Residence at Kulithalai

In one of lectures, Prof. Chhaya says ‘architecture should be humane’. We felt that we understood them as words and needed more understanding at an experiential level. When we started the design of the residence at Kulithalai,a suburb of Tirchy, we had a lot of discussions in the studio regarding their lifestyle, their aspirations, their work, their exposure. Discussions let us to explore how they would respond to spaces designed, and what kind of materials are easily available to them, and everything under budget. The design process continued with understanding the site and context. Consideration of different activities throughout the day guided creation of different spaces and their connections within the house; and again everything in accordance to the local belief systems. The space of the thinnai (front verandah) was perceived in many ways. We imagined the client opening the kitchen windows, brewing coffee, choosing vegetables to chop, getting outside the house, sitting on a stone slab, setting the veggies, stretching their legs, leaning against the wall, enjoying fresh filter coffee while preparing for the day’s activities.

We also foresaw how after a long day of farming, the same space would serve as a place of refreshment and rest; to wash the face, rub clean the feet, dry the towel one would carry along before settling for a lota of water. Many small moments of their daily life were taken care of. As small details of their lifestyle was thought through and discussed, the client’s mother showered us with blessings, a special moment when architectural design touched life beyond the physical realm.An act of observation and sensitivity towards the user was reciprocated with surprise and gratitude for thinking about their home and lifestyle. As the construction progresses, practical challenges, mistakes, corrections, new ideas, evolving aspirations, have been discussed with great value for each other as architect and client; bringing us one of the best rewarding experiences as an architect. 

Every time after conversation with the client, the meaning of ‘architecture should be humane’ from Prof. Chhay’s lectures keeps reinforcing in our mind the notion of design as a seamless support to human life. This post comes in as our expression of affection towards people and our work.