Sampriti

A multifaceted solution for the dying villages of kerala.

Intend
The intention of this thesis project is to devise a
multifaceted solution tailored for the revival of dying
villages, with a particular focus on Kumbanad in the
Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The proposed
intervention encompasses the establishment of an
assisted living facility catering to the elite
demographic of Kumbanad, alongside the
development of a rural amenity center aimed at
fostering community integration and social
interaction among the elderly and youth. By
prioritizing mental well-being and community
cohesion, this project seeks to revitalize Kumbanad
while serving as a model for sustainable village
rejuvenation efforts across Kerala.
About Kumbanad

Kumbanad lies at the heart of Kerala's

Pathanamthitta district where the population
is declining and ageing. This in a country
where 47% of people are below the age of 25;
and two-thirds were born after India
liberalised its economy in the early 1990s.

More than 18% of population in this village is

above 60 years old which is very high
compared to a national average of 7% and
district average of 14%.

More than 38 % of these people live alone in

their homes either with their spouse or lead a
solo life

Majority of people are christians

Aim

1. Utilize architectural design as a catalyst for

addressing the complex challenges faced by the
elderly population in Kumbanad, aiming to
empower them and facilitate their integration
into contemporary society.

2. Develop spatial solutions that prioritize

companionship, community integration, and
overall happiness of the people by focusing on the
elderly residents, fostering a sense of belonging
and purpose within the community.

3. Create environments that promote social

interaction, meaningful engagement, and a high
quality of life for the elderly with other age
groups and the declining population of the village,
thereby enriching their experiences and
enhancing their well-being in the rural setting of
Kumbanad.
Objectives

1. Conduct a thorough analysis of the demographic trends and socio-economic factors impacting the
elderly population in Kumbanad, identifying key challenges and opportunities for architectural
intervention.

2. Develop a comprehensive design strategy that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability,
aiming to create an integrated community hub that fosters social interaction and promotes active aging.

3. Implement innovative spatial solutions that address the diverse needs of the elderly residents,
including areas for recreation, healthcare, communal dining, and intergenerational activities.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the designed amenities in restoring companionship, enhancing community
integration, and fostering overall well-being among the elderly population, through qualitative
assessments and user feedback.
Hypothesis

The hypothesis posits that implementing an assisted living facility and rural amenity center in Kumbanad,
Kerala, will significantly mitigate the adverse effects of youth migration on the mental well-being and
social integration of the remaining population. It anticipates that creating spaces for community
interaction and support will alleviate social isolation and loneliness among parents and elders.
Furthermore, it suggests that fostering intergenerational bonding and resilience will lay the groundwork
for sustainable village revitalization in the face of demographic shifts.
Scope
The scope of this project is multifaceted, aiming to address the intricate challenges posed by youth
migration from Kerala to GCC and European countries, particularly in villages like Kumbanad. It delves
into the repercussions of this migration trend on the social dynamics of these rural areas, emphasizing
the impact on families left behind. By investigating the resulting social isolation and loneliness
experienced by parents, the project aims to understand the strain on traditional family structures and
societal norms prevalent in Kerala's tight-knit communities. Through the design of an assisted living
facility for the elite group of Kumbanad and a rural amenity center for the elderly and youth, the project
seeks to foster community integration and social interaction. These spaces will prioritize inclusivity,
offering opportunities for intergenerational bonding and a sense of belonging. Moreover, the project will
emphasize strategies for enhancing mental well-being, recognizing the significant role of social
connections and support networks in mitigating loneliness. Ultimately, by presenting a comprehensive
model solution tailored to the needs of dying villages in Kerala, this project aims to provide a blueprint for
sustainable rural revitalization efforts that prioritize social cohesion and mental well-being.
Limitation

Despite addressing future challenges, the project's focus solely on Kumbanad limits its applicability to
other Kerala villages. Time and resource constraints restrict the depth of understanding and solutions,
potentially overlooking unique village dynamics. While insights gained from Kumbanad may inform
broader strategies, differences among villages demand further research for comprehensive solutions.
Thus, while the project offers valuable insights, its findings may require adaptation to suit the diverse
needs of Kerala's villages, necessitating future studies for broader implementation.
Need of the project

The project addresses a critical need for proactive measures to mitigate the social and psychological
impacts of youth migration on Kerala's rural communities. With a significant portion of the population
migrating abroad, there's a pressing need to support the well-being and integration of those left
behind, particularly in villages like Kumbanad. By providing an assisted living facility and rural amenity
center, the project aims to combat social isolation and loneliness among parents and elders.
Furthermore, the project seeks to promote community cohesion and resilience in the face of changing
demographics, laying the groundwork for sustainable village rejuvenation efforts across Kerala. Thus,
the project's necessity lies in its potential to enhance the quality of life and foster resilience in
Kerala's dying villages amidst the challenges of youth migration.
 Project feasibility Project Requirement

The main aim of the proposal is to provide an

Kumbanad is tagged as the ghost town of kerala architecture setting for the following.
due to its increase in elderly population and less
number of youth and kids. The Town has 18% of [Link] village /community amenity center for the
elders which is very high compared to national elderly
average of 7%. The elderly population of the town
[Link] living or elite stay facilities for the
either reside alone or with their spouse. Many of
elderly.
them need takes help of home nurses and other
assisted living cares. Social isolation and [Link] use of the active old age (ages 55 to 65)
loneliness is a major issues affecting their mental for activities and information related to
and physical health. Social isolation not only agriculture.
affects the old age severely but also impacts the
youth and children who find it difficult to have [Link] spot for the youth by providing small
friends and playmates. The project can help act as cafes and giving access to the amenities for
a reactivator in their lives. limited time.

5.A space for small cultural events of the village.

Literature case study
Nokha Village Community Centre , Rajasthan

The brief of the clients was to create a memorial for

their father, Padmaramji Kularia. Nokha is a district in
Rajasthan that encompasses 144 small villages.
Studies of the vicinity and the current facilities in the
village schools and the village areas fueled the need to
create a community centre for all age groups.

Area-9000 sq ft
Senior Citizen Community Center, Spain

This proposal is based on the redefinition of ready-made

components and their assembly to try to optimize the environmental
performance of the building as well as the possibility of recycling
used elements. The building was based on dry construction, except
the ground, and formally displayed in such a way that increases its
capability to interact with the surroundings-both architecturally and
environmentally.
Live Case study
Parkside Retirement Homes, Bangalore

Area: 3000000 ft²

Park side retirement homes are a part of Brigade

Orchards an integrated township located at
Devanahalli. Parkside houses 156 number of 1+2 bhk
units with all handicap friendly and wheelchair
accessible spaces.

The site has a view towards Kempegowda International

Airport on South and an existing temple of worship
towards North. As a response to this context podium
level is opened up and connected to the temple with
wide steps and cascading terraces at higher levels
along the South side is created to view the flights take
off and land.
Second Innings, Senior citizen activity center,Mumbai

India has a very high number of men and women who once
reaching old age or retirement are left to their own solitude and
loneliness with rarely their children having the time to spend
with them as they are busy earning their living, which in turn
leads to depression. Further the purpose of this project is to
enable them to do all that they could not earlier as they were
busy fulfilling their responsibility. Old age also comes with a
multitude of illnesses, disability and more so loneliness. As the
person is retired, the earning and thus his/herself-supporting
capacity is greatly reduced. They do not have social
security/Pension from government. Hence the objective of the
project is multifold.