| Tour Documentation | Kalpathy, Palakkad |
| Tour Dates | 1st to 9th December, 2022 |
| Faculty team | Prof. Vrinda Padhye Prof. Jayraj Ghatge Prof. Aditya Gujarkar |
This year semester IV Design studio is aimed at the project based on the study of settlement at Kalpathy in Kerala. Keeping this as a focus the study tour was planned and student did the entire settlement study in approximately two and half days on site in groups for different parameters as discussed earlier in Pre-tour studies.
After coming from tour, students did a documentation workshop of 7 days followed by an exhibition to showcase their study and understanding of settlement through different mediums such as drawings, models, digital documentaries.
Background of Kalpathy:
Kalpathy is a heritage village which holds significance when it comes to the cultural fabric of Kerala.
Located on the banks of the River Nila, Kalpathy is an early settlement of the Tamil Brahmin community in the southern state of Kerala.
This Tamil migrant Brahmin village is more popular as the hub of Carnatic music (the main style of classical music of southern India) in Kerala than for the legacy and tradition passed down through the generations for the past 600 years. The local Brahmin population is mostly engaged in performing religious rituals. The village is frequently visited by people staying in the nearby villages for religious purposes revolving around the four temples.
The dwellings forming a linear pattern, the streets that wake up to the Vedic mantra recitals, the rice flour Kolam (an artful drawing deemed religious and ritualistic) in the front courtyard of each dwelling, the customary reading of The Hindu daily, the glory of Tamil food culture, and the magnificent Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) at the Kalpathy Temple celebrated with enthusiasm showcases the rich culture & life at Kalpathy.
Documentation Workshop:
The workshop was designed keeping an aim of portraying different aspects of Kalpathy such as Location, climate, History, settlement evolution, demography, culture, lifestyle, architectural style, housing typology, construction techniques and materials etc. through different mediums such as drawings, models, digital documentaries.
Day 1:
The 7-day workshop was divided into segments wherein students started with the finalization of all the drawings including base map of Kalpathy & 9 houses which they have documented in detail. Students had already prepared drawings on site with measurements while studying the settlement. They had already interviewed local people as well as tourists & had done hand drawn sketches on site. The first entire day was scheduled to resolve the drawings for its clarity in terms of technical aspects, detail drawings, joineries, roof details etc. Base map layering work was also done simultaneously on tracings. Draft documentary work was also started.
Day 2:
Final discussion on pencil drawings on sheets was done in the morning. Corrections were told to improve drawings. Discussions on composition of sheets, templates, sheets to be used, the theme of exhibition were discussed with different groups and their heads.
Day 3 & Day 4:
Inking of Final drawings were started, Individual structure model was started in groups. For base map model laser Cutting drawings were prepared in Auto CAD. Sample for invitation for exhibition was made on photoshop.
Day 5 & Day 6:
Refining of drawings, templates drafting, write-ups, introductory part were done in detail. Finalization of theme was done. Also, final work of base map model was done. In second half, the main attraction of Ratha model was discussed & students started working for it.
Day 7:
The final refinements of all works were carried out. Ratha model preparation was the main target for the day. Arrangement of panels were done for the exhibition. Invitations were given to all teaching and non-teaching staff.
Day 8: Exhibition
Exhibition was put up in the morning. All the preparations were done till 12 noon. Students were dressed up in traditional Malayali dressing style, students tried to portray the essence of being in Kerala during the exhibition. The exhibition was inaugurated by Principal, Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar at around 2.30 & the hard work from the team of S.Y. B.Arch. students and coordinating faculties was paid off due to a successful event.
