THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Centre for Development Studies

The Centre for Development Studies is a premier social science research institution set up in 1971 by legendary econ- omist professor K. N. Raj. It is an internationally renowned, self-governing institution known for its research in applied economics and topics to so- cio-economic development and extensive training programmes. Over the years it has established a tradition of interdisciplinary research on develop- ment problems in India. Today, it is considered to be one of the foremost development economics research centers in the country.

The building showcases Laurie Baker’s development as an architect over the last 30 years, beginning with the agularity of the core to the playfulness of the computer centre and the auditorium. The 9-acre campus has a core consisting of administrative offices, classrooms, researchers’ area and li- brary, where other building-parts provide for a multi-purpose hall and computer rooms.

Laurie Baker’s focus and acquaintance for low-cost building materials and techniques result in his ability to utilize a certain material to a high extend. At CDS, it is obvious that his method of reducing the resources is the parameter of his design. The red brick is the main material for the perforated wall patterns, windows as openings without frames, roofing and double walls to create natural ventilation and shading. An example of a cleverly designed low-cost but effective ventilation system is the double wall construction of the computer building, which shows Baker’s ability of layering and combining his building techniques with at- mospheric design resulting rythmic wall patterns and beautiful variations of light appearances.

Loyola School

The Loyola complex contains a high school and a post-graduate complex, both sharing a common chapel and an auditorium. This building has an inter- esting section that combines chapel on one side and auditorium on the other side, yet gives both these entities their unique identities. The chapel space is lit with indirect light from above giving it an almost a spiritual existence; whereas the auditorium space is lit from both the sides with unique brick-ja- lis. The material palette comprises of exposed brick masonry with jalis, steel trusses and roofing sheets. The peripheral walls are made of double layer brick masonry with sufficient buffer space in-between. Both these layers are made porous with jalis which allows air movement and the buffer space in-between helps creating a cool indoor space.

A typhical roof and wall of Laurie Baker, and the mangoshapes was his favourite shape.