THE EVOLUTION of architecture is related to the evolution of society. The social, economic and political aspects of a society leave their imprints on its architecture. The materials used, the type of buildings and the nature of dwellings, all depend on the prevailing social and economic systems.

While taking an overview of the prevailing mainstream architectural trends in Kerala also, these factors appear important. The evolution of the buildings, both dwelling places and business centres, of the State has always been intricately linked with the social and political systems that existed here, as well as with the economic condition of the people.

"There was a time when the king's permission was needed to have a tiled roof over one's head," says Eugene Pandala, architect. "Even during the 1930s, this was the situation." Not that everybody could afford it. Almost all the buildings, even temples were thatched with coconut fronds or hay in the earlier days. Roof tiles were introduced by the colonial rulers. The first tile factories were set up by the British during the 19th Century.

Kerala never had huge structures, compared even with neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The predominant features were low walls, sloping roofs and overhanging eaves — all born out of climatic factors. Caste and social status also determined the nature of the dwelling places.

However, the post-Independence period saw two distinctive trends of architecture developing in the State. It was during the early Seventies that reinforced cement concrete (RCC) started making its entry in a big way into the residential sector here. RCC arrived here during the 50s, but it was used only for Government buildings.

Baker's experiment

So, while the trend of modernism, marked by the flat-roofed, cubistic structures, gained popularity here, the experiments led by the eminent architect Laurie Baker for a more indigenous and environment-friendly architecture had also started almost at the same time. The office of the Centre for Development Studies in Thiruvananthapuram, considered his first major project that attracted widespread attention, was completed in 1971.

"But the flat-roof structures that came up in Kerala during that period, imitating the international trend, was nothing but poor apologies of the true international style," says the Kochi-based architect G. Jaigopal. "Lacking the technical expertise and the financial resources to perfect standards, the houses that came up here remained just box-type dwelling places."

The flat-roof houses had sprung up all over India almost at the same time. It was more or less a pan-Indian phenomenon that happened, following the designing of Chandigarh by Le Corbusier during the Fifties.

That trend continued in full swing in Kerala almost till the Nineties. Even now many different versions of the box-like houses are appearing, Mr. Jaigopal says. Talking of Laurie Baker's style which began to gain popularity during the Eighties as `low-cost' architecture, Mr. Jaigopal says the eminent architect, a true visionary, introduced the concept of an eco-friendly construction method using natural materials as much as possible before the rest of the world even thought about it. "Kerala was actually given such a great opportunity to take the lead in that direction, but the whole concept got sidelined because of many reasons. Mr. Baker remaining a loner, the concept could not enter the mainstream."

But Lalichan Zacharias, chairman of the Kerala chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects, points out another reason. Many low-quality imitations of the `Baker Model' had sprung up in Kerala during the late Eighties and Nineties, but many of them deteriorated and fell into a dilapidated state within five to 10 years of their construction owing to the lack of expertise that went into them, he says. He holds that the `Baker Model' has almost vanished during the past five years.

Interestingly, as Mr. Zacharias points out, even the concept of individual houses is taking a backseat in Kerala. Given the escalating land value and construction costs, more and more people are now opting for flats. The apartment culture has made inroads even into small towns.

Vasthu becomes popular

"This change has happened in the past five years," Mr. Zacharias says. Another interesting trend he points out is the increasing concern with principles of Vasthu among the people. "During the Seventies and Eighties, nobody was concerned about Vasthu, but now the scene has changed."

Even the concept of individual houses is changing, he points out. "Earlier, nobody even knew what a family room was. The architect had to explain. The basic idea of a house was one/two/three bedrooms, a drawing-cum-dining room, kitchen/bath, etc. Now, people want more, like a place for the entire family to spend time together, not the formal drawing room for guests."

After the flat-roof trend, there came the influx of 'Kerala style' houses, Mr. Jaigopal says, with people opting more for elements from the `traditional' Kerala design. Deep verandas and 'poomukhams,' `charupadis' and even heavily carved `mukhappus' dot many concrete houses now. Interestingly, most of these elements can be called as `traditionally' belonging to Kerala. Though the traditional houses had low `thinnas' running around the house, the deep veranda was a typical colonial introduction, with the purpose of reducing the impact of sun during the summer months and for keeping the monsoon rain out. Likewise, the colonial builders, especially the Dutch and the Portuguese, introduced high ceilings and heavy beams. The palaces, official buildings and residences of officials, all were constructed in that blend of colonial and local architecture. The exquisite red-oxide flooring was also developed in that period based on the Italian fresco method. But these days, most of these buildings are seen in resorts, Mr. Jaigopal says. The commercial buildings, on the other hand, are going the `hi-tech' way, gleaming with glass, steel and aluminium. The tastes of the people are undergoing radical changes, Mr. Zacharias says. The influence of the visual media is considerable as people are more exposed to it. So, it has been a long journey for Malayalis from the humble huts to the high-rises, in search for the right dwelling place. The journey will continue onwards, but in what direction only time will tell.