CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS IN ARCHITECTURE

Gayatri Arude, Reg: No: 1151630727,

VII Semester, B. Arch, Dr. D Y Patil College of Architecture, Akurdi
Email: gayatri.arude2486@gmail.com

Review (Paper 1)
(Ashfina.T july-2014)Cultural Redefining cultural identity through architecture ISSN International
Journal of Scientific and engineering research (ISSN2229-5518, (5(7)), 159-164.

Problem statement:

The research aims to study the identity of a place when all the inhabitants are migrants
who left their homeland for better education or job opportunities and settled in a location
where all social -cultural aspects are different from theirs.

Aim/objective of paper:

Aim of the research is to understand the influence of culture on houses of different

community settlements in Fort Cochin, Kerala and how the architecture defines the identity
of those five different communities without losing or affecting the indigenous style of that
particular location and the character of that settlement. The research aims the relationship
between culture and built-form of migrant communities in Kerala.

Data used:

 The study explores the relationship between culture and architecture (built-form).

 Based on the study it has been found that because of the cultural differences, there are
differences in the built form of different communities however the area has many
common features that bind them as a single unit without losing the uniqueness of each
community settlement. Based on the following parameters the above argument has
been made. They are briefly explained in some points as follows:
1. Built- form and street relationship
2. Mixed land uses
3. Architectural typology
4. Height of building
 In this paper, the objective is achieved by giving the cultural identity of different
settlements in fort Cochin. Tamil Brahmin’s, Jews’, Gujarati’s, Konkani’s and The
Kutchi Memons’ settlements.
Method of analysis:

1. Tamil Brahmin’ settlement (Agraharam): -

The design and layout are guided by the parameters like status in the community,
association with the temple and their patronage of the royals.
Main controlling element in settlement pattern is the religion and their customs.
They give more importance to interactions within the community and prefer to live in
groups for safety and security reasons.
The water body is an important element in the overall setting of the Agraharam as the
inhabitants follow the Vedic life with a belief of spiritual and physical purity.
This street is strictly pedestrian and bounded by a compound wall with an entrance gate to
prevent the entry of non- Brahmins.
Most of the interactions and functions occur in these streets, So this street acts as an
extension of their living space.

2. Jew’s settlement : -
The main cause for the growth and development of this settlement was the occupation
which created many spaces for their trading activities which includes shops, warehouses,
etc.
The house form is derived from the cultural needs which have shops at ground level and
houses at first floor.
The buildings are arranged in staggered manner to break the monotony in movement of
people.

3. Gujarati settlement : -

Gujarati peoples are traders migrated to cochin in 17th century.

The major social factors like Religion, Safety, security, the need for privacy and
occupation influenced house form and settlement patterns in this community.
They give more importance to social gatherings. So the houses are arranged around a
courtyard which is used for getting together and common activities.

4. Gouda saraswat Brahmins’ settlement : -

The major development occurred around this Konkani temple and this is the main social
space in their settlement where they meet for common functions.
The locations of all houses are based on the position of this temple.
As in Tamil Agraharam, here the street is a major living space.
 5. The kutchy Muslims settlement : -
Quran laws and principles have profound influence on overall planning aspects of this
settlement.
The public places like mosques, shops etc. are located in the outer boundary and the
houses at the center of the settlement to ensure the privacy of women which is a major
concern in Islam.
The features like narrow streets, Small window openings, and two separate living areas
for men and women, etc. are developed from these cultural beliefs of the people.
Analysis and result:

Relation between culture and built-form in fort Cochin, The all social, cultural parameters
like religion, occupation, privacy, safety, position of women are get into considered while
designing and planning settlements. There is always connection between beliefs of
communities and the place where they live. This built form is established on following
points:

Location and orientation:

Brahmin’s and Konkani settlements are based on temple position.

Guajarati Jain, Jews are located on the basis of their occupation-trading.

Form and typology:

In Guajarati houses there is courtyard introduced for safety and security from busy
street.
Muslim community women’s are not allowed in public, so streets are narrower as well
as openings are small and no social interaction spaces are introduced.
Housing pattern:
House form
Social interactive spaces
Visual connectivity
Symbolic significance

Conclusion/Inference:

This paper unfolds about different cultural aspects of different communities, as they are
migrated from their own locations and settled down in fort Cochin. According to their
religion and occupation how the form of houses changes and how the entire typology
affected by culture is given in this research paper. Every community has their own beliefs
or has their own set of rules to follow that built-form is also taking into considerations.
This shows that how the spatial cultural aspects incorporating in architecture to maintain
its ethnicity without disturbing Fort Cochin lands own character. This study of cultural
expressions in architecture giving knowledge about socio-cultural values of different
communities at urban level. This socio-cultural relation helps in future development with
social integration between different communities without losing their identity and
achieves long sustainability.