Abstract:
This paper discusses morphological changes in
the vernacular domestic architecture in Kerala
since 1947 (Independence of India from
colonial rule) and identify the changes and
analyses the reasons behind these changes.
The study focuses on the gradual and
vernacular architectural developments
happened within the study region owing to
several factors like social and political reforms
and related, government initiated land
reforms, migration to other parts of India and
to foreign countries in search of better jobs
and income, related economic factors,
colonization, change in technology and work
expertise, change in materials, change in
lifestyle, global exposure through channels
and other communication system,
climatological factors etc. The vernacular
domestic architecture has undergone
tremendous transformation owing to these
factors and can be identified with specific
typologies emerging. The major questions
posed here are,
1. Can visual memory of Vernacular
transferred to the contemporary
architecture be considered vernacular or
even designed vernacular?
2. What is the essence of Vernacular? Can
we decipher the Diacritical mass that
makes something remain vernacular and
something cross the borderline?
3. Vernacular is ever evolving. Is there a
stop point for a continuing vernacular
construction practice? How do we define
the tipping point, if any?
