Resurgence of Knowledge Traditions – The Cultural Landscape of Kuchipudi | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Village Context: Situated midway between Vijayawada and Machilipatnam, in the Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, lies the small town of Kuchipudi. Surrounded by farms on all sides, the settlement was primarily an agricultural community in the third century B.C. rooted in fine arts and culture. Artists who were proficient in a variety of arts and crafts lived on this piece of land, with Kuchipudi artists advancing the dance trail.

Spatial Ecosystem of Dance form: The spaces surrounding a dance form become significant hubs of interaction for the dancing community in a town like Kuchipudi where the dance form is the way of life. Along with regular activities, public spaces in the village serve as multipurpose venues for various dance-related events. Whether it’s the streets or the grounds of a temple, these spaces transform the moment a dancer starts dancing.

The areas surrounding the complex’s temple serve as the regular practice areas for the art form. The primary dance school, Kalakshetram, is located in the village and is home to students from different regions. It comprises a stage for performances, a hostel for the disciples, and a learning block. In addition to the Kalakshetra and Temple stages, the village has a number of function halls where various events are held all year long.

Activities in the Agraharam: In earlier times, the disciples who came to learn from the gurus lived in the Agraharam and integrated themselves into the community. The Agraharam has been the centre of the village’s growth and is home to customs and ceremonies that have been followed for many years. The streets of Agraharam serve as gathering places for the community during festivals and village-related discussions.

Design Process

Village Study and Analysis: The first step in the design process was to map out the village, its sociocultural fabric, and its impact on architecture. The relationship between the people, the site, and their dance form was analysed through a variety of lenses to comprehend how dance influences a village and its people. The impact of different architectural features on daily life was identified to serve as a guide for the future development of the village’s infrastructure.

Program and Site: The next stage explored the various possibilities of intervention in the fabric of the town and the site of different inserts to cater to the various programs identified. In order to integrate into the town’s fabric and preserve its unique character, these sites have been explored. The main aim of the proposals is to provide the audiences and disciples visiting the village with a holistic environment.

The sites with multiple strategies provide new avenues for community engagement and reinforce activities in various zones of the village. They are primarily found in the Agraharam, the dance form’s central district, near to the village’s main market node. Various infrastructure and amenities are provided by various plugins at different locations to support the village’s activities.

Architectural Elements: To revitalise a village and improve community, it’s crucial to maintain its diverse customs and traditions by integrating culture and infrastructure with daily activities. These customs support the village’s identity and impact people’s daily lives. Modern elements have been interpreted to give the architectural fabric a new identity, ensuring a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements.

Site Analysis and Responses: To understand the factors influencing the architectural design of these programs at the particular site, a thorough analysis of the context for each site was conducted.  To get to the final designs, various iterations for responses to these site conditions were explored.

Massing and Roof Explorations: The town’s character was incorporated into architectural interventions, with each site offering unique opportunities. Massing options and roof strategies were explored to create unique spaces and architectural innovation. Approaches included edge conditions, public realms, courtyards, and interacting pathways to reinforce dialogues and dialogues on each site.

Final Outcome

The thesis envisions architecture as a catalyst that enhances people’s interaction with the village and offers a platform for various user groups, including the audience, the shishya, and related professionals in the village. Architecture will function as an accelerator for interactions that support the entire circuit in a village where the dance and gurus await a response.

In response to a village with such a strong identity, architecture is envisioned in a way that both fits in with the surroundings and gives the villagers a new identity. The aim is to create familiar spaces that the community would feel proud to own, while also attempting to maintain the essence of the village and make improvements to what already exists.

With its three main  interventions, the master plan explores multiple facets of the community, primarily its culture, way of life, and fundamental requirements for livelihood. Each of the proposed interventions aims to suffice the needs of different user groups visiting the village as well as the villagers.

KALA KENDRA:

The Kala Kendra is a hub for all the arts and crafts from nearby villages, including the Kuchipudi dance style. It lays the groundwork for these crafts to develop and thrive. The centre offers a framework that helps Indian arts and crafts grow and prosper economically, strengthening native knowledge and abilities in the process. 

CHAATRALAYA:

Chaatralaya, a place of residence for the shishya who come to study under the guidance of village gurus, is located in the village’s Agraharam, where houses serve as classrooms along with streets and courtyards. The housing unit is envisioned as a place where the shishya not only reside but also undergo transformation through training and observation from their peers. The Gurukula Parampara comes alive in such a setting where the lines between working, learning, living, and leisure are blurred.

COMMUNITY KATTA:

The Community Katta is a collaborative space that fosters cultural exchange and allows community members to engage in shared activities while cooperating. It serves as an anchor for community interactions and reintroduces various indoor activities into the village’s social space. The building opens up as a large communal area where a variety of age-group activities take place throughout the day.

Material, Climate Response – Passive Strategies, and Detailing:

The design uses various elements to counteract heat gain and rainfall in response to the tropical climate, also known as the Tropical Dry Savanna. The design’s materiality combines green and vernacular materials in response to climate requirements. The village’s employment situation is improved by the use of CSEB and rammed earth, which also offers an architectural solution that addresses climate change and people’s needs in opposition to the concrete black boxes that have taken over the village’s fabric.

To prevent heat gain, mud rolls installed in sloping roofs have been used as traditional insulation techniques. During the hot summer months, courtyards and small, aligned openings for cross ventilation serve as breathers. For maximum shading, passive strategies have been implemented, such as maintaining overhangs and minimising the ratio of building height to street width.

Conclusion: Through innovative architectural design, the project seeks to create a new typology that uses modern building methods to respond contextually to a given cultural fabric. It draws inspiration from historical features to create a contemporary architectural identity that preserves the region’s history and culture.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]