Brick buildings and neighborhood

One of the losing arts of construction is using different forms of brick work. This archway made of locally made bricks, in the passage between buildings, make an aesthetic contribution to the setting.

The interesting thing about this brick work is that it is not plastered with cement or any protecting covering. The bricks reveals the texture and colour of the soil form which the bricks were  made. 

Only some type of bricks can be used in this form without the protective plastering, which can withstand rain, humidity and heat.

The naturalness this provides, with tile flooring and brick walls which support the arch ways and the open space it creates even in a built up area ,

make it rather special.

I remember that late, Lawrei Baker, a British architect, who made India his home and lived in Trivandrum,  used to promote brick made homes. I lived in such houses during my visits to Asha Kiran Hospital, Lamptaput and felt that it is sustainable model of building houses, using raw materials available locally. Today I noticed that the interior of the auditorium at the MOSC Medical college is made of brick work.

Baker introduced a new concept about a house. It is a connecting link with local people and the neighborhood. He symbolized it by using building materials which are locally available  and getting the local masons, artisans and craftsmen and women to build it. A house is thus integrated with the local community in its design, setting and construction. Those who live in the house therefore are emotionally linked withe the local people. That is one way of creating a friendly neighborhood around a home. It creates a social model of building where imposing structures are avoided, but space is created for use according to the need, which merge environmentally and with other buildings.  

We are in  post modern era. It is necessary to trace our roots and traditions lest we lose a heritage which has formed us.

M.C.Mathew( text and photo)