Reinventing Traditional Practices for Sustainable Dwelling Solutions in Kerala

Abstract

The need for sustainable architectural solutions has been identified as a priority by many present-day researchers and purpose of this study is to understand the relevance of traditional architecture in modern context. This paper deals with the study of architectural practices, which are traditionally practiced in Kerala region of India and to derive with cost effective sustainable solutions for future dwellings. Kerala experiences tropical warm humid climate and the traditional architectural styles found to be the direct responsive mechanism and adaptable solutions, using the available resources. The vision of Laurie baker had created an impact on the field and added a new dimension to the social imagination. The idea of well-being with reference to the western standards is disturbing the essence of social as well as economical sustainability, and which threatens the environmental balance as a whole. As architectural scenario in Kerala is undergoing drastic directionless changes in present period, a few design thoughts which would be the guiding force for the future is essential. This paper reviews the above aspects to conceive the ideas and solutions for sustainable dwellings in light of tradition.