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Conception of spaces: A case of Kerala Courtyard Houses

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Minu Zacharia
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 Contrary to the sculptural towers A reverse process of abstraction find the spatial variables that were analysed by
and the intricately carved jallis that conjure up in of the manifested reality would thus help in Giedion to form the three space categorisation.
ones mind picturing Indian architecture, the linear exploring the conception of spaces. Christopher The spatial variables hence discovered become s
Southernmost strip of India, Kerala, retires in its Alexander in his book ‘Timeless ways of the data for the final conclusion after the analysis
humble stature. This stretch of land often referred building’ defines that there exists a central of the specific case study of Kerala houses.
to as ‘God’s own country’ bestows a sublime quality in architecture which becomes its soul
expression when it comes to the vernacular and life. His understanding that the character
architecture of the region. It is such; that one of every place is defined by certain patterns
feels its presence in its absence and its absence which are associated with geometric patterns in Space, when
in its presence. Each element in its simplest space would help in exploring this quality that is
form becomes part of the whole composition and embodied in the architecture. ultimately manifests in design, takes
strikes the perfect harmony.
certain qualities, expressions and

characteristics. What are the patterns

synopsis. This research attempts to In order to understand the conceptions
understand the conception of such spaces in of space, these patterns have to be analysed from of spatial concepts that bestow
Kerala Architecture. In order to inform and create the manifested reality of space. These variables
a solid basework for analysis of the case study, a peculiarity to a certain architecture?
could generate certain set of relations amongst
base understanding of conception of spaces was each other which would then become decisive in What are the underlying spatial
it is the peculiarity that interests me. required which was done through a study on the the realisation of the outcome.
three space conceptions formulated by Giedion. commonalities that emerge in the
The base study looks into the classical examples
of the past, through Giedion’s perspective and manifestation of the design?
The research started as an attempt to
understand whether the conception of spaces briefly analyses what each space conception Chronological conception of spaces
manifests in spatial expressions that are peculiar to conveyed. have been intensely analysed by avant-gardist
a particular region. The fact that each architecture architectural historian-critic Sigfried Giedion
is perculiar in its conception and in what it tries in the beginning of the twentieth century in In the case of Kerala architecture,
to convey has been the notion that has driven his book ‘Architecture and the phenomena the character has maintained continuity over
the research. An analytical abstraction of the introduction. of transition: the three space conceptions the past 1000 years changing little in its design
manifested space of the particular case of inquiry in architecture’. His perspective on space but evolving in its refinement to a large extent.
is rendered to extract its space conception. conception of the high civilisation of Egypt, Politically Kerala has very rarely remained
Greece and Rome formed the three categories the united under one ruler, but there remains a
First, Second and Third Space Conception.
Despite the influence of various socio- realisation of a design starts with notable similarity in the architecture features
spanning the entire linear coastal strip.
political and cultural factors, the entire spatial the conceptualising of an idea. The gestation of
conception of a region expresses a singular set the idea is either in the manner of problem solving
or in the manner of personal stylistic creation. This research is an attempt to study the
of ideas that defines the peculiarity of the region.
The conception starts from nothing which can conception of spaces in Kerala architecture. In
Although, not all architecture conveys a spatial
be equated to emptiness or empty space and then order to limit the study within the time frame,
expression, some succeeds to convey, some Despite the political fragmentation,
proceeds further to the articulation of this space the specific typology of courtyard houses
supresses, some contains and a few are left hidden
into what finally becomes the reality. is considered. This research also has tried to the architecture has been strongly held by the
in itself.
Conception of spaces 2 3 Conception of spaces
geography, climate, materials and largely by experience that individuals faced through changes
the principles of Vastu shastras, sthapathis in society led to his affinity towards discovery
and thachushashtram. The peculiarity in of the conceptions of spaces of the past to stand
Kerala Architecture, manifests in its spatial and ground for the new space conception. Each space
structural conception that has been churned summarise the three conception emanated a distinct spatial expression.
through skilful craftsmanship and principles of space conceptions by
Giedion scope & limitation.
building passed on through generations. The
continuity in the language of architecture There were either certain commonalities
through the various such constants has in the spatiality of architecture that spanned the
become the point of inquiry of this study. entire duration of each space conception or there
was an evolution in the perception of spaces
the case study started off with in these architectural edifices of a particular
How could the existing theory on infer any patterns found an intention to broadly cover the residential space conception through materials, structure,
from the categorisation
and religious typology since they are the most construction technology etc. For instance, while
conception of spaces be interpreted
commonly found edifices showcasing traditional the quality of the interior and exterior spaces
to assist in the analysis of other such Kerala architecture style. The study ideally depended largely on the expertise in construction
should have spanned the whole of the Kerala and the skill of workers in manipulating the
spatial structures? traditional architecture in order to understand material in the context, it also depended on the
the overall conception of spaces throughtout architectural expression the particular conception
analyse the case study
of Kerala courtyard typologies. Due to time constraints, the study has of space was trying to portray with respect to its
houses
been limited only to the most established type relavant socio political or cultural requirements-
of residential architecture-the kerala courtyard one with access to interiors or one as a sculpture
houses/Nalukettu(Thampuran). in space. Each space conception also projected
m e t h o d o l o g y. certain elements that was suggestive of certain
types of spatial qualities which gave meaning to
that particular space conception.
infer any patterns
found that defines the Architecture and the
peculiarity of the spatial
conception in Kerala phenonmenon of transition:

the study starts with the basic literature

Architecture the three space conceptions in There are a set of constants that act
architecture. on the architecture of a region and there are
study for the understanding of the concept of
spatial variables that define the particular space
space. Inferences are drawn on the summary of
conception. An interpretation of this analysis is
Giedion’s three space conceptions to understand inference.
formulated into a framework as shown below:
the patterns in the conception of spaces. An
analysis is done on the underlying commonalities
Constants of the study : Socio-political structure,
in spatiality that has emerged in the manifestation concluding from both
inferences Mythopoetic thinking, Geography, Materials and
of Kerala architecture. The research is concluded
Giedion tries to find the spatial structure.
with a comparison between both the inferences
concepts that attributes the most crucial
(literature and case) that has emerged from the
characteristic of that particular category of Parameters analysed to define each space
study.
space conception. The urge to know the past, the conception: the Spatial quality and the Spatial

Conception of spaces 4 5 Conception of spaces

 The spatial configuration is The modular spatial structure
influence of patterns that constitute spatial variables
each space conception analysed
strongly related to the regional texts on which is suggestive of order in design
architecture. These texts have become through repetition allows for extension.

Belief system | Geography

the medium of shared knowledge of the Such an order in the design is reflective of
1st space conception
-volumes in space
spatial configuration in these houses the social and cultural mileu of the place.
-group design which is evident in their understanding From Nalukettu(4-sided courtyard) to
Egyptian & -articulation of hori-
Greek zontal and vertical of built and unbuilt, the transition pathinaarukettu (16-sided), the layout
from inside outside and outside inside, follows a modular repetition of the unit
the differentiation of spaces based with a central courtyard which meant
on the cardinal directions solving the that the basic spatial configuration of the
|

2nd space conception problems of climate and maintaining residential building type from houses to
| Resources

-carved out interiors spatial

-axial organisation configuration a constant flow of energy within these palaces remained the same. The power
Roman -merging of the hori- spatial qualities
zontal and vertical houses. The differentiation of spaces of the social class is displayed by the
spatial elements
into quarters, quadrants or concentric number of such units or sets of such
Religion

divisions maintain some logical practical houses owned.

reasoning. The patterns of activities also
|

overlap with these spatial differentiation

Political

3rd space conception

-transparency
as the local understanding is informed built-unbuilt

present era -transition from inside through the culture of the region. The The reinforcement of the
|

outside
interrelation between each spaces centrality is seen in all the cases through
Social

suggest the pattern of activity that courtyards which become the converging
occurs in them. There is a strong sense of point of functionality, orientation and
inversion in the design where the inside access. The level of closure of the spatial circulation
patterns that
spatial constitute
Kerala configuration becomes the outside and the supporting structure into its centre intensified the
the spatial
spatial qualities conception spaces look into the centripetal node withdrawn introverted spatial expression
spatial elements ?
which is the courtyard. of the houses.

light magnifies
In the spatial structure of these The formal squarish geometry centre
elements/configuration. This gave forth a distinct k e r a l a c o u r t y a r d h o u s e s houses, each structural component tries seen in most of the houses allowed
spatial expression to each space conception. i n f e r e n c e . to inform the other and forms a whole. for the easy and equal distribution of
The attempt of the further research is to analyse For instance, the roof openly displays spaces and energy from the centre to
a particular regional architecture in a similar the tectonics of its assembly from within. all directions. For instance, the usage of
framework of analysis. The idea of courtyard houses We can see clearly where one roof joins the ‘Karnasutra’(hypotenuse formula)
inversion of
are manifested as concepts in various ways in the other in a right angle or where the to get an unmediated diagonal flow facade
different parts of the world but the uniqueness of intricately carved heavy ceiling thrusts of energy across the house, portrayed
manipulating the courtyard to reinforce spatial itself down from the roof structure. The the sophistication in the society in
configuration, to instruct movement and suggest nakedness or the rawness of the structure their understanding of mathematical
cosmic relations is that which contributes to the is left visually evident. calculations and formulas and their roof as datum
peculiarity of Kerala architecture. practical applications.

Conception of spaces 6 7 Conception of spaces

 Furthermore, the narrow The mysterious The conception of spaces
openings in the form of windows, doors spatial quality of the interior spaces of in Kerala courtyard houses are an amalgam of
and passageways suggests a spatial overwhelming darkness and magnified various spatial concepts but there are a few that
expression of constriction of entry and light, the strong centrality of the stand out and define the particular typology of
release into the dark expanse of space. courtyard reinforced in many ways residential courtyard buildings. It is those concepts
that have emerged out of this study. Despite being
These narrow openings made way for through different spatial elements and conclusion.
subtle illumination in the rooms. There qualities, the strong adherence to local specific to a particular functional typology, the
was a clear understanding of how the texts for spatial layout and design, the conception of spaces through the analysis evoke
spatial quality depended on light. The inwardness or the introverted nature of a spatial expression which is commonly seen in
only source of intense bright light was the houses and the multiple levels of other building types.
the courtyards where the light was enclosure are some of the patterns that
magnified which further intensified the
centrality of the houses. The darkness of
contributes into the formation of a spatial the intention of this study has been
expression particular to Kerala courtyard
ordering of
to look into the conception of spaces in a region
the inner rooms celebrated an expression house typology. This spatial expression Modularity in plan and thought
st r uc tura l which has had a continuity in its architectural
elements of depth. This expression of depth in the has emanated from each of the case study for future extention through repetition of these
styles and expressions through the years. The idea
rooms with the walls disappearing in taken despite the dissimilarities on minor modules can not just be seen as a foresight for
of space formed has been influenced by various
view as diffused boundaries reinforce our patterns that form this space conception. extension but the smallest to the biggest repeated
factors. These chorus of variables impart qualities
own perception of bodily configuration module forms dwellings for socially varying group
and gestures to the architecture and also derives
in space. The overwhelming darkness is of families. Hence abstracting the conception
a spatial expression relevant to those sets of
ordering
contributed to these spaces as much by of spaces in the courtyard houses could also be
defines variables specific to that region. They refine the
centre the materials as the light itself. Through the attributed to palaces like Krishnapuram palace in
basic architectural type of the region through time
analysis of the courtyard house typology Kayamkulam which is a larger repeated unit of
and still keep the conception in its purest simplest
of Kerala Architecture, an understanding a typical courtyard type of house. This module
form.
is attained on the spatial expression that bears a lot of adherence with the local texts on
degrees of The houses with white emerged from the particular building building and dimensioning systems, which again
enclusre washed walls expressed heaviness type in the region. The analysis has makes it a basic unit of various social residential
From the base study on the
because of the visual prominence of the brought forth more than just the basic types eventhough the maximum number of kerala
three space conceptions by Giedion, factors such
darker structural elements in the white intention of the architecture but also traditional houses are eksalas/ single halled
as geography, socio-political structure, religion,
background as opposed to the lightness the design value that attributes to this houses(Thampuran).
belief systems, materials and resources etc are
of the wooden walls in its amalgamation particular architecture. found to largely influence the basic conception
with other structural elements in the The unique craftsmanship and the shared
of the architectural expression and style of
Southern kerala houses. While one knowledge of building along with the other factors
the respective region and time. With the same
clarifies the spatial forms and dilutes have evoked a spatial expression of humility,
approach, these variables have also found to have
extension the feeling of darkness, the other unites introvertedness, intimacy to the language of
through aided in refining the edifices in Kerala traditional
repetition the spatial forms and intensifies the Kerala courtyard houses.
architecture and has helped in evoking the
darkness. Differing degrees of hierarchy Such a study has helped in breaking down the
uniqueness in the sense of space in these Kerala
in enclosures have been manipulated in entire millennial architecture into an analysis that
houses as well.
the compounded houses seen in Kudali could be a direction into perception of spaces and
thazhathu veedu, Maranat mana and also abstracting their spatial expression which renders
in suryakaladi mana. the region its peculiarity.

Conception of spaces 8 9 Conception of spaces

 Belief system | Geography

1st space conception

-volumes in space
Egyptian & -group design
Greek -articulation of hori-
zontal and vertical

patterns that contribute to

conception of spaces

2nd space conception

-carved out interiors centrality intensified by:
|

Roman -axial organisation ordered row of columns

Resources

-merging of the hori- alignment of rafters

zontal and vertical intensity of light in the centre
centrepetal orientation of
movement and function
|
Religion

spatial layout strongly oriented

towards the cardinal directions
3rd space conception
and cosmic beliefs
|

-transparency
present era
Political

-transition from inside

visually naked structure from
outside
within - predominance of roof spatial expressions
low profile of roof and com-
|

pounded structures
introvertedness
Social

degrees of enclosure from com-

pound wall to the surrounding contained/ enclosed
spaces around the courtyard
strong centrality
spatial quality through manipu-
lation of light and materials axiality and geom-
spatial etry
configuration dispersal of structures in space
Kerala spatial qualities with some relation to each built - unbuilt
spatial elements other through common shared
open space. Axially oriented human centric
with respect to each other. low and intimate

certain abstractions from the study

Minu Zacharia
built-unbuilt circulation light magnifies inversion of ordering of ordering degrees of
centre facade st r uc tura l defines enclosure May, 2017.
elements centre
Master of Architecture Thesis
Conception of spaces 10
Guided by Dr. Meghal Arya

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