The Legacy of Laurie Baker

Day 2 - Introduction to Laurie Baker's Philosophy and Design Principles

Two lectures, both on site at the Laurie Baker Center for Habitat Studies, portrayed Baker and associates design philosophy as well as  the overall status of the state of Kerala, of which Trivandrum is the capitol city.  

Welcome to the Laurie Baker Center 

lecture hall at the LBC

perforated brick allows natural light to permeate stairs at the LBC

The Center for Developmental Studies by Laurie Baker

niche

Ascending to main library block

Inner courtyard - water feature at base of library block

This complex was constructed without floor plans, based on sand drawings done on site by Laurie Baker and sketches demonstrating the general shape of each building. Specifications would be made by Baker as to how thick a wall was to be, then it would be built. 

Welcome to Trivandrum!

Day 1 - Trivandrum - no sleep

Taxis bring us to our hotel, honking as we maneuver around the slow pokes, pushing them to the right, as we pass quickly on the left, vroom. A quick shower, then breakfast explorations accompanied by mango juice and milky coffee. 

The plan of the day: the Thiruvanthapuram Zoo. Those who've read Life of Pi, will be interested to know that the author based the strange creatures of the floating island on those he experienced at this zoo! My excitement was contagious, drawing most of our group to accompany me. The animals, not all rare, were enclosed in a lush park with great elevation changes as we progressed through. Those who observed seemed to feel we were as exotic as the animals we came to see. 

 

dragon tongue - ornate stone near Napier Art Museum

Detailed Gutter

Exotic Choker Plant

Stairs of Zoo

Sloth Bears - burrowing for coolness

Bamboo Carvings