Post independence changes in the house forms of the Ashtamudi lake region Kerala India

Abstract

Understanding the transformation of settlement patterns and changes in the house forms is a serious matter of interest and concern in the field of architecture and urban design. Numerous studies and researches have been conducted and published in the related areas by scholars and researchers worldwide. This research thesis discusses the post independence (1947-2012) - morphological changes in the house forms in the Ashtamudi lake region in Kerala, India, and identifies the transformation and analyses the reasons behind these changes. The research also aims at developing a research frame work(tool) to analyze the house forms of the state. The research focuses on the gradual (vernacular) architectural developments that happened within the study region owing to several factors explored in detail in this thesis. The vernacular domestic architecture, which has undergone transformation owing to these factors, can be identified with specific typological variations. The traditional architecture of the region was discussed in detail in many of the former research works and text books. The domestic architecture of Kerala has been majorly considered and thought of as the traditional wooden structures comprising of the Ekashalas, Dwishalas, Thrishalas, Nalukettus etc. The earlier studies mostly documented and elaborated these structures. The survey conducted by the author and the review of the previous scholarly works revealed that these traditional structures formed less than 5% of the total built structures in the state. The detailed survey conducted as part of the thesis also revealed that the study area consisted of indigenous vernacular houses in large numbers compared to the traditional wooden houses. The literature review conducted revealed that there were no detailed studies regarding the popular indigenous house forms. The popular indigenous vernacular houses expressed the mass culture, needs, sentiments and beliefs of the society. Theoretical analysis or detailed documentation of these houses was not available.