A global training hub in habitat technology
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Two training institutes, named after the late Laurie Baker, are set to become operational in the capital city this year.
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— Photo: S. Mahinsha
in the making: One of the buildings on the site identified for the Laurie Baker Centre for Habitat Studies near Vilappilsala in the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram.
The capital city is poised to become a global training hub in habitat technology. Two training institutes, both in the name of the late Laurie Baker, architect and pioneer of low-cost, eco-friendly housing technology, are set to become operational this year.
While the Laurie Baker International School of Habitat Studies (LABISHAS) is to be set up as an autonomous institution under the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra, the Laurie Baker Centre for Habitat Studies (LBC) will be a non-profit organisation functioning under a society chaired by Elizabeth Baker.
Both the institutions have unveiled ambitious plans to impart training in cost-effective, eco-friendly habitat technology to students from all over the world. Both have identified Baker’s vision as the guiding spirit.
The LBC will focus on training programmes in building and supervisory skills, construction management, planning and architecture. It will offer engineering internships. Research on planning, architecture, engineering, materials and construction is another thrust area.
The centre has announced plans to establish an archives and documentation centre on Baker’s contributions, such as drawings, sketches, transcripts of interviews, videos and writings. An online version is on the anvil.
The society has identified a sprawling plot at Vilappilsala for the campus, on the site currently housing Navayatra, a training centre for children set up by Keith Saldanha, in association with Baker.
P.B. Sajan, member secretary, LBC, says, “The centre will be devoted to continuing Baker’s mission. It will be dedicated to practice, collaboration, research and education in planning architecture, technology, energy, government, politics, economics and social welfare — all based on the philosophy and practices of Laurie Baker. Our aim is to provide hands-on training to equip professionals in responsible architecture and construction practices.”
Barefoot engineers
The centre is planning to start operations by July. One of the primary activities is the creation of a team of barefoot engineers consisting of Plus Two students equipped with basic engineering know-how, such as ability to read site plans and make measurements.
As many as 40 students are to undergo a three- month training course. A course in habitat technology for engineering students will be offered in the first phase.
LABISHAS has drawn up plans to influence habitat practices in the Third World by focussing on housing for low-income groups.
Research on traditional and vernacular architecture, technology and materials will be one of the core activities. The institute is planning to tie up with the HUDCO Housing Studies and Management Institute and set up a HUDCO Chair as a local school of habitat studies.
LABISHAS plans to produce barefoot architects and engineers who will spread the message of habitat technology.
The school will be developed as a certification agency in habitat-related fields. It will offer postgraduate courses, such as MS and M.Tech., and M.Phil. and Ph.D.
The centre will have a department of indigenous architecture and an R&D wing for technology and materials. Disaster management and mitigation will be subjects of study.
Addressing a colloquium here recently to conceptualise the LABISHAS project, Housing Minister Benoy Viswom stressed the need to create a generation of architects and engineers with social commitment. He said students from Africa and Latin America would be among the first to receive training at LABISHAS.
Mr. Viswom said the institute would provide a platform for educational and research institutions, engineers and architects to come together and promote the values upheld by Laurie Baker.
“We will ensure that the faculty is top class,” he added.
T. NANDAKUMAR
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