Bastin49
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| How architecture has evolved in Kerala |
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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 flat [edit] 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 neighboring 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.
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