THE VERNACULAR PLANNING PRACTICES OF KURUMBA SETTLEMENTS IN ATTAPPADI: AN ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS
Authors :Ar. Ashwathy Nair
Abstract
The settlements are the demonstrations of the needs, aspirations, and cultural identity of any society which is determined by sociocultural, economic, beliefs, practices, political factors, climate etc. The Vernacular settlements of Kurumba have created a strong connection between of social, cultural, and architectural. Their cultural beliefs of harmony, balance, and truthfulness were reflected in the settlements that were sensitive to nature, topography, climatic condition, etc. Today, most of these sensitive practices are affected due to factors of urbanization, newer government policies and schemes, lack of knowledge, etc. This change has been directly reflected in the physical and cultural fabric of the settlement in an adverse way. This research aims at analysing the Kurumba settlements under various factors like orientation, vegetation, and activity pattern which are the core aspects that a settlement formation is dependent on. The result of the whole study is recommendations that can sustain in a modern context through vernacular values and practices.
Keywords Salai or Aalai (dwellings of Kurumbas), Ooru (Hamlet), Kurumba, Kalam (space for socialization), Thinna (space in front of the house for seating).
