Humanitarian Monastery

Author: Syeda Nabila Fatima
Site Location: Hyderabad
Institute: Poojya Dr. Shivakumar Swamiji School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Anju Wanti

Description

The Humanitarian Monastery is conceived as a place of peace, learning, and community that transcends religion and embraces universal human values. Planned across a 10-acre site, the design approach emphasizes harmony between people, nature, and the built environment. The site layout follows a flowing, circular, and oneness, and the rhythm of life. Each pathway, landscape, and structure emerges as part of a larger ecosystem, where movement feels natural and interconnected, much like the flow of water.
The project is structured around the idea of equitability through design. Public areas are positioned near the main approach for accessibility, while contemplative and private monastic spaces are placed deeper within the site to ensure tranquility. Curved roads, gardens, and water bodies create transitional zones that balance openness with seclusion. The contours of the land are integrated into the planning, allowing the landscape to guide placement and orientation of spaces, reducing intervention and enhancing sustainability.
This thesis is not just an architectural exploration but a humanitarian vision—where planning, landscape, and design techniques unite to create a sustainable, inclusive, and spiritual environment. It demonstrates how architecture can become a medium of healing, equity, and coexistence.

Drawings

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Building a Bridging Community: Re-imagining the Lives of the Sexworkers and Children of Sonagachi Redlight Area

Author: B Vishnu Priya
Site Location: Sonagachi, Kolkata
Institute: Department of Architecture and Planning, College of Engineering, Trivandrum
Advisor: Arun Cherian

Description

Going into Sonagachi and identifying the real issues inside is one of the most challenging tasks known to India. Over the years, It has formed impenetrable layers of security within itself making it difficult to leave once trapped inside. A sexworker’s  desire to escape from the cycle of prostitution, abuse and illness is overshadowed by fear and a lack of sufficient support systems.

This project aims to provide the sexworkers and children the freedom of choice by providing all required facilities to leave the profession and transition back into society as strong independent citizens. Once a sexworker has chosen to leave Sonagachi behind, this project welcomes them to join the process of reintegration.

The design program involves a newly curated administrative and architectural self-sustaining ecosystem to provide housing, opportunities for upskilling, assistance with child care and access to education, leisure and sense of belonging.

Exclusion can only be addressed by involving the public in the sustenance of this project. Hence the project forms 3 layers of privacy on site. The site level zoning forms a market area where the people of Howrah and Kolkata can freely move about. The second level stacks the housing of the women on top of the commercial zone creating a secondary street network exclusively accessible to the tenants. The third layer addresses the need for institutional facilities required for liberation.

The future of Sonagachi is not written in stigma, but in the strength of its women. A city that no longer defines them by the walls they were once confined within, but by the possibilities they are free to pursue. This project is a step toward an urban fabric that chooses inclusion over exclusion, dignity over neglect, and liberation over silence. In reimagining the lives of the women and children of Sonagachi, we are reminded that architecture is not just about structures—it is about lives, choices, and the collective courage to create change.

Drawings

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Water Edges: Navigating Inequity and Dilemmas related to Urban Water

Author: Dweep Jain
Site Location: Nashik
Institute: L.S. Raheja School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Mridula Pillai

description

‘Water edges or boundaries’ are challenging to define due to water’s inherently fluid and dynamic form. In the rapidly urbanizing society, water in the urban realm is increasingly vulnerable. Such is the plight of the Godavari River also known as the as the Dakshin Ganga, is India’s second-longest river. The river is enshrined in scriptures as one of the four sacred rivers worthy of reverence and worship. Godavari not only harbours a strong cultural significance, being the stage for the Kumbh Mela, but also is home to delicate ecosystems. Despite people worshiping the intangible idea of the river, its tangible form has been subject to abuse in the name of development. The inequities become especially severe at the source, in Nashik, where rampant concretization, illegal encroachment etc have severely compromised the river’s health and its ecological network, creating an alarming situation in need of immediate intervention.

By conceptualizing the evolving riverscape as a “form,” this approach responds to the impending climate emergency in Nashik’s precinct. The form is designed to sustain and adapt to its ever-changing environment, creating a resilient and equitable realm. It revitalizes the riverscape, ensuring it nurtures the neighbourhoods and ecosystems that rely on it as their lifeblood. Here, the ghats and built structures are not static; they adapt dynamically to shifting climatic and cultural needs. This approach moves beyond mere preservation, establishing a sustainable and equitable framework that addresses contextual and climatic challenges, ultimately fostering a resilient and thriving precinct. Architecture, in this vision, transcends its physical form, becoming a living entity that adapts to shifting cultural needs as well as, integrates, and mitigates climate emergencies.

drawings

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Saahor Alohi, Tea Experience Hub, Assam

Author: Charlina J. Dutta
Site Location: Amchong Tea Estate, Assam
Institute: GZS School of Architecture & Planning, MRSPTU
Advisor: Ar. Amandeep Kaur

description

The thesis project envisions a transformative tea experience hub, set within a 24-acre estate, designed to immerse visitors in the art and culture of tea. The site is thoughtfully divided into two primary sections: a built-up area that houses key facilities and a cultivation zone dedicated to tea production.

The built-up area features a variety of carefully curated spaces, including a museum, a restaurant, guest accommodations, and recreational areas. Each structure is strategically placed to enhance the visitor’s connection with the surrounding landscape while offering insights into the tea-making process. The cultivation zone allows for direct engagement with the tea fields, offering a holistic experience that blends education with leisure. Central to the design are climate-responsive features that ensure sustainability and harmony with the environment. The architecture optimizes natural ventilation, minimizes solar gain, and integrates water management systems. Local materials further ground the design in its cultural and environmental context, creating a space that is both innovative and respectful of its natural surroundings.

drawings

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Model Handicrafts Centre: Crafting a cultural legacy

Author: Shivani Jitendra Rampariya
Site Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Institute: Lokmanya Tilak Institute of Architecture & Design Studies, Navi Mumbai
Advisor: Prof. Harish Setty

description

Indian handicrafts, a culturally significant sector, employs millions of artisans and contributes to the economy. However, it faces challenges like changing consumer demands and competition from mechanized production. The project revitalizes Rajasthan’s unique handicrafts, preserve community values, and promote sustainable practices, attracting tourists and generating revenue.

The handicrafts centre in Jaipur aims to revive the industry by integrating sustainable architecture and community empowerment. Locally sourced materials and passive cooling strategies are used to reduce environmental impact and promote economic sustainability. It also revives an existing stepwell which is used for rainwater harvesting and has an on-site waste water treatment system for block printing workshops. The centre also focuses on community empowerment and cultural preservation, providing a space for artisans to showcase and sell their crafts. It serves as a cultural hub and tourist attraction, promoting Rajasthan’s unique handicraft traditions globally.

The project blends Rajasthani heritage with modern design principles, using local materials and architectural features. It emphasizes clean lines, open spaces, and functionality. The landscape design incorporates native plants and revives existing trees, preserving historical significance and enhancing sustainability.

drawings

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Thara Pani Nirmala: Building 21st Century Stepwell with Heritage

Author: Payal Kachawa
Site Location: Nagaur, Rajasthan
Institute: Aurora’s Design Academy
Advisor: Ar. Pingal Naga Praveen

description

Project centers on revitalizing a historic stepwell in a region where water is collected and stored for six months, with the land remaining vacant during the dry season. This site, once integral to the community for both water storage and ritual activities, has seen a decline in its usage and cultural significance. To address this, my project aims to reinvigorate the stepwell by blending ancient water storage techniques with modern design, ensuring that its historical function is preserved while adapting to contemporary needs.

The redesigned stepwell will enhance water conservation through its original structure, emphasizing sustainable practices that honor traditional engineering. Additionally, the project will introduce new functions, transforming the site into a year-round cultural and social hub. Shaded pavilions, mandapas, and spaces for seasonal markets or events will breathe new life into the area, encouraging community interaction during the dry months. This approach not only safeguards the ancient water storage technique but also reestablishes the stepwell as a vital part of the community, bridging past and presenting a meaningful way.

drawings

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Indian Institute of Skills, Nasmed, Gujarat

Author: Aashima Mathur
Site Location: Gujarat
Institute: Manipal University Jaipur
Advisor: Ar. Nexa Saxena

description

Gujarat is a hub for artisans, skilled labor, and the workforce. Indian Institute of Skills attempts to strengthen and preserve Gujarat’s rich artisanal traditions and skills. Through the skill development of these artisans, this Institute aims to provide a platform for the promotion of traditional Handicrafts and allied cultural practices and the processes involved in their creation and the preservation of culture, community, and local environments. Creating a common roof under which a range of local and traditional craftsmen and other stakeholders can exchange ideas and collaborate. The vision is to create a sustainable Indian Skill and Craft Institute that values craft, handicraft, and space. The project aims to create inclusive craftmanship hubs that serve as spaces for traditional artisans, trainees, and the surrounding community to engage, collaborate, and learn. The project will encompass workshops for artisans to exchange knowledge and enhance their craft. These spaces promote skill development and creativity by providing the necessary tools and supplies. The design shall also include communal gathering areas for social interaction and cross-cultural exchange. The project also includes designated areas for the preservation of traditional knowledge and promoting mentorship and learning among generations of craftsmen and skilled workforce.

drawings

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Reviving Wooden Toy Industry in Etikoppaka

Author: Utkarsha Purushottam Ranbhor
Site Location: Etikoppaka, Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Institute: Pillai HOC College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Ashwathy Rajagopal

description

“Like nature, cultural heritage evolves and adapts, but can also face extinction without care. In today’s dynamic world, intangible heritage like wooden toys; are cultural treasures. As plastic toys threaten this craft in Anthropocene, challenge is to preserve and reimagine its relevance. This project creates space where tradition and innovation merge, ensuring survival and revival of this timeless art by establishing a model of flexible, scalable upliftment that can be replicated across other clusters in India.

A design approach that allows for adaptation and growth in response to evolving needs of the artisans and communities. It responds to the unique socio-economic context of clusters, allowing for localized adaptations that respect the craft’s heritage while ensuring its relevance in contemporary markets. By offering spaces that can be reconfigured and repurposed as needed, the center empowers artisans to continuously innovate and sustain their craft in face of changing market dynamics.

In essence, this project embodies the spirit of flexibility and resilience. It recognizes that to sustain the legacy of traditional clusters, architecture must evolve in harmony with cultural and economic shifts that define the artisans’ world. This approach not only preserves the craft but also ensures that it thrives in future and contributes to the global economy of India.

drawings

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Land.Water.Life : Majuli’s Symphony of Survival

Author: Abhay Rajesh
Site Location: Majuli Island, Assam
Institute: Avani Institute of Design
Advisor: Ar. Thushara K

description

In response to the annual floods and relentless soil erosion on Majuli Island, this architectural thesis explores how spatial adaptation can enhance resilience and improve the inhabitants’ lives. The “Land Water Life – Majuli’s Symphony of Survival” project focuses on creating multifunctional community spaces that dynamically respond to the island’s ever-changing landscape. The design investigates architectural strategies that facilitate living during and after floods, aiming to extend the functionality and safety of the spaces on the island.

The project delves into the intricate relationship between land, water, and community, highlighting the resilient negotiations the people of Majuli undertake to coexist with their environment. By reimagining traditional Satra spaces and integrating essential healthcare facilities, the project preserves cultural identity while improving access to critical services. This holistic approach underscores the interconnectedness of cultural preservation, environmental resilience, and community well-being.

The thesis emphasizes creating structures that not only adapt to the island’s flooding but also support the community’s socio-cultural revival. Through innovative design strategies, the project aims to serve as a beacon of resilience and empowerment, ensuring that Majuli’s way of life can endure and thrive despite the challenges posed by floods.

drawings

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Elephant Conservation Centre

Author: Shyam Sundar GN
Site Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Institute: Faculty of Architecture, PES University
Advisor: Ar. Sharath H Aithal, Ar. Pranathi Udupa

description

Elephants, as keystone species, play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of their habitats. However, rapid urbanization and deforestation have led to significant reductions in their natural habitats, pushing them into closer contact with human populations. This results in human-elephant conflicts, causing damage to crops, property, and sometimes even loss of life. The traditional methods of addressing these conflicts have been largely ineffective, often resulting in further harm to the elephants. Recognizing the urgent need for dedicated spaces that provide safety for elephants and educate the public about their conservation, the “Elephant Conservation Centre” aims to address these critical social concerns through innovative architectural solutions.

It provides a sustainable and educational sanctuary dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of elephants. By addressing the critical issues of habitat loss and human-elephant conflict, the project seeks to create a harmonious environment for both elephants and humans. The center focuses on conservation, education, and sustainable design, showcasing the role architecture can play in addressing pressing social issues. Through its design, the project aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of elephants, highlighting the importance of their conservation for both ecological and cultural reasons. And spread awareness among the tourists.

drawings

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Heritage Center: Reminiscing Pune

Author: Poornima Solunke
Site Location: Manas Lake, Pune
Institute: S.B. Patil College of Architecture & Design,
Advisor: Ar. Abhishek Ranka, Ar. Neha Pathak

description

  • Introduction: –

Heritage Centre, a public building dedicated to preserve, conserve and to represent history, culture and tradition of city. The project aims to showcase architectural heritage of different historic era of Pune, which also consist of dedicated Heritage Management Cell, comprising of archeology, research & development, and workshop space to work on various craft and to make specimen for restoration. The center will also made interactive by featuring hands on experience through various workshops for its visitors, meanwhile differentiating it from other museums.

  • Need of the Project: –

Being Ruled by various rulers, the old city Pune has got mix of culture and tradition, which can be relived through various architectural heritage of that era. Conserving this heritage will help us understand the architectural evolution of the city and also the culture of that time. Rejuvenation and protection of these heritage structuresv is important to keep the history alive. Due to workshops, many local artisans and sculptures will get beneficiary of employment. With dedicated heritage management cell, old construction techniques could be revived and used as sustainable practice for modern construction technology.

  • Aim: –

To design the Architectural Heritage Centre to represent architecture of different era and to preserve, conserve the old structures through Research and Development department.

  • Objective: –   
  • To discuss the architectural heritage and its Research and Development.
  • To design museum to showcase various architectural artifacts.
  • To develop R & D department to work on different techniques to preserve and conserve the heritage.
  • To design Exhibition space and Galleries.
  • Documentation and archive space.
  • Open air amphitheater and indoor theater arenas to showcase traditional folk lore and plays.
  • To provide cafeterias and traditional cuisine restaurants.
  • To create replicas of architectural heritage which includes wadas, temple, forts, stepwells etc.
  • To provide workshops for local artisans and experts to practice their skills and to showcase their work.
  • Scope: –

The study covers the designing of architectural heritage center to conserve the heritage with the help of heritage management and to educate the visitors about history and old practices through museum, exhibits and interactive workshops.

  • Limitation: –

The study only covers to designing of Architectural heritage center for conserving Architectural Heritage of Pune and conserving it through Heritage Management Cell.

drawings

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Interpretation Hub for Bishnupur’s Cultural Heritage

Author: Mayuri Dutta
Site Location: Bishnupur, West Bengal
Institute: Piloo Mody College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Anshuman Mishra

drawings

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AAROHAK Tribal School For Dhar Community

Author: Khushi Bhatnagar
Site Location: Nalchha, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
Institute: DIT University
Advisor: Ar. Vicky Rawat

description

The Tribal School in Dhar is a visionary project designed to provide a nurturing educational environment for the indigenous communities of Madhya Pradesh. Rooted in the principles of vernacular architecture, the school reflects the cultural heritage of the local tribes, utilizing traditional materials like bamboo, stone, and thatch.

The design emphasizes sustainability, incorporating rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and natural ventilation to minimize environmental impact. Classrooms are flexible and open, fostering creativity and a strong connection to nature. Outdoor learning spaces, along with areas dedicated to traditional crafts, music, and dance, ensure a holistic education that honors both modern and traditional knowledge systems.

More than just an educational facility, the school serves as a community hub, providing spaces for gatherings, workshops, and cultural events. This integration ensures that the school remains a vital part of the community, promoting a sense of identity and pride among students and their families. The Tribal School in Dhar is a model for culturally-sensitive, sustainable, and community-focused design, aiming to empower tribal children with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in both their traditional and modern worlds.

drawings

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Water Edges: Navigating Inequity and Dilemmas realted to Urban Water

Author: Dweep Jain
Site Location: Nashik
Institute: L.S. Raheja School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Mridula Pillai

description

‘Water edges or boundaries’ are challenging to define due to water’s inherently fluid and dynamic form. In the rapidly urbanizing society, water in the urban realm is increasingly vulnerable. Such is the plight of the Godavari River also known as the as the Dakshin Ganga, is India’s second-longest river. The river is enshrined in scriptures as one of the four sacred rivers worthy of reverence and worship. Godavari not only harbours a strong cultural significance, being the stage for the Kumbh Mela, but also is home to delicate ecosystems. Despite people worshiping the intangible idea of the river, its tangible form has been subject to abuse in the name of development. The inequities become especially severe at the source, in Nashik, where rampant concretization, illegal encroachment etc have severely compromised the river’s health and its ecological network, creating an alarming situation in need of immediate intervention.

By conceptualizing the evolving riverscape as a “form,” this approach responds to the impending climate emergency in Nashik’s precinct. The form is designed to sustain and adapt to its ever-changing environment, creating a resilient and equitable realm. It revitalizes the riverscape, ensuring it nurtures the neighbourhoods and ecosystems that rely on it as their lifeblood. Here, the ghats and built structures are not static; they adapt dynamically to shifting climatic and cultural needs. This approach moves beyond mere preservation, establishing a sustainable and equitable framework that addresses contextual and climatic challenges, ultimately fostering a resilient and thriving precinct. Architecture, in this vision, transcends its physical form, becoming a living entity that adapts to shifting cultural needs as well as, integrates, and mitigates climate emergencies.

drawings

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Koliwada Katta : Community Re-integration and socio cultural restructuring centre at Worli Koliwada

Author: Aayush Parish Kapse
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Rachana Sansad’s Academy of Architecture, Mumbai
Advisor: Ar. Sulakshana Bhanushali

description

Mumbai’s Worli Koliwada is one of the oldest fishing villages in India. Around 40% of the Koliwada’s inhabitants are still employed directly or indirectly in the fishing industry. As the precinct sees an evolution of thought and is witnessing the advent of education, its losing the youth to localities and industries outside of artisanal fishery. With the rise of these new trends and shift of the mindset of the Koli people, there are very limited avenues which remain as a point of interaction and present themselves as nodes of congregation for the people of the community.

With the upcoming ideas to redevelop the precinct as sanctioned by the government, the area is in a dire need of a facility which initiates, involves and interprets the public realm in the truest Koli form and order. By harnessing self-sufficiency as the foundation behind the design, the project looks into the aspect of creating an ecosystem for all age-groups, genders and traditional occurrences unique to the Koli community at Worli.

The entire facility revolved around three courtyards manifested in addition to the three existing trees on the site. These courtyards create an axial exchange amongst the public transition paths, in turn activating the public realm and whirling movement into the nooks and niches of the facility to promote interaction. The project derives theoretical backing from Prof. Charles Correa’s Theory of Critical Regionalism and Prof. Rahul Mehrotra’s Theory of Kinetic Cities. The program hence, unfolds in the spaces curated by the volumes inspired from the neighbourhood. In its originality, the project is for the Kolis, of the Kolis and by the Kolis of Worli Koliwada.

drawings

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Does a city need a Backyard? Case of Brahmapuram

Author: Mariya Joy
Site Location: Ernakulam, Kerala
Institute: TKM College of Engineering Kollam
Advisor: Prof. Surya P.S.

description

The Brahmapuram dumpsite, situated in Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala, has become infamous for its frequent fires and severe pollution, which adversely affect the environment within a 2 km radius. This area was once a natural wetland along the Kadambrayar River, but government intervention converted it into a waste treatment plant and later a landfill, leading to substantial ecological damage. Despite being surrounded by flourishing urban developments, including Kochi’s IT hub and various educational institutions, the dumpsite remains an eyesore and a significant health hazard. This project aims to rejuvenate the area, transforming it into a dynamic urban space that aligns with the region’s growth aspirations while addressing environmental concerns. By restoring the site’s natural beauty and ecological balance, the initiative seeks to create a valuable community asset, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The plan not only aims to eliminate the environmental hazards associated with the dumpsite but also to integrate the revitalized space into the broader urban landscape, reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable development and improved living conditions for all who live nearby.

drawings

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“From Tragedy to Resilience” A Journey through Mumbai’s Terror Attacks at the Museum of Hope

Author: Tanvi Gawde
Site Location: Mumbai
Institute: Thakur School of Architecture and Planning
Advisor: Dipali Vadhavkar

description

Mumbai, a city known for its resilience, has endured significant tragedies since 1947, including the 1993 Bombay Stock Exchange bombings and the 2011 coordinated attacks. These events, which have caused immense suffering, also highlight the remarkable strength of its people. This project seeks to honour and reflect this enduring spirit through an innovative architectural design. Designed as both a memorial and an interactive educational experience, the space will document Mumbai’s traumatic history while celebrating its recovery and unity. The design features a multi-level structure that begins at ground level and elevates visitors through various emotional experiences. It will incorporate colour palettes, dynamic visual elements, and multisensory experiences such as screenings and soundscapes, along with emotive architecture to evoke deep emotional responses. Interactive interfaces will allow visitors to delve into personal stories and historical contexts, fostering empathy and understanding. By integrating these components, the project transcends functionality, creating a profound experience that educates and inspires. Serving as a beacon of hope and resilience, it will promote a compassionate and united future, ensuring that the stories of those who endured adversity are remembered and leaving a lasting impact on all who visit.

drawings

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Cultural Odyssey: Exploring Theyyam, Kannur, Kerala

Author: Ankita Vinod
Site Location: Kannur, Kerala
Institute: IES College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Vineetha P.S.

description

The Theyyam Interpretation Centre in Kannur is dedicated to uplifting the Theyyam
community and enriching enthusiasts’ understanding of this cultural art form, deeply
rooted in Northern Kerala’s heritage. The Centre aims to deepen appreciation for Theyyam,
as an artistic expression and a vital conservator of tradition and spirituality.

A key focus of the Centre is the preservation of sacred groves, integral to Theyyam
traditions. These natural sanctuaries are essential for maintaining the region’s biodiversity
and spiritual heritage. The design incorporates central landscaped areas, grove enclaves,
and corridors that seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, all
thoughtfully integrated with the local climate and the Kerala traditional architecture.

The Centre uses locally sourced materials and climate-responsive design elements to
ensure comfort and sustainability. Multifunctional spaces, courtyards, and groves are
designed to foster community interaction, providing open, flexible areas for knowledge
exchange and connection.

By blending traditional architecture with climate-conscious design, the Centre preserves
cultural heritage and embodies the harmony between man, nature, and the built
environment, standing as a beacon of cultural preservation and environmental
conservation.

drawings

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Below the sea level

Author: Aashritha Jaladi
Site Location: Kuttanad, Kerala
Institute: SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Priyakta Chakravarthy

description

Circular Community Based Tourism (CBT) Model for the Kuttanad Community, Kerala
Climate change has triggered rising sea levels, threatening to submerge the lowlands of Kuttanad in Kerala, a region recently honored as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) for its unique below the sea level farming system 0.2m to 3m below the MSL. With projections indicating that Kuttanad could be fully submerged within the next decade, the Government of Kerala is relocating communities, though many residents are reluctant to leave, deeply tied to their land and livelihood. In response to this crisis, the Community Based Tourism (CBT) model emerges as a beacon of hope for a future where the Kuttanad community thrives with tourism as an alternative source of
income uplifting the community and fostering a circular and self-sufficient life.

The Kuttanad landscape is studied to propose strategies for all the Kuttanad lands, including the lowlands unfit for cultivation. In lands that lie below -2m MSL, designated as a ‘No Development Zone,’ the focus is on restoration, preserving these areas in their natural state. In lands above -2m MSL, designated as an ‘Agriculture Zone,’ the model proposes preventive measures such as floating structures to adapt to rising waters. Lands above 2m MSL, identified as a ‘Flood Resilience Zone,’ are envisioned with stilted structures. Lands above 3m MSL, deemed a ‘Development Zone,’ are seen as opportunities for revitalization, built using local materials and accentuating tourism.

Architectural templates for floating architecture, stilt-level constructions, and local vernacular techniques are envisioned not merely as structures but as symbols of resilience—floating homes in lowlands that rise with the waters, stilted platforms that stand above the tides, and buildings that echo the wisdom of generations past. The CBT circuit, with the landscape strategies, in a phased execution plan that can empower the Kuttanad community, ensuring that their heritage, their livelihoods, and their spirit continue to thrive in the face of change.

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