Laurie Baker’s buildings that showcase the architecture he championed are living museums of his philosophy- Homevior


Surprises abound in every Laurie Baker building. The iconic architect, and champion of sustainable housing, was an artist and Gandhian who built spaces that had character.  His buildings were not monotonous rectangular spaces that conformed to a pattern. Instead, inside his buildings, light paints picturesque interiors; cleverly-laced doors and windows in different sizes and shapes bring the outdoors indoors; exposed, red bricks create the perfect backdrop for lush tropical gardens; ceilings dip, rise and twirl around.

Using local building materials and fusing elements and methods of vernacular architecture in his design, he pioneered architecture that was affordable to all.

Born in 1917 in Birmingham, UK, Laurence Wilfred Baker, a.k.a. Laurie Baker, made the southern state of Kerala his home in 1963 and lived in Thiruvananthapuram from 1969 to 2007, inspiring generations of architects with his architectural vocabulary and humanitarian approach.

Five award-winning architects talk about their favourite Baker building while Baker’s daughter Vidya Radhakrishnan reminisces about The Hamlet, the home that Baker built in Thiruvananthapuram.

Laurie Baker Heritage Walk

Mitraniketan Social Service Society and Centre of Science and Techology for Rural Development (Costford) conduct a walk through Laurie Baker’s first projects in Kerala, which were in Vagamon. The walk is on May 17, 18 and 19. Contact: 9495948600

Benny Kuriakose

Founder of  Benny Kuriakose and Associates

Benny Kuriakose
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

There was a church designed by Laurie Baker in Thiruvalla, a combination of modernity and tradition. Although Baker designed a few churches, this one was unique since Baker’s approach to designing this church blends traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.

Ambala Palli at Thiruvalla

Ambala Palli at Thiruvalla
| Photo Credit:
Benny Kuriakose

People used to call it Ambala Palli since it resembled the circular sanctum santorum of some of the temples in Kerala.

Ambala Palli at Thiruvalla

Ambala Palli at Thiruvalla
| Photo Credit:
Benny Kuriakose

The church was very simple, using exposed brickwork and stone that enhance one’s spiritual experience. There were no windows and the passive cooling was carried out by the brick jallis, which have become an important part of the elevation. Unfortunately, the church was demolished a decade ago.

Ambala Palli at Thiruvalla

Ambala Palli at Thiruvalla
| Photo Credit:
Benny Kuriakose

What I like most in Baker’s design is that he designed a church in Kerala which took inspiration from Kerala’s architecture itself. He was more Indian in his design than most of the Indian-born architects inspired from the West.

G Shankar

Founder of Habitat Technology Group

Architect G Sankar

Architect G Sankar
| Photo Credit:
VIPIN CHANDRAN

Laurie Baker started life as an architect in the foothills of the Himalayas in India by building small institutional spaces and residences. He went to the Himalayas on the advice of Gandhi who advised him to go to the mountains to serve the deprived. Baker took that as an opportunity to promote what we now call ‘value-based architecture’, looking at local materials, local technology and local capacities for building. Later, when he moved to Kerala, he was in Vagamon and his initial works were small residences, hospitals, churches etc.

The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit:
GOPAKUMAR S

In the seventies, he took the opportunity to scale up his domain by taking up some government projects. The late C Achutha Menon, then Chief Minister of Kerala, gave him the opportunity to build institutional buildings of that scale. One of the first buildings given to him was the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram with different functional requirements. By then, he had developed a style of architecture, later known as organic architecture, one that belongs to the people and the site. When you look at the CDS site, you realise that it is not that big a space meant for an institutional building. The geographical profile of the site was challenging. And being the first big commission given to him by the government, he took care to build one of his masterpieces — it is evident in his vocabulary, the way he designed spaces around trees. It talked about eco-sensitive architecture, and energy-saving designs. It became an iconic beginning in the domain of cost-efficient architecture. There were apprehensions about the safety and longevity of the building. However, it remains an iconic building, standing proud 50 years later.

The academic sections are built around a huge pond. One of the amazing aspects of his architecture was that it always belonged to the site, so the terrain was never a challenge for him. He used the levels to accentuate wonderful effects of space management and utility. He never followed monotonous squares and rectangles, he followed organic shapes that went around trees, which remain a visual delight. His buildings continue to teach us many things. They continue to be a source of inspiration.

   

Ritu Sara Thomas

Founding Partner of Ezha Heritage and Assistant Professor at College of Architecture Trivandrum

Ritu Sara Thomas 

Ritu Sara Thomas 
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

My experience of a ‘Baker house’, began as a child, running through the maze of rooms, playing hide and seek in my neighbour’s quintessential home built by Laurie Baker in Kuravankonam. It was recently converted into a high-end restaurant, Baker’s Arch Garden Cafe. 

Baker's Arch Garden Cafe in Thiruvananthapuram

Baker’s Arch Garden Cafe in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Later as an architecture student, I had a chance to examine Baker houses in greater detail. The minimalistic use of material, the open and free-flowing plan form, the blend of design with the natural contours, the multiple use of arches and the attention to detail are truly reflected in every corner of the residence. The creative use of brick jaalis and recycled tiles to create unique mango mosaic patterns are his signature touch. 

Baker's Arch Garden Cafe in Thiruvananthapuram

Baker’s Arch Garden Cafe in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Not only Baker’s Arch, but every Baker residence seems to have evolved from the site itself, creating a dance of volumes, solids and voids specific to the site and the client.

Baker’s Arch Garden Cafe in Thiruvananthapuram

Baker’s Arch Garden Cafe in Thiruvananthapuram

The daylight dispersed through intricately placed recycled glass bottles brings a play of light and shadow creating a sort of illusion. The fearlessness to experiment with form and material is a true reflection of his genius.

As an architect, Baker continues to awe, to inspire, and delight.

Vinu Daniel

Founder Wallmakers

Architect Vinu Daniel

Architect Vinu Daniel
| Photo Credit:
Subajayanthi Wilson

Every religious building is supposed to inspire awe and uplift a person spiritually. Many build large halls, heavy doors, intricate ornamentations and expensive artworks to achieve this.

Loyola Chapel in Thiruvananthapuram inspires “awe” with just exposed fired brick and a bit of light that falls through the top ventilation.  Instantly, it takes us to another realm of spirituality.

Laurie Baker teaches us the power of simple and natural materials without any exuberant glass works or arched halls. It is quite magical and helped many like me to get through tougher times just by watching light fall on the altar wall.

NS Abhayakumar

Architect and academic

Architect Abhayakumar

Architect Abhayakumar
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

To pick a favourite building by Laurie Baker is difficult for someone influenced by his works. But if pushed, my choice would be his churches, with the favourite being the chapel at Loyola School, Thiruvananthapuram. Baker is synonymous with his “intimate scale” in his residential architecture, where the bulk of his works remain. But when it came to buildings of a congregational nature, he was not afraid to use the grand monumental scale — tall spaces with wide spans, ones which sync with the spirit of the spaces.

A view of Loyola Chapel

A view of Loyola Chapel
| Photo Credit:
NS Abhayakumar

His use of natural light sifting through narrow slit openings, high from the ceiling, creates a warm play of light and dark, wherein lies the spiritual charm of his architecture.

 Inner view of Loyola Chapel in Thiruvananthapuram

Inner view of Loyola Chapel in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
NS Abhayakumar

The religious motifs are limited to the bare minimum signature  – wire sculptures on his trademark exposed brick walls. In short, it is a place of celebration of his humanist philosophy in architecture than simply being a place of worship.

Vidya Radhakrishnan

Baker’s daughter

Vidya Radhakrishnan

Vidya Radhakrishnan
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Hamlet is the third home that our father built for us and it was the only one that was built in stages in accordance with the growing needs of the family. You may ask why.

A view of The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in Thiruvananthapuram.

A view of The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

That was because this was an addition to our home at Vagamon, which was built on the lines of a Swiss chalet, surrounded by mountains and a beautiful view. Whereas The Hamlet started off with just the basic requirements of the family. The story, however, changed as my father got more involved in his architectural work at Thiruvananthapuram, which required us to have a home in the city too. Hence, The Hamlet was the last home that he built for us as a family and it was here that he breathed his last. The uniqueness of The Hamlet is that it had grown organically but always as per the lay of the land, a sloping hillside. It is a collection of buildings that were added on over time as per the needs of the family but are all interconnected, either by pathways or structurally.

The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in Thiruvananthapuram,  is a place where one can be one with Nature.

The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in Thiruvananthapuram, is a place where one can be one with Nature.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Hamlet is a place where one can be one with Nature, even though one is right in the city. This is because of the way in which the buildings are built and it gives us the feeling and experience of being one with Nature. The buildings are at different levels, hence the views are different at each stage.

Views of The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in THiruvananthapuram. 

Views of The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in THiruvananthapuram. 
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

We have a beautiful view of the mountains early in the morning on clear days and the sunrise can be picturesque. I have lived there only for five years, till my marriage and then intermittently. But the memories are still fresh. At the time, one didn’t realise the uniqueness of The Hamlet and it is only later that realisation dawned that we are indeed privileged and fortunate to have a house like The Hamlet.  

The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Hamlet, Laurie Baker’s home in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT



Source Homevior.in

177 thoughts on “Laurie Baker’s buildings that showcase the architecture he championed are living museums of his philosophy- Homevior”

  1. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist
    with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my website to
    rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very
    good success. If you know of any please share. Cheers! You can read similar article here:
    Eco wool

  2. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  3. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after going through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  4. Inspired by European work and the Pre-Raphaelites, Willet rebelled towards the American School of stained glass – a movement established by Louis Consolation Tiffany and John La Farge identified by its use of opalescent glass.

  5. You are so interesting! I do not suppose I’ve read anything like this before. So great to find somebody with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality.

  6. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  7. You’re so interesting! I do not think I have read a single thing like that before. So nice to discover another person with original thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with some originality.

  8. The next time Someone said a weblog, Lets hope that this doesnt disappoint me up to this place. Get real, Yes, it was my method to read, but I just thought youd have some thing fascinating to mention. All I hear is really a number of whining about something that you could fix in case you werent too busy interested in attention.

  9. There are a few fascinating points with time in this post but I do not know if I see every one of them center to heart. There may be some validity but Let me take hold opinion until I explore it further. Good write-up , thanks and then we want far more! Included in FeedBurner likewise

  10. Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, however I truly believed you’d have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

  11. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  12. Along with almost everything which seems to be developing within this particular subject material, all your perspectives are somewhat exciting. Even so, I beg your pardon, but I do not subscribe to your entire strategy, all be it radical none the less. It seems to me that your commentary are actually not completely rationalized and in reality you are generally your self not even wholly convinced of the point. In any event I did appreciate reading through it.

  13. There couple of interesting points at some point in this article but I do not determine if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I’m going to take hold opinion until I check into it further. Great post , thanks and then we want a lot more! Put into FeedBurner as well

  14. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have already spoken out against the idea, saying that they’d rather not encourage anymore people to stalk celebrities. So, the first thing to do is to decide the purpose of your ad.

  15. The when Someone said a weblog, I am hoping it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my option to read, but I really thought youd have some thing intriguing to mention. All I hear is a number of whining about something you could fix if you ever werent too busy interested in attention.

  16. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to find any person with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is one thing that is wanted on the web, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  17. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be helpful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.

  18. I truly love your blog.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own website and would like to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Cheers!

  19. *This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  20. Hi I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job.

  21. Rather good post. I simply found your site not to mention was going to believe which i experience unquestionably appreciated searching your blog items. In fact We are registering to an individuals feed and I we imagine you compose once soon enough!

  22. Oh dear it seems as if your site Going Home Posted Stitches consumed my first remark it’s rather extensive we think We’ll simply sum it up the things i submitted and state, I really relishing your website. I as well am an ambitious blog writer but I’m still a new comer to the whole thing. Do you possess any kind of tips and hints regarding inexperienced bloggers! I truly really enjoy it… In addition did you hear Tunisia incredible announcement… Regards Flash Website Builder

  23. Oh my goodness! an amazing write-up dude. Many thanks Even so My business is experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Struggle to sign up to it. Can there be everyone getting identical rss dilemma? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  24. Oh my goodness! an incredible write-up dude. Thanks Nevertheless We’re experiencing problem with ur rss . Do not know why Cannot enroll in it. Can there be anybody acquiring identical rss problem? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  25. Thanks for your article. What I want to say is that when looking for a good on the net electronics store, look for a web page with comprehensive information on critical factors such as the security statement, basic safety details, payment methods, along with other terms and also policies. Usually take time to look at help as well as FAQ areas to get a much better idea of the way the shop works, what they can perform for you, and the way you can make best use of the features.

  26. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  27. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  28. Throughout the awesome scheme of things you secure a B+ with regard to hard work. Where exactly you lost everybody was in your facts. As as the maxim goes, the devil is in the details… And it couldn’t be much more correct in this article. Having said that, let me say to you just what did work. The authoring is certainly quite persuasive and this is probably the reason why I am taking the effort to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, even though I can easily see a leaps in reasoning you come up with, I am not really certain of exactly how you seem to unite your points which inturn produce the actual conclusion. For the moment I will, no doubt yield to your point but wish in the future you actually link the dots much better.

  29. Can I just say what a comfort to uncover someone that really knows what they are discussing on the internet. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people really need to check this out and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular because you surely possess the gift.

  30. Hello, extremely useful posting. My spouse and I have been trying to find extensive facts on this subject sort of stuff for a little bit, nonetheless we couldn’t until now. Do you think you can make some youtube video clips concerning this, I do think your webblog will be more in depth if you ever did. In any other case, oh well. I will be checking on this web site in the near future. Email me and keep me up-to-date. granite countertops cleveland

  31. Nice post. I be taught one thing more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It should always be stimulating to read content material from other writers and apply a bit one thing from their store. I desire to make use of some with the content on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I give you a link in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

  32. Can I simply say what a reduction to find somebody who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know easy methods to deliver a difficulty to gentle and make it important. More people must learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant believe youre no more widespread since you undoubtedly have the gift.

  33. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your web site.

  34. Hello, I think your web site could be having browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, great site.

  35. Aw, i thought this was quite a nice post. In notion I would like to put in place writing such as this additionally – taking time and actual effort to generate a very good article… but so what can I say… I procrastinate alot and also no means manage to go completed.

  36. The following time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you would fix should you werent too busy in search of attention.

  37. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to check out new things you post…

  38. When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thanks.

  39. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your internet site.

  40. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  41. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your web site.

  42. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be interesting to read articles from other writers and practice something from their websites.

  43. When I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers.

  44. Howdy, There’s no doubt that your website might be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, wonderful blog.

  45. Greetings, I think your website could possibly be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, fantastic website.

  46. buy Herpafend from the official website Herpafend is
    a dietary supplement designed to help manage herpes symptoms.
    It strengthens the body’s defenses and reduces
    the frequency of outbreaks. Containing ingredients like elderberry extract, echinacea, and L-lysine amino acid,
    Herpafend supports overall health.

    Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-certified facility, Herpafend
    maintains premium standards. It is genetically unmodified and gluten-free.
    Customers say a reduction in outbreak frequency and severity.

    Give Herpafend a try and see the difference in your symptom
    control.

  47. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal site now 😉

  48. I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

  49. hello there and thanks on your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from right here. I did on the other hand expertise a few technical issues the usage of this website, as I skilled to reload the site lots of instances previous to I may get it to load properly. I have been brooding about in case your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading cases times will very frequently have an effect on your placement in google and can damage your quality ranking if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am including this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this once more very soon..

  50. Right here is the right webpage for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just great.

  51. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always useful to read articles from other authors and use a little something from their web sites.

  52. Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Cheers

  53. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always interesting to read through content from other authors and use something from their sites.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top