INTRODUCTION

Traditional houses of Kerala were built with locally available building materials and
construction techniques those resisted the extreme rain and sun.
In fact traditional houses of Kerala have proven to be appropriate for human comfort with
respect to warm and humid climate of Kerala. But contemporary residence has also gained
popularity to far extend.

This dissertation is to collect public opinion on aesthetics of changing architectural style of

houses of Kerala.

AIM

The dissertation aims at aesthetical assessment of houses of Kerala with respect to

changing architectural styles over the period ranging from typical traditional residence to
present day.

OBJECTIVE

* To make a brief study on Kerala residential Architecture.

* To know about the public perception on aesthetics of houses of Kerala through examples
of typical traditional, contemporary cum traditional and contemporary.
* To understand aesthetical parameters in architecture.
* To find which one does public prefer with reference to identified
aesthetical parameters

SCOPE

Kerala Architecture is one of the exceptional south Indian architectural styles, found
nowhere in India. The evolution of domestic architecture followed the trend of Temple
architecture.

Typical courtyard house is a main characteristic in Kerala Architecture. Typical Kerala

Traditional house is built with available local resources and with respect to warm and humid
climate of Kerala. For instance, rafters extend beyond the walls to shade the walls and
windows from extreme rain and sun. Traditional residences of Kerala have proven in
providing human comfort through the wise use of materials and response towards extreme
climate. But there is noticeable increase in contemporary style residences in Kerala. The
dissertation aims to study patterns and activities of traditional and contemporary in brief
and to find out public opinion on aesthetical approach.

LIMITATIONS

This dissertation limited to aesthetical assessment of Kerala residences of particular period

of time ranging from traditional Nalukettu to contemporary style.
Since it’s merely difficult to study on such a vast topic like residences of Kerala within a
limited time span, the dissertation focuses on aesthetical aspects of Kerala residential
architecture with respect to time period.

METHODOLOGY

* Literature study
* Literature case study.
* Live case study

As the study is based on architectural aesthetic assessment, it demands a systematic and

appropriate research methodology to arrive at an accurate conclusion.

Saranya K Baby
TCAS9 34