RABANNI- An entrance gateway to the living heritance of the Kochi Jews

15ARC10.1 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECT THESIS 2021-2022

R A B B A N I

AN ENTRANCE GATEWAY TO THE HERITAGE OF KOCHI JEWS THROUGH CULINARY TRADITIONS.

THESIS REPORT FEBRUARY 2022

A project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE (B.ARCH.) by WENIZ WILLS 1RW17AT109

R V College of Architecture (Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)

Site CA-1, Banashankari 6th Stage, 4th Block, Near Chikagowdanapalya Village, Off Vajarahalli Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109

OCTOBER 2021 - FEBRUARY 2022

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I dedicate my Thesis work to my family. A special feeling of gratitude to my loving parents, whose words of encouragement and push for tenacity rang in my ears. I would like to thank my grandmother and brother who never left my side and has been a constant pillar of support throught the course of my thesis , with their guiding words which helped me bring out the best in me . I would also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to my gramdmother and my siblings for their constant support and words of encouragement throughout the course of my project and for helping to bring out the best in me.

I also dedicate this dissertation to my many friends who have supported me throughout the process.

This thesis was made possible only with the constant help, support, and encouragement from many individuals, and I wish to give them due credit for enabling me to explore this project theme which is close to my heart.

I thank God and my family, who have been the biggest sources of inspiration and strength. The special inputs, constant support and immeasurable optimism of my parents guided me through the ups and downs of this journey.

I sincerely acknowledge the valuable guidance that my thesis guides , Prof Bakul Jani , Prof. Meera Vasudev, Prof . Archita Bandyopadhyay and Prof. Smruti Balvalli have imparted through the course of this semester .Their experienced inputs and keen interest in the project helped me to mould my ideas to the best possible extent.

I would like to thank all the students and faculty members of Government Engineering College, Thrissur for giving me acces to their urban design study which provided a lot of valubale information and insights during the course of my background research.

I would also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to my family and friends for their constant support and encouragement throughout the course of my project and for helping to bring out the best in me.

R V College of Architecture

(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)

Site CA-1, Banashankari 6th Stage, 4th Block, Near Chikagowdanapalya Village, Off Vajarahalli Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109

DECLARATION

I, WENIZ WILLS , USN , 1RW17AT109 hereby declare that the Thesis Titled RABBANIAN ENTRANCE GATEWAY TO THE HERITAGE OF KOCHI JEWS THROUGH CULINARY TRADITIONS. submitted by me, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Architecture as per the university norms, to R V COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, BENGALURU, is a record of my original work with credits given for information collected from any other source.

WENIZ WILLS

R V College of Architecture

(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)

Site CA-1, Banashankari 6th Stage, 4th Block, Near Chikagowdanapalya Village, Off Vajarahalli Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis project entitled RABBANI - AN ENTRANCE GATEWAY TO THE HERITAGE OF KOCHI JEWS THROUGH CULINARY TRADITIONS is a bonafide work carried out by 1RW17AT109, towards partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture OCTOBER 2021 TO FEBRUARY 202.

We recommend that the thesis be placed before the examiners for their consideration for the award of Bachelor of Architecture Degree.

GUIDES:

Ar. Bakul Jani

Ar. Meera Vasudev

Ar. Smruti Balvalli

Ar. Archita Bandyopadhyay

Dr. OM PRAKASH BAWANE Principal R V College of Architecture

BENGALURU

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

I would like to express the deepest appreciation to my MENTOR and GUIDE, Ar. Bakul Jani ,Ar. Meera Vasudev ,Ar. Smruti Balvalli and Ar. Archita Bandyopadhyay , who has the attitude and the substance of a genius: They have continually and convincingly conveyed a spirit of adventure regarding research and scholarship, and an excitement regarding teaching. Without their guidance and persistent help this dissertation would not have been possible. I am grateful for their cooperation and visionary approach during my dissertation.

I express my heart full indent-ness and owe a deep sense of gratitude to our Principal Dr. OM PRAKASH BAWANE and Dean Prof. Suresh K. Murthy, for their continuous support, visionary approach and efforts in making this thesis work comprehensive even in this critical phase in global pandemic situation

I give my heartiest thanks to my friends for boosting and supporting me throughout the journey of the research process. They have more or less contributed to the preparation of this thesis report. I will be always indebted to them.

I am extremely thankful to my respected Faculty Members and the institution, R V COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, Bengaluru for constant guidance and motivation to complete the work in a comprehensive manner.

The Kochi Jews Restoring the living heritance

Table of Contents

- Acknowledgemenst

- Declaration - Certificate

Part 1: Design Investigation

Chapter 1 : Thesis Introduction

- Introduction - Anecdotes

- Key word study - Research questions - Design Objective - Thesis Proposal - Food & Architecture

Chapter 2 : Background Research

- Introduction to the Kochi Muziris

- Evolution of the Muziris

- History & growth of Kochi

- Cultural mapping

- The Kochi Jews

- Architectural vocabulary of the precint

- Importance of the waterways

- Case studies

Chapter 3 : Program Development

- Program Breakdown and pie chart

- Programatic components

- Area statement

- Space standards & requirements

- User Groups

03 04 05 14-17 18-19 20-21 24-25 26-27 30-31 34-35 36-37 38-39 40-42 44-45 46-47 48-49 52-65 68-70 71 72-73 74-77 78-79

Chapter 4 : Site Analysis

- Site Location - Transport Network - Heritage Locations of Kochi - Open spaces - Main nodes - Figure ground - Precinct study and analysis - Land use - Building heights - Condition of the buildings - Age of the buildings - Precinct activity analysis - Site selection - Site drawings and photographs - Climate Analysis

Chapter 5 : Design Stratergies

- Traditional Kerala architecture

- Use of solar panel roof tiles - Use of telescopic seats - Design stratergies

- Use of waffle slab - Foundations - Truss - External wall section - Sloping roof detail - Services calculation

Chapter 6 : Design Concept

Chapter 7 : Design Portfolio

- Bibliography

82-82 84 85 86 87 88-89 90-93 94 95 96 97 98-99 100-105 106-107 116-119 122-125 126 127 126 127 128 129 130 131 132-133 136-141 144-161 162

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

Synopsis

AN ENTRANCE GATEWAY TO THE LIVING HERITANCE OF THE KOCHI JEWS THROUGH THE CULINARY TRADITIONS OF FORT KOCHI

The city of Kochi has a rich heritage dating back to its erstwhile status as major port town, several centuries back. A centre of trade and commerce since the 14th century, the place saw a confluence of cultures and people from around the world. With its origin dating back to early 13th century, Kochi gained prominence when it became an important node in the global spice trade route. Since then, the city has seen the rise and fall of several colonial powers and communities, who left their imprints and influences which subsequently became the building blocks to what the city today is. One such community that still remains with a significant imprint in Fort Kochi are the “JEWS”.

The legacy of the rich cultural traditions and heritage that exist within Jew town of Fort Kochi has slowly started to fade away amidst this pace of development.

The Culinary experience centre aims to revive the living heritance of the Jewish community, through their Kosher traditions which have not lost its significance over time. By becoming a cultural resource for the city and its people and a micro-ecosystem for the tourists.

A combination of a culinary centre, spice markets, and galleries of culinary traditions are conceived and tied together through a spine between the old and the new.

This thesis explores the possibilities of an architectural intervention aimed at capturing the essence of transporting people into a place, that represents the time of the Muziris and the Jews. The experience the project should provide is an escape or transportation into a settlement that represents the lifestyle of the Jews and other settlers through their culinary traditions.

It strives to revive the history and culture that was brought through the trade routes by the communities such as the Jews. The project seeks to create a landmark which attempts to bridge the gap between the rich past of Jew town and their current lifestyle.

Hence, this thesis aims to create an environment that improves the quality of life of the residents and also attempts to understand the possibilities of how architecture can be used as a medium to tap into the potentials and opportunities that exist in the city of Kochi.

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

Anecdote Lighting Candles of Tradition

Our ancestral home was located opposite the Paravur Jewish Synagogue , an early memory my grand mom speaks about is how she misses watching her friends and the local Jewish community walking back home with their candles lit from the flames of the candles that had been blessed during the hours of prayer in the synagogue.

The synagogue was active during her child hood , though the Jews were in minority , there was still a prominent community amongst them. As children my grandparents would stand on the porch every Saturday evening to watch the procession of candles moving towards their homes for their Shabbat.

Fig : 1 Pictures of the paradesi jewish synagogue

Fig : 1 Pictures of the paradesi jewish synagogue

Fig : 2. Paravoor SYnagogue

RABBANI

Fig : 1 Paravoor synagogue

An entrance gateway to the living heritance of the Kochin Jews (Rabbani - Jewish or Padippura - Malayalama): The rectangular gatehouse with a compound wall surrounding the synagogue is predominantly a Kerala feature. It functioned as a transition space

rabbani

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

About the Jewish religious spaces

The Seven Synagogues of Kochi

The early Jewish settlements are believed to have been concentrated in Kodungallur, which used to be the major port city in the region before the emergence of Kochi as a major port. The decline of Kodungallur led to Jewish settlements emerging in the nearby regions of Mala, Paravur and Chendamangalam, each of which has a synagogue of its own. A major shift to Kochi is believed to have occurred later on. Four of the seven synagogues can be found in Kochi, with two in Market Road in Ernakulam city and the other two located in Mattancherry. All the synagogues, with the exception of the Paradesi Synagogue, fell into disuse in the 1950s and 1960s when a vast majority of the congregation immigrated to Israel. Since then many of the synagogues in disuse were subject to alterations or encroachments.

Today, fewer than 40 Cochin Jews remain on the Malabar coast , And lesser than 10 living Jews in Mattancherry

Fig

Fig

Fig : 4 Pictures of the paradesi jewish synagogue

Fig : 7

Map

showing the location of the seven Cochin Jewish synagogues; inset: Map showing Ernakulam district in Kerala

: 5 Pictures of the paradesi jewish synagogue

: 6 Pictures of Kaduvembagam synagogue

The Kochi Jews Restoring the living heritance

KEY WORD STUDY

History

Historical heritage Cultural Heritage Tradition

Memory Community

Reminiscing Stories / Anecdotes Familiarity

Heritage/ Living heritance Culture

Sentiment Nostalgia Migration Identity

KEY WORD MATRIX

NOTE: Connecting the keywords to the idea of revival of a specific community { THE KOCHIN JEWS} using the central theme of reminiscing the past.

The starting point of the process was from anecdotes and stories associated with my childhood in Fort Kochi

The Kochi Jews Restoring the living heritance

Research Questions

• How do we see, perceive , and talk about our past?

1. What is the role of Architecture in doing so?

2. What is the role of the built spaces in helping us associate with our past/ roots?

• How do we imprint memories of our past ? And how do we impart these experiences and stories ?

• How do we use the present day opportunities to turn a lens to our past ?

Points

1. Given a strong historic context , what does the area require in its transition to become a cultural – heritage connect to the Kochin Jewish past ,creating a hotspot for tourist as well as the local communities

1. How can History , tradition and the past cultures of the Jewish community in Kochin , combine to form a result which is as accessible to the public as well as being sensitive to the existing community ?

Research Question

What are the possible interventions to create more “ Third Places” and more opportunities for the revival of the dying community of the Kochi Jews in the city? And what are the strategies through which an island/ port based cultural centre can effectively catalyse the revival of multi- modal transit systems and aid the cultural regeneration of the city ?

Opportunities for locals to accept the existing culture and use it in their trade

Need create more “ Third Places” of the dying community of the the strategies through which an effectively catalyse the revival the cultural regeneration of Heritage walk

Need for public spaces that bring awareness to lost cultures

Importance of actively restoring the existing traditions of the Jews of Kochi

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

News paper clippings

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Design Objective

INTENT

To walk down memory lane of the early living heritance of the Kochin Jews Creating multiple inserts at various points along the historical lane of Jew Town .

The idea of the project is to revive the history and culture that was brought through the trade routes by the communities of settlers . The idea is to create a heritage walk along the most historical streets of mattancherry – Jew street .

Along the walk , to create inserts and pause points .

Creating a Kosher Kitchen and Culinary center to celebrate their traditions.

Living Heritance / Heritage walk

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

Thesis Proposal

• Heritage walk Along the jew street

Multiple smaller sites

Active restoration

Urban Inserts along the heritage stretch

- Housing

- Culinary/ Kosher kitchen • jew Crafts of stitching ) • -Library and heritage museum Fig : 8 Fig : 9 A walk down Jew street

Program process example

Main street of the Heritage walk

Fig :10 Sketch of the Dutch palace

Site 1 Dutch Palace Significant for bringing in the Jews

Paradesi Synagogue

Mandalay Hall

Malabar weavers Jewish Weavers Jewish Cemetery

Antique Museum

Crafters

Weniz wills

Entance of Jew town Spice Market Jewish craft center Antique store Crafters antique Folklore museum

Site 2

Kaduvembagam synagogue

Fig :11 Paradesi synagogue

Fig :12 Jewish cemetry Fort Kochi

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

propose a culinary centre ?

“Even though there are only a few Jewish people still living in Kochi, ’til now they observe the kosher laws,” Sassoon said.

In “Spice and Kosher: Exotic Cuisine of the Cochin Jews,” a cookbook of Cochini Jewish recipes compiled by Sassoon, Kenny Salem, and Bala Menon, ancient recipes such as Cochini pastels (crispy sweet or savory pastries) or the Cochin Jewish spice cake — considered by many to be the hallmark recipe of the community’s cuisine — were altered over time based on the availability of ingredients.

An abundance of fresh spices, coconut milk and tapioca starch (in place of gelatin) allowed Indo-Jewish households to easily adapt their strictly kosher food requirements, creating a unique cuisine that is both equally Jewish and Indian in nature.

In December 2018, the Paradesi Synagogue celebrated its 450th anniversary.

The food was influenced by the many racial communities as well as the local flavour, creating a unique fusion cuisine of Kosher foods.

Amongst the many dishes they served at the house, one dish not only caught our attention, but stole our hearts and stomachs with its delectable flavour.

Pastel, the Jewish dish, became popular in Kochi around the 17th century. They are halfmoon parcels made with rice flour and filled with assorted fillings, that is deep fried in vegetable oil. The addition of rice flour and Indian spices makes it unique. It is served with the fabled Resaya Pulav (turmeric rice).

“WHY”

Fig :13 Cover page of a cook book by Essie Sassoon

Fig :14 Traditional dish of the Jews

The Indian Jewish community comprises a tiny but important part of the population. Over the centuries, its members have stuck to their dietary laws and integrated Indian habits with their customs, leading to some unique ceremonies, rituals and recipes that have been passed down from one generation to another. Despite living in different corners of India, they are still bound by the common threads of food and religion. However, with modernization and emigration, many of the traditions are fast being forgotten.

Source: Book, Bene Appetit The cuisine of Indian Jews by Ester David

“Food is memory. Food is culture. Food bonds families and communities.”

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

Relation between food and Architecture

PROGRAM CULINARY CENTER

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INTRODUCTION OF KOCHI MUZIRIS :

The Spice Route:

3000 BC

Muziris Established as a major spice trade center: Early findings indicate that Muziris had established itself as a major spice trade centre from as early as 3000BC, which marked the beginning of the spice trade.

700 AD

Muslim traders dominate maritime trade routes: Overland routes helped he spice trade initially, but maritime trade routes ld to tremendous growth in commercial activites. After the rise of Islam in 700 AD, Arab traders started dominating maritime routes.

1453 AD

Ottomans trade monopoly: In 1453, the Ottomans took Constantinople and charged heavy taxes on the Eurpoean traders.

1498 AD

Vasco Da Gam discovers new maritime route: The Cape Route from Europe to the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope was pioneered by the Portugese explorer and navigator Vasco Da Gam in 1498, resulting in new maritime routes for trade.

1500 AD

Pedro Alvarez Cabral re-attempts the new found route:

In 1500, the Portugese navigator, Pedro Alvares Cabral while attempting to reproduce Vasco Da Gam's Atlantic route to the Cape and INdia was blown westwards to what is today Brazil. After taking possession of the new land, Cabral resumed his voyage and re-routed his way to India.

1498 AD

Vasco Da Gam discovers new maritime route: The Cape Route from Europe to the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope was pioneered by the Portugese explorer and navigator Vasco Da Gama in 1498, resulting in new maritime routes for trade.

1500 AD

Pedro Alvarez Cabral re-attempts the new found route:

In 1500, the Portugese navigator, Pedro Alvares Cabral while attempting to reproduce Vasco Da Gam's Atlantic route to the Cape and INdia was blown westwards to what is today Brazil. After taking possession of the new land, Cabral resumed his voyage and re-routed his way to India.

1899 AD

Suez Canal opening: Opening up pf Suez Canal in 1869 was end of the Cape Route. This has made most of the other trade routes obsolete.

Fig :15

Map of the world showing spice routes

Fig 16 : Sketch representing the chinese fishing nets

Source : Urban design studio report 2017 by GEC thrissur; Urban revival of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry through Biennale

Fig 17 : Sketch showing various spice commodities

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Anecdotes Through History

about The great port

Muziris, the fabulous ancient Indian port

“With its streets, its houses, its covered fishing boats, where they sell fish, where they pile up rice – with the shifting and mingling crowd of a boisterous river-bank where the sacks of pepper are heaped up – with its gold deliveries, carried by the ocean-going ships and brought to the river bank by local boats, the city that bestows much wealth to its visitors, and the merchants of the mountains, and the merchants of the sea, the city where liquor abounds, yes, this Muziris, where the rumbling ocean roars, is given to me like a marvel, a treasure.” – Purananuru (ancient Sangam poem) on the historical port-city of Muziris in Kerala.

Muziris was a thriving port in the first century BCE that used to have trade contacts with Rome, Greece, China and the Middle East. Cargo vessels from West Asia, the Mediterranean and East Africa used to drop anchor at the port. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have set foot in Kerala through Muziris. It is here that India’s first church, Mar Thoma Church, and first mosque, Cheraman Juma Masjid, are located.

The port of Muziris, which is known as Kodungallor today and was called Cranganore in the past, is legendary, and was the site where many Jews lived until a tsunami caused a fatal flood in the middle of the 14th century. All the surviving Jews and the other inhabitants moved over to Chendamangalam, Cochin and other centers. Jewish songs in the local Malayalam language still recall the incident.

Fig :18 Map of fort kochi drawn by the portugese

Fig :19 Map indicating the spice route

Evolution of Kochi - Muziris

Muziris was an ancient seaport and urban center on the Malabar coast and was a key node to the trade between the Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptionas, Greeks and Roman Empire.

The exact location of Muziris is still not known to historians and archaeologists, however it is generally speculated to be around present day Kodungallur, a town around 18 miles north of Cochin.

The decline of Muziris is presumably because ofd a cataclysmic event in 1341, a cyclone and floods in the Periyar that altered the geography of the region.

Phase 1

The lowlands were covered by forests. Phase 2

Transgression of the sea upto the midlands. Forest submerges Phase 3

The sea recedes leaving behind a marshland of Kuttanad and the Vembanad Lake and a sea mouth at Kodungallur Phase 4

In 1341 AD, a flood in the Periyar shuts down the port at Muziris and opens the new sea mouth at Cochin.

Fig :20 Maps showing the evolution of Fort Kochi

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KOCHI - An Island city

Fort Kochi is a region in the city of Kochi in the State of Kerala, India. This is part of a Handful of water- bound regions Towards the south-west of the mainland of Kochi, and collectively Known as Old Kochi or West Kochi. Adjacent to this is Mattancherry. In 1967, These Three Municipalities, along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the corporation of Cochin.

Fig :21 Maps Indicating Fort Kochi as an island city

Fig :22 Historical growth maps of Forth Kochi

Fig :23 Maps showing the arrival of various communities

Fig

Fig

Fig :24 Time line ,

Fig 27 : Fort Cochin – Antique Map Plan 1761

:25 City Of Cochin In 1672 – Antique Map

26: Cochin or Kochi In 1729 –Antique Hand Colored Map

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Restoring the living heritance

History / Growth of Fort Kochi

Shift of port due to flooding : Kochi was well-known for the co-existence of several communities right from the 13th century. These communities had come to Kochi for trade , which may be the reason why the settlements began to develop along a road facing the waterfront which is still known as the Bazaar road . The marshy land that Kochi was back then, had several water bodies that defined its geography

Invasion Of the Portuguese : Portuguese took over the area , leading to a drastic change in the built form with the emergence of the fort facing the waters for strategic purposes . The built fabric slowly started to spread landward. A community spine began to develop along the mid region , which still exists as the Palace Road.

Invasion of the Dutch :

With the Dutch overtaking the Portugese power, built fabric changed as the fort was reconstructed. The built form spread towards the land following the strict and regular patterns of planning . The canal started to get filled up due to these sudden developments.

Fig :28 Fort Kochi Between 1300 -1500 Ce

Fig :29 Fort Kochi Between 1500 -1700 ce

Fig :30 Fort Kochi Between 1700 -1800 ce

Fig :34

2000CE - Present Day

Invasion of the British :

The British period put forth a major change in the built form as the settlements started to become more dense . The fort got destroyed partially. The built fabric became more dense along the canal and Palace road.

The shoreline gets shifted landwards as a result of the rapid developments

Formation of Wellington Island triggers the growth of Kochi mainland : The emergence of Wellington island triggered the growth of the built form in Fort Kochi area. It resulted in a Boost in the economy with increasing trade whereas the Mattancherry areas saw its economic decline during this period . Construction of roads and bridges connecting to the mainland lead to the settlements being spread to the southern side in contrast to the waterfront development prevalent during the past

Fort kochi becomes host to the Kochi Muziris :

The inception of the Kochi Muziris Biennale has brought major changes to the morphological , spatial , cultural dimensions of fort Kochi, it has become an integral part of the growth of this place and has attracted a large number of visitor every year.

Fig :31 Fort Kochi Between 1800-1900CE

Fig :33 Fort Kochi Between 1900-2000CE

Fort Kochi Between

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Growth of the communities

• Kochi Port -1341

• Ruler changing his capital.

• Prominence as a trade capital, inviting Arabs and chinese

• Jews and muslims settling on the eastern side.

• Konkani Brahmins, Converted christians after Portguese invasion

• Dutch, overthrowing the raja and taking control of the spice trade

Fig :35 Growth of communities in forth Kochi

Fig :36 - Maps showing areas of settlement by various communities

Weniz wills

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

KOCHI JEWS

• The Jews came to Kerala when extensive trade relations were established between the Malabar Coast and the Middle East during the time of King Solomon. Their first settlement was in Crangannore , Now known as Kodugallore.

• There are Historical evidences to show that the erstwhile rulers gave trading rights and concessions in the area to the Jewish Merchants Joseph Rabban. Following Rabban’s death in the 11th centaury, a power struggle broke out among his sons which lead to the break up of the community.

• Many moved to Mattancherry , which went on to become a major Jewish settlement.

• A theory disputing this version says that it was the Portugese invasion of Kodungallore that forced the Jews to move to Mattancherry where they were welcomed by the king of Kochi

• It is claimed without any evidence that there were Jewish settlements in Kerala from the days of King Solomon . It is true that king Solomons ships came to India but its was not for bringing Jews to settle in Kerala but for the purpose of trade.

• Guided by Phoenician pilots , manned by the Phoenician sailors, Pheonicians and Jews sailed forth together on their distant voyages , into the southern seas. They sailed to India , to Arabia and Somaliland , and they returned with their ships laden with gold and silver, with ivory and precious stone , with apes and peacocks.

:37 -

Fig

Sketch showing the migration of Jews from Cranganore to matancherry

Fig :38 - Sara Cohen - Was a prominent member of the Kochi Jewish community

Fig :39 - Painting depicting the arrival of the Jews

Fig :40 -Kaduvembagam Synagogue

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Restoring the living heritance

Architectural Vocabulary of Precint

Arabs And Chinese enter Kochi

• Bring with them fishing nets and compund wall designs used to store good

Fig41 : Sketch of a Chinese fishing net

Early 1500s - Jewish Influence

• Built the first Synagogue of Kochi in 1568

Fig42 : Sketch of the Jewish Syna-

Early 1500s - Portugese

• Replaced thatched roofs with tiles

• Streets lined with forts , elegant house and monastries

• Transformed simple homes through the use of ornate and fine detailing

Fig 43: Sketch of a warehouse during Portugese rule

• Brought the concept of arched windows and verandas

Dutch Influence

• Their rule was segregated and trade - focused

• Plenty of open spaces for natural light and ventilation

• Use of glass tiles

• High thick compound walls for privacy

• Use of courtyards and verandas

• Houses were painted pale blue , white or yellow

Fig 44: Sketch of the old Harbour Hotel

British Influence

•

Fig 45: Sketch of a warehouse during the British Rule

Courtyard houses had pale facades , tiled roofs and large , thick compund walls .

• Compound walls line with plenty of banana and breadfruit trees for security and privacy

• Houses had strong and thick walls and were built to resist bombardments

Building Typologies

1. Bungalow Form

• Buildings with setbacks from the street

• Well landscaped streets with adequate width

• Large public open areas

• Buildings with distinct colonial character (mostly dutch)

• Represent the high-income group residential area, both in the past as well as the present

2. Large Court Form

• Buildings set on street egde with dominant built foem and large courts for godowns

• Narrow streets with good water access

• No public open space

• Buildings have controlled gates on street side with a passive street inferface

• These godowns/office areas are presently being converted to public facilifies and institutions.

3. Street Form

• Buildings placed on the edge of the street with the first floor overlooking them

• Small and narrow streets

• Very less public open space

• Buildings have mixed architectural vocabulary with active street interface with houses of mostly middle/lower income groups

• Front edge of the shop abuts the street to create a unique street character

Fig 46 : Eaxmple of Bungalow form typol-

Fig 47: Example of large court form typology

Fig 48: Example of Street form stypology

Source : Urban Design Studio report 2017 by GEC Trissur

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Importance of the Kochi Waterways

Kochi is abundantly blessed with a water transport network with over 1,100 kilometers of waterways available. Similar to the case of the roadways, the waterways in kochi also have a predominantly grid iron pattern. Owing to this , the travel distance between various nodes is much lesser for waterways than by road . But construction of bridges connecting islands to the mainland , poor state of ferris and inadequate frequency of services were some of the factors which brought about the modal shift from ferris to a road based transport . Proper development of this water transport network could help in accentuating the accessibility to a majority of the areas and thus help in developing a mass rapid transit system for the city, thereby taking some load off the already – congested roads

Exploring the potential of the inland water transport system

The state Government in collaboration with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited(KMRL) has come up with several proposals to revive the strength of the waterways network in Kochi including the water metro project, Canal restorations, riverfront developments etc. However , it might require considerable efforts to cause a paradigm shift in the mobility patterns of the city residents, to make a switch from the existing dominant Network of roads to a transport system based on waterways. This transition to this new transport network can be enhanced and streamlined by integrating it to become an intrinsic part of a large- scale public event in the city . E.g. : Integrating it into the main mode of transit to the heritage street stretch

Fig 49: Calavatthy canal

Water is an intrinsic part of the city of Kochi, and it is the most prevalent organising system. It connects and links most of its spatial uses. Different functions connected to the water systems have changed over a period creating some elements of dissonance that need to be addressed. Despite the presence of such a vast network of waterways in the city, it would be a wasted opportunity if this potential is not being utilized by positively integrating it into the proposals mobility plans.

Fig 50 : Old forth Kochi markets

Fig 51 : Water Transport Connection

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ALDAR CENTRAL MARKET , ABU DHABI

Total developed site area: 6.89 L sq m

• Site area 9.6 acre

Commercial Retail Space 25,000 sqm (100 Shops)

• Office Towers

• Residentialwv

• Retail & Restaurants/ Cafés

•Height of Tower 378 M

• Underground parking lots 1600

Built: Open

70 % : 30 %

PROJECT DETAILS

INTRODUCTION

Abu Dhabi's historic Central Market is to be transformed into a dynamic new quarter with markets, shops, offices, apartments and hotels. One of the oldest sites in the city, Central Market will be a reinterpretation of the traditional market place and a new civic heart for Abu Dhabi.

FEATURES

The project comprises a combination of lower-rise, ecologically sensitive levels of retail, roof gardens forming a new public park - and three towers, with generous underground parking. Pushed to the corners of the site to maximise the ground plane, the cluster of towers creates a striking new urban landmark.

CONCEPTS

The Central Market is one of the oldest areas in Abu Dhabi. Foster and Partners wanted to respect that, by making a shopping complex that does not evoke the commercial banality of the shopping mall. Instead the Aldar Central Market is a grid like new landmark, comprised of intimate balconies. alleyways and courtyards and topped with three iconic towers

Fig :52 Towers

Source - Arch daily

OBSERVATIONS

1. A Grid Iron layout has been used this is similar to the streets of Bazaars

2. Strong axes that cut through in order to ensure permeabilty of form at human scale

3. A Core is easily locatable as it forms a node within the grid layout.

INFERENCES

1. Strong Axes create a good movement at a human scale.

2. Presence of Nodes in the form of Plazas become relief spaces in a street like arrangement of Bazaars

3. Sense Permeability of is important for a public Space in an Urban context

Connections on Ground Floor and Public Realm

The Building looks both inwards as well as outwards. An active Street Edge is created with shops lined towards the outside pedestrian edge of the Main arterial Roads.

The axes form punctures in the buildings,and the pedestrian is led naturally inside the building.

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OBSERVATIONS

1. Terrace spaces used as Public Spaces and Parks

2. Compact spaces to reduce heat gain

3 Glass panels are used to mark the axes

4. Terraced Massing to create a sense of continuity

INFERENCES

1. The terrace spaces have also been sub-divided into smaller spaces. There is a constant effort to reduce scale of spaces, this makes a space more habitable,specially for arid climates.

Fig : 3 Views Fig :

Creating Usable Leisure Spaces on Terraces

3 Views Fig :

Fig

SPACES

: 3 Views Fig : 3 Views Fig : 3 Views Fig :

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FOOD PORT , WEST LOUISVILLE

• Total developed site area: 132.500 sqm

• Site area 25 acres

• Stage- Conceptual.Not Built

INTRODUCTION

To be Located in West Louisville the 24-acre "Food Port" will transform a former tobacco plant into an "active economic and community hub" that shapes a model between consumer and producer”

The expandable campus, which is expected to break ground this summer, will include an urban farm, edible garden, market and food truck plaza, retail space, classrooms, a recycling facility, and more .

FEATURES

The West Louisville Food Port operates as more than than the typical food hub with the addition of several key programs that serve and provide for all stages of the food chain, from farming, to processing, shared community kitchen spaces, retail, and recycling. Referencing the street grids of the city which are rotated at different angles from neighborhood to neighborhood to maintain orientation to the Ohio River, the masterplan stitches together the urban fabric

Corresponding outdoor spaces aligned with surrounding thoroughfares include a market plaza, food truck plaza, and edible garden. The efficient building plan also allows for systematic growth to allow the building and its tenants to develop over time. The Food Port provides a comprehensive survey of the food industry and its processes while relocating many food programs typically separated from the buyer back into the heart of the city. It defines a new model for how the relationship between consumer and producer can be defined and addresses captured market demand and inefficiencies within the local food industry.

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Logistically heavy programs such as the recycling facility and processing facilities are oriented towards the elevated railway on the West, while public programs such as retail and educational facilities face 30th Street. The intersections of programmatic bars take advantage of the unique combination of tenants to introduce shared facilities where private producers and public consumers meet.

INFERENCES

There is a very simply and straight division of the public and service circulation. All the public functions have been placed near the public courts whereas admin and processing functions next to service court. This results in uninterrupted flow of both

INFERENCES

The Public Courts created give way to a lot of Informal activities m as well as temporal markets and exhibitions to be conducted. The setting of these courts hence keep changing and result in an active public space.

The built thereby not only supports but provides a fixed setting to this changing public landscape infront of it.

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CITY CENTRE , SALT LAKE , KOLKATA

• TOTAL BUILT-UP AREA 50400 sq.m

• SITE AREA - 6.5 acres

• NUMBER OF FLOORS - G+7

• PARKING - 800 cars

SITE ANALYSIS

• Clustered organization relies on physical proximity between buildings to relate its space to one another.

• Consists mostly of respective cellular spaces having similar functions and share a visual trait such as a shape or orientation.

• Parametric vehicular movement for parking and movement through.

• Parking is evenly distributed throughout the site to enhance utility of the site.

• Pedestrian movement happens as a natural movement with a sense of randomness associated with it.

ZONING

Segregation of activities through levels define uninterepted user movement.

Fig : Maps , Source Sazzy maps

Fig : Source , Charles Correa foundation

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND LINKAGES

Informal nodes inbetween corridors creating interestin junction spaces.

•Close proximity of forms - so various activities are clubbed by means of corridors and plazas.

•Corridors are covered with pergolas with polycarbonate sheet to provide diffused light inside.

Open spaces are merged with the whole compsiton. Activities surrounding focused with the openspace inbetween with the kund at the entrance.

•Connection corridors specially hidden line between outer streets towards inside. Its inclusiveness for one with no boundaries to seperate it from streets. It is open to all age and income groups promoting inclusivity, the key to the building concept.

•Tree placement in all open and semi-covered pathways. Landscaping elements surround the court balancing the open space hierarchy.

ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION

• Clean and clear facade without any ornamentation.

• Simple square openings depicts function and implication of mild colors inbetween breaks monotony.

• The kund space is accesible from the major intensity public region.

• The kund space provides psychological relief. and breaks contiouous traffic movement and the monotony of heightened building space.

• The play with light and shadow is entertained by people at different time intervals depending on the location on the site and the user.

Fig : Source , Charles Correa foundation

KERALA KALAMANDALAM

Project Details

A mosaic of varied cultures, Kerala is a storehouse of myriad forms of performing arts which represent a respiratory of the various social products through different stages of history, Kerala's own art forms categorize into four groups- classical art forms, folk art forms, martial art forms and temple music, The classical, folk and martil art forms of Kerala have thrilled and intrigued the people world over. Kerala's typical art forms reflect the Outlook and life of the people.

Kalamandalam Koothambalam is one among the few traditional dence theatres in Kerala to have been built outisde the temple premises. Koodiyattam, a classical art form, has always been presented inside a Koothambalam in the temple complex in olden days. This Natyagana built on the principles of Natya Sastra penned down by sage Bharata has the following features

RECTANGULAR THEATER

Dimensions: 108 x 64

Hastas -50m y 30m

1 Hasta - 18” (Measured from elbow to the tip of the middle finger)

The rangamandape (stage) begins from the centre line of the kootambalam length. The centre line is directly under the thazhkakudam on the reidge

The Koothambalam has 3 levels - Floors , Platfrom and Stage. These theatres are designed for maximum light and natural ventilation.

Materials include rose wood and leak for the roof and stage structure, granite for the pillars of the central platfrom.

The Natyashastra mentions the rationale behind the dimensions- Jyostha, the largest size of natyagaraga involves larger plays with multilple characters and lot of actions. It also requires sufficient space for musical instruments

Components of the theatre

• Entrance chamber - Decorated vestibule making the entrance

• Peripheral aisles - Raised colonnaded corridors spanning three sides

• Central Platform - Raised to a height of 1m above floor (same as the aisles)

• Natyaranga (Stage)- Situated along an edge of the central platform together with seating spaces at the other end, The stage has a height of 0,45m from the platfrom

• Central Platform - Comprises of a corridor behind the stage where instruments are kept and two green rooms

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INFERENCE AND CONCLUSIONS

SITE PLANNING

1. CITY CENTRE. 1. Clustered organization relies on physical proximity to relate to its space

2. Pedestrian movement kept uninterrupted from traffic

AREAS AND PROGRAMMATIC FUNCTIONS

1. CITY CENTRE-

1. Largely commercial It has atypical mix observed in the mall typologies of today. There is 45 % retail, 19 % office, food courts as well as specialty restaurants along with cinema theaters for entertainment. Health care social infrastructure has also been added to the scheme.

2. CENTRAL MARKET -

1. Strong axes taken into planning, this ensures that all shops are given equal importance. (Resembles a traditional souk)

2. CENTRAL MARKET -

1. A mix of retail, office and residential is given.

2. There is not enough connectivity in terms of spaces however between the 3 functions.

3. FOOD PORT-

1. Simple Planning with 2 major courts formed for Public Access and 2 courts for servicing

3. FOOD PORT-

1.The Food Port is an industrial facility which provides food processing, distribution ,retail and research facility. However the public integration makes it lively.

Fig : CITY CENTRE , Kolkata

Fig : Food port ,Louiseville

VOLUMES

LOCATION & ARCHITECT

1. CITY CENTRE=

1. Clustered blocks having similar functions.

2. Volumes are large cuboid placed throughout site in relation with the open spaces.

1. CIITY CENTRE -

Salt Lake City Centre is located in Kolkata and was built in 2004., by Charles Correa

2. CENTRAL MARKET

1. Volumetrically the market space has been kept till 4 stores whereas the office towers reach a height of 378 M

2. Volumetrically it is a strong design. Nodes in the internal circulation are designed at continuous triple height spaces

3. There is a step up in the terraces to ensure a visually connected green space

3. FOOD PORT-

1. A 2-3 storey building mass. The volumes consist of large open halls like industrial building. Low Height Allow for easy Public movement and access

2.CENTRAL MARKET _

The “Souk” Aldar central market is located in Abu Dhabi by London architects Foster + Partners

3 . FOOD PORT _ is located in

Louiseville

, USA

The international architecture firm OMA has designed a masterplan for a mixed-use project that will provide a new centralized facility for the growing, selling and distribution of food for local farmers and the community

Fig : Central market ,Aldar

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Culinary Heritage

Q- What is Culinary Heritage

Culinary - Experience centre & Kitchens

Culinary Galleries

Food Documentation -* Photography * Videos * Objects ( Utensils)

Culinary Library

Live Kitchen / Restaurants

Instruction Kitchens Retail Street Kiosks ( Kosher Kiosks )

Spice trade / Spice galleries

Spice Museum and Galleries

Spice Market Retail space

Programatic Components

Culinary Center - The culinary center has 4 main programmatic subdivisions : Culinary Galleries

The culinary gallerie shall contain exhibits of both Jewish traditional cuisine and historical information as well as the influences of kochi’s culinary culture and the spice trade of the jews , in permanent and temporary galleries.

Curated by different artists and organisations such as the Muziris trust , the jewish historical community , and the locals of the historic precinct. The aim of this component is to provide an experience of the traditions and cultures of the community of the Jews in mattancherry.

* Gallery: Seafood and the History of Fishing

* Gallery: Foreign influences in food

* Gallery: Communities of Kochi and their food

* Gallery : Kosher law of Jewish Cooking / Jewish food History

Food Library

The Culinary / food library aims to teach and spread Knowledge of the Kosher rules and methods of cooking as well as help collect the ancient recipes passed down through generations . An archive of historical knowledge of the spice trade , the spice markets , and the formation of Fort kochi , Jew town and its culinary culture.

* Archives

* Group discussion halls

* Human library

Culinary School

The learning centre shall provide facilities for the following programs:

-Short-term courses - Basic, intermediate, advanced level (2 weeks to 3 months)

* Research courses

* Public workshops and lectures

* Research classrooms

Live Kitchen / Restaurants

* Lecture halls

* Public workshop studios

* Training Kitchens

With views facing the backwaters , the design intends to make maximun use of the water front to locate restaurants , cafes , food kiosks and other facilities that can cater to every visitor

* Live Kitchen restaurant for public viewing

* Restaurants with Kosher Cuisine

* Restaurants ( Kochi’s Spice history )

Spice Market - Consist of 2 main Programatic divisions

Spice Musem and gallery

Retail - Market

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AREA STATEMENT

AREA PROGRAM

SI Program

CULINARY CENTER - KOSHER KITCHEN

1 CULINARY GALLERY

Unit Area No. of Users Units Area

Status of Accesibility

1.1 Gallery: Seafood and the History of Fishing 1 200 Public

1.2 Gallery: Foreign influences in food 1 200 Public

1.3 Gallery: Communities of Kochi and their food 1 200 Public

1.4 Gallery : Kosher law of Jewish Cooking / Jewish food History 1200Public

1.5 Lobby / Reception 20 1 50 Public

1.6 Information Desk 10 1 15 public

1.7 Interactive Spaces 45 30 2 90 Public

1.8 Admin 1 20 private

1.9 Storage and archives 25 4 100 private

2 CULINARY/ FOOD LIBRARY

2.1 Reading Halls 40 1 80 Public

2.2 Group discussion rooms 35 40-50 3 105 Public

2.3 Archives 1 50 Private

2.4 Storage & Offices 25 4 100 Private

3

LIVE KITCHEN/

3.1

RESTAURANTS

Live Kitchen restaurant for public viewing ( restaurant with 50 cover each with individual kitchen @ 1.8 sqm/ person ) 200 60-702400Public

3.2 Restaurants with Kosher Cuisine ( Kitchen Included) 40-501350Public

3.3 Restaurants ( Kochin Spice )with Kitchen 40-50 1 350 Public

Total site area = 6 acres

Built area = 9000sqm

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Space standards and requirements

Museum and Gallery Space:

Fig: the standard layout and movement patterns of visitors in galleries and exhibition spaces are as shown below:

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Fig: Anthropometric measurements of adult and six-year old visitors in relation to the cases

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Fig: Difficulties encountered in viewing details more than 3ft below or 1 ft above eye level of observer

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Fig : There are multiple possibilities and opportunites through which the exhibition space can become part of the pedestrian movement or the throughfare.

Some examples are illustrated as follows:

1. Recreating elements of street architecture

2. Pedestrian path cutting through the museum

3, Public thoroughfares extending into the museum

FIg: Viewing distance should increase propotionately with greater size of object

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Fig:Optimal Viewing angles

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Attention Distractors and Atrractors

Fig: Arrangingelemnets within closed, semi- open and open spaces

Fig: Visitors behaviour in exhibition spaces

Fig: Different stratergies for allowing natural light into the interiors

The settings or surroundings of the exhibit are as important as the exhibit itself. Everything possible should be done to avoid conflict between the exhibit and its surrounding and enhance the ways in which the museums can better communicate with their heterogeneous, transitory visitors.

Source: Public Space Design in Museums, David A.

Researchers like Robinson(1928) and Mento (1931) studied user behaviour in exhibition spaces. Some of the notable observations include: the more pictures simultaneously displayed, the smaller the average time spent in looking at each picture. Also, exits from a museum room attract the visitor and compete with the nearby displays so that stops are less frequent and of less duration before pictures or objects in the vicinity of doors leading from the room

Source: Public Space Design in Museums, David A. Robillard

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Space standards and requirements

LIBRARY:

Fig: Schematic section showing height and antropometric measurements for library stacks and shelves

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Classroom and seminar Hall :

Fig: Classroom arrangement

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

Fig: Seminar hall arrangement

Source: Architects' Date, Ernst Neufert

KITCHEN:

Kitchen flow

It’s essential to pre-plan how traffic flows in a kitchen for restaurant

Designing a commercial kitchen: standard dimensions

Lighting and ventilation should be appropriate and directly communicating with the outside.

Moreover, all openings must have anti-insect and rodent nets.

The kitchen must also have cooker hoods that should vent fumes outside.

This is a suggested layout for a large kitchen servicing a restaurant. The layout can be modified to suit small kitchens, or expanded to suit larger commercial kitchens.

Source: Kitchen_Design_Guide.pdf

Weniz wills

Source: Guideline for the Design & Construction of a Food Handling Establishment

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User Groups

- Tourist - Students - Locals

Used More often

Used Less often

- Member of the Jewish Community

- Residents - Tradesmen

User Space Relationship

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SITE LOCATION

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Heavy Traffic

Moderate Traffic Light Traffic

Congestion Areas

Kochi has a unique heritage character and pluralistic culture which is primarily based on trade and shipping activity that evolved through time . Being an island Kochi has unique environmental features and cultural heritage dependent on each other constantly

Kochi Jews

MAIN NODES

Node 1

Veli ground Area ( Entry into fort kochi node ) Node 2

Fort Kochi Heritage Node Node 3 Cultural Mosaic Node 4

Mattancherry Heritage Node Corridor 1 Palace road Corridor 2 Bazaar Road Link 1

K G Herschel road Link 2 K B Jacob road Link 3 Amaravati road

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Figure ground of site

Route Map towards Mattancherry Jew town

Figure ground of Precint

Precinct map , showing path taken

The Kochi Jews

Jew street in Mattancherry has been home to the Jewish settlement in Kochi, the name coming from the early Jewish settlements and their trade. A large number of spice trade used to happen on the same street which also gave it the name Spice bazaar. The street is also known as the Synagogue street, as it housed three synagogues at one point of time- the Kadavumbhagum Synagogue, Thekumbhagam Synagogue and the Paradesi synagogue. The Paradesi Synagogue being the only synagogue that is functional now.

During the early 15th century Mattancherry was home to more than 2500 Jews who came to this shore in search of trade at first but later to settled down during the oppression they faced in their native lands.

But today the street is home to hardly 10 Jews, who are the only testimony to such settlements in the area

The main precincts in the area are the Dutch Palace which is now a museums. This is declared by the government as heritage sites . Adjacent to it is the Palace Temple. This is still functional . The Palace Boat Jetty, which the government runs as a public Ferry system to the neighbouring places like Wellington Island, Fort Kochi, Vypin, Eranakulam. The Paradesi synagogue which is the only functional synagogue. It houses old antiques and manuscripts of the Jews in the area. The synagogue is open on all days except for Jewish holidays and the Sabbath .The famous Pepper Exchange of India is also located on the same street. Its was once the house of all pepper trade in India, now has become mainly online trade and marketing ,The Police Museum is another eye catching centre on this street. Its first of its kind in the country and showcases all the history of the police force of India .A White Jew Cemetery is located just behind Jew street which lies witness to the Jews that lived and died in the area. Many visitors come from all around the world to visit these graves.The rest of the street has residential and commercial activities .The beginning half of the street is booming with business as its the hub of the tourist activities, with the Dutch palace, Boat Jetty ,Bus Depot, Paradesi synagogue all located in this area. The street is full of antique and curio shops, small restaurants and bookshops, and other handicraft items. The later half of the street is where the spice go downs are located and other residences.

tower of the paradesi synagogue

Dutch Palace

Palace Boat Jetty Pepper Exchange - Trade route

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PRECINCT STUDY AND ANALYSIS

This part of Mattancherry is where the streets are filled with memories of a once prominent community - the Jews. Apart from about 10 Jew families that continue to live here, all others have immigrated to Israel, leaving only traces of a once burgeoning culture.

The Jew Street is a pinched narrow street culminating in a dead-end, allowing entry only to pedestrians. It has old Jewish houses on both sides. These look uninhabited and sparse. Yet these houses are clean enough to not look abandoned.

Near the dead end is the Jewish synagogue.

Mattancherry - Jew Town

A look Into the Precinct

Paradesi Synagogue

Jewish Cemetery

Jew Street A B Salem Road Chappel Road

Bazaar Street Jew Street

Dutch Palace Boat Jetty Moulana Azad Road M J Zakaria Sait Road

Dutch Palace

Paradesi Synagogue ( white Jew) Pepper Exchange

cemetery

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Land use

View of the street leading to the bell tower of the white Jew synagogue , from being a street of residential buildings to now becoming a street of mainly commercial activities

Older buildings being placed more compactly which were previoulsy recidences are now shops or godowns

Legend Landuse

Residential Mixed use Religious Government

Commercial 1 (Offices & retails)

Commercial 2 (Mixed use

Commercial 3 (Warehouses & Go downs)

Building heights

Aerial View of the roofs showing Transition from sloped roofs to flat roofs.

Legend Heights of Buildings

Ground Ground +1 Ground +2 Ground +3

Conditions Buildings

Condition of the buildings towards the white jew synagogue are retained in good condition after renovation.

Many of the buildings along the coast, which are predominantly go downs were left abandoned and almost deteriorating.

Most of the buildings near the synagogue have been retained mainly for the purpose of tourism and are well maintained well used multifunctionally.

Houses located near the synagogue aren't taller than the synagogue, so as to retain its monumentality.

The bye-laws are somewhat in play with regard to maintaining the maximum heights of the buildings around the heritage building, the synagogue.

Synagogue

Age of Building

100 meter radius around which no intervention can take place

Attributes

Map representing the age of building in the precinct highlighting the area around the synagogue around which no intervention can take place. Radius of 100m.

Commercial buildings i.E. Shops are located in close proximity to the heritage building, the synagogue.

Tourism being the fuel for the rampant commercial activities. Residences have come up only after the second crossing on the jew town road, as the synagogue has a stipulated radius of non-intervention around it. Since the building of new houses for habitation is legally not possible, the residential area hardly touches the synagogue as opposed to how the jews lived.

Preservation of the old jewish houses for the sake of tourism is clear.

New residential buildings have come up only beyond the 100m radius.

Legend Age of Buildings

<30 Years 30 - 100 Years >100 Years

Synagogue

Moulana Azan Rd

Bazaar street A B Salem Road Chappel Road

Aerial View of the street

Street Activity

FESTIVALS: The whole of Jew Town come together to celebrate the festival of Hanukkah

The streets are brightly lit up with festive lights and there is a vibe of joy and Celebration in the air. Special lights are put up near the Paradesi Synagogue to mark the importance of the festival.

ACTIVITY JEW STREET

DAY: Bustling with tourists and commercial activity

EVENING : Shops Shut. Not too much Activity

ACTIVITY Residential colony Jew

DAY: People tend to stay inside the house , due to heat

Town

EVENING : People start spilling onto the verandas and streets as the weather cools down

The unique aspect of the Typology of the street are the huge double windows which late people stand on the first foor and enjoy the view of the processions that take place during the festivals

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Site Options

Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4

Site section sketches

Source : Syanagogue Study : Paradesi Synagose

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Site Selection

SITE 1

SITE 2

Plot Behind the Dutch Palace Open Plot next to the boat Jetty ( Old Park)

PROS

1. Open green plot 2. No built form present

Road on 2 sides 4. Can be accessed directly

PROS CONS

Private Boat jetty ( access through waterways)

CONS

1. Smaller plot

1. Direct access into bazaar steeet ( Starting of the bazaar street) 2. Close to the water 3. Green space ( open plot ) 4. No permanent built form 5. Access to the road 1. Site is located behind the Dutch Palace

Program resctrictions ( Institutional Programs)

Sarpa Kavu ( Snake worddhip space)

Building restraints due to heritage plot

Space used for informals stalls

Used for the market place

Boat docking area right next to the plot

Small scale retail space

SITE 3

SITE 4

Old Spice Go-Downs ,used for spice trade Old and Abandoned Slaughter Houses

PROS PROS

1. Access to the road

2. Has connect to the water Road on one side and water on the other

3. Belonged to the old Jews of Kochi

4. Old Spice Go downs used by the jews for tradinng

5. Excisting built formCan be used for Active restoration Built form is in a dicapilated condition , which brings in cause for active restoration

6. Part of the heritage pricint and walk

7. Has historical significance

1. Access to the road connect to road on 2 sides

2. Located at a junction connecting 3 roads 3. Has connect to the water Road on one side and water on the other

4. Belonged to the old Jews of Kochi 5. Old slaughter houses used by the jes for their trade

6. Excisting built form

7. Part of the heritage pricint and walk 8. Has historical significance 9. boat jetty

CONS CONS

1. Existing buildingd in dicapilitated conditions

2. Few Small Houses still existing next to the site

1. Located at a junction , trafic area 2. Used by the traders to stock goods in the abandoned buildings

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Site Site

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

Site Drawing and Photographs

Site Part plan

St. Jacobs Chapel

Old Spice Trade building of the jews

Old dilapidated buildings Spice Godowns Site Boundary

Site Part plan 53.60 97.75 55.23

97.65

Kaduvembagam synagogue (Black jew ) Dilapitated condition

Old Godowns

Old dilapidated buildings

Site Boundary Existing Boat dock

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Dutch Palace Significant

Malabar weavers Jewish Weavers Jewish Cemetery

in

Crafters

Entance of Jew town Spice Market

Jewish craft center Antique store Crafters antique Folklore museum

Antique Museum

Site Gallery

Kaduvembagam synagogue

Site Culinary centre

Site Spice markets

Maintaing the idea of the heritage walk : 1 Primary site is selected to host the main function ( The Culinary center and kosher Kitchen , and a secondary site is chosen along the heritage walk trail which will consit of the spice market . Both the site will be coonected by a waterfront walkway which will host the informal retail space

for bringing

the Jews

Mandalay Hall

Paradesi Synagogue

Since The site consist of abandoned and Dilapidated old Spice godowns used by the Jewish Community for their trade, the site can be used for adaptive restoration .

The Core function of the Program is a Culinary center , which blends well with the idea of restoring old spice godowns .

Program

Site : Culinary Center - Kosher kitchens ( Primary Program )

Site : Spice Trade market ( Secondary Program )

Creating a walking path along the water front that connects the 2 site

The 2 sites fall aling the Initial Heritage walk Trail ,with 2 sites choosen for further detailing with the Program

77.68 56.83 51.57

In the present day when people walk down the Heritage Street , there is no visual connect to the waterfront . The water front can only be experienced through small gaps , which give the passer by a glimpse of the water . This creates an urge to go beyond , towards the water line

Creating a walking path with kiosks for food and retail , will give the user the same experience , as they get a glimpse of the passers by walking down the heritage street . The users would be able to get the experience of the water as well as the Jewish heritage

54.49 56.78 53.60 97.75 55.23

53.79

Weniz wills

97.65

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

Site Photographs

Site Elevation and Photographs

The Kochi Jews

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Heritage building plan and section

Heritage building plan and section

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Typical Layout of a jewish Housing

Source : Syanagogue Study : Paradesi Synagose

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CLIMATE ANALYSIS CLIMATE ANALYSIS

CLIMATE ANALYSIS

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The Kochi Jews

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Traditional Kerala Architecture

The roof is the most characteristic element of traditona architecture of Kerala. The scale and proportion of it to that of the walls make it visually prominent. The materials used, that is wood and clay tiles, add to the identity created.

The climate of Kerala is classified as warm and humid and hence in such climatic zones, cross vent lation is the key solution.

-High inlet and outlet do not podce good air movement at body level.

-Low inlet and outlet produce a good pattern of air movement, when it is required for cooling.

-Low inlet and high outlet also produce a low-level wind pattern.

-The airflow at ceiling height produced by a high inlet is hardly affected by an outlet of low level.

-Projection shading devices produce an upward airflow in the room.

Fig : Cross ventilation in pitched roof

Fig : Use of clerstory windows

The verandahs act as buffer spaces between public and private spaces. Developed as a response to the warm and humid climate , covered with overhangs they protects from sun and rain, while reducing glare. The over hangs are deep enough to protect the verandahs as well. The space between the columns may be provided with temporary shading devices that further reduce heat gain Sloping overhangs with verandahs all around shades the facade from heat hitting the building and helps in reducing heat gain .

Courtyards were an integral part of traditional kerala houses, due to social reasons and also since they served as a climatic response . The effect of the courtyard for mass air- heat exchange and thus lowering the daytime indoor air temperature below the corresponding levels of shade , ambient temperature is correalated with the indoor airflow pattern. This correlation indicates the potential of the courtyard to act as a passive cooling startergy which is a funtion of indoor air flow .

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The Pillared Hall - Semi-open welcoming space

Poomukham refers to a portico, with open sides and tiled roof, which continues as the verdah that surrounds the house. It is the first space that marks the entry into the house

The columns are made of wood, rubble or cement. The spacing between them is raised to provide a sense of enclosure while also becoming a seating space. A backrest is also provided with timber brackets.

The Approach - thresholds and doorways

Padippuras refer to a tiled roof structure that forms a part of the compund wall and marks the threshold of entrance into the site.

These markers are helpful to define axes, acting as a guide towards the built form. Hence this element helps to define the interface between the site and its surroundings and the waiting space would become a public space at the boundary, with a framed view.

The Padippuras are also a direct response to climatic context of Kerala, especjally the heavy rains and the humid climate. The doorways into the built takes the idea of stepping in from the padippura, which also becomes a response to the damp soil and insects, which are common issues resulting from the climate.

Verandah as a seating space

The seat offers multiple functions:

-Formal seat

-Informal reclined seat

-Sleeping space in a semi-open enclosure

Dimensions : Width - 600 to 800mm Height - 450 to 600mm

Fenestrations - Windows

The facade is dotted with many smaller openings, as a climatic response. They provide sufficient ventilation while reducing the heat gain. The doorways are usually flanked by windows on either side. Screens of wood are used for shutters, cutting off heat and radiation from the sun completely.

The plinth could additionally be used as a space to keep things and as a seating. The plinth is raised as a response to the heavy rains. The windows open out into the verandahs. They open in a manner that does not hinder the use of the verandah as a passage.

Floor levels windows are used to bring in light and ventilate the room. Fresh air comes in at the lower level of the rooms, which heat up, rise and escape through the roof. The greater pressure difference allows for better ventilation.

There are windows that have a wooden panel on the inner side that acts as a shutter. The shutter is hinged at the bottom and can be latched at the open. In this way it can be opened out to become a work table.

The ‘arms' at the ends hinged to the top of the panel can be opened out to become the legs of the table.

The grills are wooden members that vary from plain long cuboidal pieces to intricately carved ones.

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Use of solar roof tiles

System configuration offered is with 1.5 KWp Solar PV with 1.5 KVA grid interactive inverter and 200 Ah@ 24hr battery bank.

Solar photovoltaic (pv) modules generate electricity from sunlight, which are supplied to loads and balnace stored in the batteries which will be used at night and at times when solar power is not sufficient.

Design Stratergies

Window overhangs designed for this latitude or operable sunshades(awnings that extend in summer) can reduce or eliminate air conditioning

To produce stack ventilation, even when wind speeds are low, maximize vertical heightbetween air inlet and outlet(open stairwells, two storey spaces, roof monitors)

In wet climates, well-ventilaed attics with pitched roofs work well to shed rain and can be extended to protect entries, porches, verandas, outdoor work areas

Shaded outdoor buffer zones (porch, patio) oriented to the prevailing breeze can extend living and working areas in warm or humid weather

Providing enough north glazing can help in balancing daylight allow cross-ventilation

Good natural ventilation can reduce or eliminate air conditioning in warm weather, if windows are well-shaded and oriented to prevailing breezes

Use of retractable / telescopic seats

As shown in the plan the use of retractable/ telescopic seats allows to increase the area in the seminar hall , creating open free space for interactive learning

Use of Waffle slabs

Waffel slab used in the restarant/ eateries for large column free

Coumn grid - 7m * 7m Column sixe 600mm* 600mm Beam depth - 700mm Waffle depth 500mm

Waffel slab being used in museum spaces in Bharat Bhavan

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Foundation

The site being on waters edge with coastal alluvial soil that has high contents of clay and sand, the use of pile foundations might be preferable as the structure ture is to take heavy loads and is subject to heavy lateral forces.

Pile Foundations are deep foundations generally used where the site has a weak shallow bearing strata making it necessary to transfer load to a deeper strata either by friction or end bearing principles.

Friction Piles: These develop most of the bearing capacity by shear stresses along the sides , suitable in cases where the fiem strata is too deep . Thus , it transfers the load to the surrounding soil through friction between the pile surface and soil

End bearing piles : these develop most of their friction at the toe of the pole, transmitting load directly to the firm strata

The foundation can also be a combination of the two design functions

Fig : Types of pile foundation

Fig : Pile foundation Isometric

Trusses

2000 x500mm Box truss can be used to support a smaller truss through a columnless span of 30m.

Vaulted parallel chord truss takes optimum spaces and leaves enough space for services.

Breaking down a single triangular truss into 3 smaller trusses reduce the wastage of space on the attic by half

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External wall section details

Fig : External wall section and plinth details

The Truss system used is a combination of Scissor truss which can accomodate a span of 15 to 20 metres and Double Howe truss.

Hipped roof vs. Gable roof : Hipped roof :

Gable roof :

- Stable against wind forces due to 4 members - More expensive to construct -Lesser stability against forces of wind -Easier and cheaper to construct

Double Howe truss

Fig : Double Howe truss

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Services Calculations

Occupant Load Calculation :

Occupant load calculation according to National Building code (NBC) is as given on the left

According to these calculations , the requirements for different functions in the project are as given below :

Group B (Educational ) - 722

Group D (Assembly )a- Less concentrated without seating - 1400 d- Dining and restaurants - 1160

Group F (Commercial) - 366

Solar PV Calculations :

Total builtup area = 8900 sqm.

Electric load calculation (thumb rule) as per interior lighting power requirement by building area method = 17.2 W/sam. Total electricity load(Interior lighting power) = 17.2 x 8900 = 153.08 kW

Solar PV requirement:

Roof area for PV panels = 5035qm

Available roof area (subtracting 5% of total roof area) = 4784 Designing for maximum capacity of 4kW solar PV systems having a roof area of 298 sqm, No. of such systems provided = 4784/298 = 16.0

Water Requirements :

Function

Culinary centre Galleries Restaurants / dining Spice market

Area 2890 722 120 per seat 86640 21000 81200 5490

Occupancy load Consumption per person per day (L) Total Consumption

2035 1400 2091 1160 1100 366

15per seat 70 per seat 15 per seat

Total Water consumption = 194330 litres = 194.33 kL

Therefore , fresh water demand = 194 kLpd

Rooftop rainwater harvesting:

Total rainwater collected from roof = roof afrea (sqm) × peak rainfall for 30 days (mm) x run-off coefficient = 5035 x 705.8 x 0.8 = 2842.96kL

Water collected from hard paved area = Paved area x peak rainfall x run off coefficient = 7500 x 705.8 x 0.7 = 3705.45 kL Thus total rainwater collected in a month = 6548kL Therefore, size of rainwater harvesting tank = 7417 cum

Annual rainwater usage: Water collected from roof = roof area x Annual rainfall × run-off coefficient = 5035 x3254 x 0.8 = 1,31,07112 kL

Water collected from hard paved area = Paved area x annual rainfall x run off coefficient = 7500 x 3254 x 0.7 = 17083.5 kL

Total amount of rainwater collected annually = 13124.19 kL

Total water requirement per day = 194 KL Therefore, water requirement in a year = 194 x 365 = 70810 kL

Water requirement met by rainwater = 18.53 %

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The Kochi Jews Restoring the living heritance

ADAPTIVE RE-USE

STRATERGIES THAT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED

Creating a relationship between old and new can be approached by categorizing into three classifications: intervention, insertion and installation that contributes to a seamless integration of the existing building and the new components.

Intervention:

For intervention, the modification of a buildingresponds to signals obtained from the existing building alone. However, the building will need to be condensed to retrofit the new program. The building layers need to be retold by reinvention, remodification, reproduction, extension or revealing to renew the location.

Insertion:

Insertion creates a bond between new and existing by introducing a new element within, in-between or besides which is powerfully conflicting and argumentative to the existing structure. Additionally,the newly inserted feature distinguishes a ditinctly contemporary vocabulary, style and content againstthe antiquity of the original building.

Installation:

The character of elements that comprise the installation is positioned to enhance the existing building experience and coincide with each other without intervening in this situation. Installation could also relate to permanent or temporary structures along side an existing structure to meet additional functional demands on the site.

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Concept

Tight Knit Community Built form attached to the next

Visual Connects , Narrow spaces provide glimpses of the waterways

Framework for guide

Veranda Space looking out into the Courtyard

Concept

1 Central entrance axis

2 , Secondary Axis creates a street within the site leads towards the Obelix

3 . Obelix Memorial creates a destination at the end of the site

4. A language of collonaded corridors run along along the inside of the site , interactig with the old

5 . The old structures are used as natural mural space that depicts the story of the heritage . Creating a interactive public realm .

6 The culinary institue and restaurants , open out into the heritage street creating a link between the heritage walk and the active space . each restaurant has an access from collonaded portico that leads you from the heritage street into the site..

7. The culinary institute has a arched entry way that enters from the street side and walks right across the site .

8 . The arched entrance acts as a frame that looks out to the old heritage built form and also experiences various snippets of the water

9

. The spice market faces inward as well as the food street side , ectivating a secondary public realm on the food street.

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The Kochi Jews

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Birds eye View

The Kochi Jews

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The Kochi Jews

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The Kochi Jews

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The Kochi Jews

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Galleries Plan , Section , detail

The Kochi Jews

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The Kochi Jews

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The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

The Kochi Jews

Restoring the living heritance

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BIBLIOGRAPHY