An approach for the reconstruction of a Heritage Building: a case study of Koothambalam

Authors

  • Santosh Kumar Assistant Professor, Asian School of Architecture and Design Innovation (ASADI), Silversand Island, Vyttila Road (opposite OEN Bus Stop), Kochi, Kerala
  • Rana P.B. Singh (formerly) Professor (Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Studies), Department of Geography, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

Keywords:

restoration, relocation, re-assembling, reconstruction, traditional building, Kerala, Koothambalam

Abstract

Traditional structures bring out an indispensable role in indigenous as well as in the nation’s history and culture and revels the importance and richness of our heritage. The Koothambalam, an element of sacred temple architecture in Kerala is in danger due to the unplanned development of the temple complexes at present. The word ‘Koothu’ means a closed hall where sacred dance (i.e., Kathakali) form is being practiced within a cloister of the temple complex. Koothambalam is said to be constructed by following the rule and form given in chapter 2 of the N?tyas?stra written by Bharata Muni, the great sage of ancient times. The traditional architectural style and construction technique play a unique role to achieve the required and comfortable theatrical indoor space. This paper narrates the process and stages of the restoration of a Koothambalam by relocating and re-assembling the entire structure in the Cochin region, Kerala. As the old structure was dismantled and about to be sold as firewood before getting brought for restoration the process detailed here is limited only to restoring the entire roof structure with a new plinth and support. This study may be taken as a model action programme under the mission of CHI.

Author Biographies

  • Santosh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Asian School of Architecture and Design Innovation (ASADI), Silversand Island, Vyttila Road (opposite OEN Bus Stop), Kochi, Kerala

    Ar. Santosh Kumar, is faculty of Asian School of Architecture and Design Innovation (ASADI), Silversand Island, Vyttila Road (opposite OEN Bus Stop), Kochi, Kerala 682019. Heritage conseration, traditional archetecture etc are are of interst. 

  • Rana P.B. Singh, (formerly) Professor (Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Studies), Department of Geography, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

    RRana P.B. Singh, the President–of RWYC: Reconnecting With Your Culture (Asia), President–of ACLA: Asian Cultural  Landscape Association, (-- a charter of the Euro. Comm., and a member of UNESCO), Chairman, CIRD (Centre for Informatics Research and Development) - Heritage Informatics Advisory Committee (HIAC), Trivandrum; India; was Professor of Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Studies, at Banaras Hindu University, India. For the last 45 years, he is researching in the fields of Cultural Landscapes, Sacredscapes and Pilgrimage Studies, Heritage Sites & Planning, and did field studies in India, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Korea, and China. His publications include 340 papers and 43 books & anthologies. For the last few years together with Prof. Olimpia Niglio, working on projects related to cultural heritage, RWYC, and deep-rooted education at the global level.

References

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Published

2023-01-28

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2022): Heritage Informatics

Section

Articles

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