St Peters School of Architecture

SYNOPSIS : FOLK ART CENTRE

Thesis Guide: Ar. Sakthi Priyanka

Architecture Design Thesis (2017-2018)

GAUTHAMRAJ .M(V YEAR)

REG NO: 113613251017

 Centre of Folk Arts
Tamilnadu has been a preferred destination of discerning travelers from all over the world who prefer culture,
traditions and heritage in the field of arts & crafts. Tamilnadu is deeply rooted in a great tradition of folk arts and crafts,
which display the traditions and skills that have come down from generations. The folk music and dances of Tamil Nadu
represent the ethos, aesthetic values and melody of the region. A large number of students are also visiting various Centres
of Performing Arts in the country to study about the various art forms in the traditional style.

Tamilnadu has its own typical art forms which reflect the life and outlook of the people. From the renowned
Karagaattam, considered to be the complete art form as it synthesis all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance,
to the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people. For ages, the rich and vibrant
culture of Tamilnadu has intrigued people worldwide. Truly, the real treasures of Tamilnadu lay in the cultural heritage of
its people.

Aim:

To preserve, innovate and promote the projection and dissemination of the art forms.

To develop and promote the rich diversity and uniqueness of the various art forms of the country and to
upgrade and enrich the consciousness of the people about their cultural heritage.

To lay special emphasis in its activities on the cultural linkages among various areas through evolution of styles
and their contribution to the larger composite identity of the cultural heritage of India.

To make special efforts to encourage folk and tribal arts and to frame special programs for the preservation
and strengthening of the art forms that are languishing towards extinction.

To undertake such programs as seminars, workshops etc. with a view to encouraging and involving the youth
of the country among themselves and with those of the rest of the country in creative cultural
communications.

To pursue such other activities and programs as would strengthen and promote the cultural inter-linkages
amongst the states.

To award fellowships and scholarships for carrying out research for study in furtherance of any of its
objectives.

To provide all infrastructural facilities for establishing or for facilitating the establishment of, manufacturing,
processing or packaging industries; electronic, hi-tech or knowledge based industries; agro based, food
processing industries; tourism, leisure, recreation etc.

With the help of Architecture do research and evolve unique trends in presentation of Art forms.

International Training Centre for Folk Arts and Classical Arts.

Help promoting Tourism in Tamilnadu.

Approach to Thesis
 Study art & cultural practices in India and the spaces required for them.
Understand the chronological development of cultural activities in terms of spaces.
Understand the context of the thesis project in terms of cultural background of people, art &
cultural practices, aspirations, historical background, current scenario, future developments
forecast.
Analyze and understand spatial requirements, scope of design considering the site.
Study the related design theories.
Draw inferences from the case studies.
Types of Spaces: Exhibition, collection of artifacts, workshops, library, performing arts
auditoriums, conferences, studios, public interaction spaces etc.

Centres Requirements:
The thesis topic would help me explore the spaces required for artists and craftsmen to practice their crafts. It would help me
understand the social and cultural setting of the region and explore the implementation of cultural context on building design. It would
allow me greater freedom in form and spaces as many of the spaces to be designed would be of flexible nature.

The design thesis would not go into too much of technical detailing and would be going round about the design and the feel of the
place in order to make the building more interactive and as something to which you can relate to. Moreover the thesis will provide
with an architectural solution and not for other aspects like economical, management, etc.

Performing Spaces(Auditorium,Theatre,OAT)
Teaching and Learning Spaces(Gurukulam style of teaching)
Workshop
Temple
Residential Spaces
Exhibition Galleries
Library
Shops
Restaurants
Eco friendly structures, Concert Halls, Amphitheatre.

The Centre for Performing Arts is a multi-use performance space that is intended for use by various types of the performing arts,
including Karagaattam, Poikkal Kudirai Aattam, Bommalaattam or Puppetry, Therukoothu, Silambaattam,Villu Paattu etc including
various dance forms in around Kerala, Music etc. Taking this concept into a much more holistic perspective, matured with the rich
cultural heritage of Kerala and its wide varieties of performing arts and crafts.

The Centre will be a unique institute in India in all respects. A need based approach may be followed in the setting up of the Centre.
Teach, learn and perform is the operational concept behind the Centre. The prospective tourists in the Centre can Learn and practice
the Tamilnadu art forms in the Centre itself. The Centre may provide a natural environment comprising of Karagaattam, Poikkal Kudirai
Aattam, Bommalaattam or Puppetry, Therukoothu, Silambaattam,Villu Paattu etc. All provisions within the Centre will be
standardized with a unique brand.

Architectural Intervention
Establishing an integrated multi arts institute, housing residential schools for the performing arts-dance, music and drama.
The center is to have a dedicated public zone that would have an auditorium, art and exhibition galleries, silk museum, arts
and crafts workshops and a restaurant.
 The proposal is an effort to establish a link between the city and cultural public or semi-public spaces built in a sensitive
manner. The idea is to generate a landmark for Bangalore and offer a boost to its cultural rejuvenation aspirations.
Through this project, an attempt will be made to integrate the Gurukulam tradition and the contemporary ways of teaching
the performing arts in the same complex. It will be an effort to provide a holistic environment for learning and performing
the arts, close to the nature yet within the urban context- establishing a harmony in the teaching traditions, spaces and
lifestyle. The learning, performing and residential areas will be included in one whole complex to remove the gaps between
these activities.

Art centers are necessity to keep general public aware of the latest cultural developments in society,
to keep them educated about their cultural history, also help them understand and respect other
cultures and traditions. It is also an important hub for promotion of new urban and rural Artists.

Case Studies

Kalakshetra, Chennai

National center for performing arts, Mumbai

Colombo National Performing Art Theatre- Nimal Silva.

Nrityagram, Bengaluru

References

www.en.wikipedia.com
www.google.co.in
www.dda.in
www.articles.timesofindia.com
www.planningcommision.nic.in
www.culturalcentreofidia.com
www.sczcc.gov.in