"Kerala has a very sensitive and sensible architecture. It has a beautiful openness to it that is missing in other states or countries," said architect Dean D’Cruz at a talk titled My Space, a discourse on designs.
Introduced by architect Princy Vijay, the session began with the renowned architect explaining various models of buildings and houses. The session went on with a huge emphasis on sustainable architecture. Courtyards play an important role in the traditional architecture of Kerala. The openness and beauty comes from these factors. There is a lot to be learned from the culture and tradition of Kerala that can be imbibed into sustainable architecture today. Reusing and recycling are the only means to sustain the earth today. Expressing uniqueness is the key to success while renovating traditional architecture, added D’cruz.
He went on to explain that a building becomes a home when people who deserve and want it live in it. Low cost buildings were a speciality of Laurie Baker and his influence is evident in the modern architecture. ‘Building low cost houses for people in dire need of a home gives a whole different satisfaction than building a bungalow,’ he said concluding the session.