THESIS (2013-2018)

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR CLASSICAL &

MARTIAL ARTS

(CHAPTER 3 & 4)

RAJEEV PK
Live case study : 1. Kerala kala Mandalam ,Cheruthuruthy

Kerala Kalamandalam is the premier public institution in India imparting training and
conducting performences of the classical arts of Kerala Founded in 1930 by eminent poet
Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon along the banks of river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy
village of Trissur District. Kalamandalm is strictly a residential centre of learning.

Site area : 31 acre

Location : Cheruthuruthy village of Trissur District

Completion : 1962, Koothambalam auditorium in 1985.

Functions : Training in art-disciplines at Kalamandalam essesntialy adheres to the ancient Gurukul

system. Kalamandalam has launched several schemes to re-strengthen the academic -culture of the
institution.The institution provides UG,PG,M.Phil,Ph.D programme for various performing arts.
1. Kathakali Vesham 8. Kutiyattam(Male)
2. Kathakali Sangeetham 9. Kutiyattam(Female)
3. Chenda 10. Mizhavu
4. Maddalam 11.Thullal
5. Chutty & Vesham 12.Mridangam
6. Mohiniyattam(Female) 13.Thimila
7. Bharathanatyam & Kuchippudi 14.Karnatic Musi,
Are the courses offered by the Institution. The classes starts in the Kalaries at 4.30 in the morning
and continue till evening.All the students stay within the campus and work as a residential
University.The Kalari-training focuses on physical exercise,body massage,and repetition of lessons
learned.

Components :
1.Admin block 6.Stage
2.Art gallery 7.Class room
3.Library 8.Teaching studio
4.Kalaries 9.Koothambalam
5.Art school 10.Museum
11.Boys hostel 14.Guest room
12.Girls hostel 15.Cafeteria
13.Quarters 16.Kitchen

“There are 3 entries to the site.Climate is Tropical monsoon and the soil is alluvial laterite.Plot
coverage is about 40%.The campus have well defined pathways.”

The buildings are designed according to kerals

vastu sastra which is a traditional construction
method in Kerala.

- The wide use of locally available materials.

- The Koothambalam is the main focal point.
- The campus have a well defined pathway
system
- Large amount of vegitation cools down the
entire campus.
- Proper ventilation and natural lighting makes the performing spaces more comfortable.
- More open spaces and interacting areas were provided.

Admin block :
Consists of Reception, Dean’s room, Registerar’s room, Secretary romm, Staff room, Office room
Dining, Waiting area, Storage area

Acadamic Block :

It consists of 20 class rooms,and each rooms are of 36sqm area. The floor is roughly finished
with cement.The wooden paneled door and windows are used.The built up area is 756sqm.

Library Block :
The building is G+1 structure.Semi circular arch gives an aesthetic look.The mud carvings on the
finished brick wall represents the cultural atmosphere.The block consists of waiting area,historical
library, cultural library,musical library etc.
Koothambalam :
Koothambalam (Temple Theatre) is a closed hall Koothu & Koodiyattam,the ancient ritualistic
artforms of Kerala.Koothambalam are said to be constructed according to the guidelines given in the
chapter 2 of Natyasastra of Bharatha Muni. The Koothambalam at Kalamandalam is the only one in
kerala which is built outside a temple complex.

a.Mukha Mandapam :
The entrance of the Koothamabalam is known as Mukha
Mandapam and the steps leading towards it is
Sopanam.Each side of Sopanam is decorated by the
statues of Dikpalakas.Steps are made of stones.The
sopanam leads to ankanam which ends in Green room of
the stage.

b.Valiyambalam :
Valiyambalam is 3ft heigh from ankanam, the
pathway.Valiyambalam is made of stone and red oxide
flooring is done on top.Windows are traditional Kerala
style and made of wood.Roof is sloped with fish tiles on top.

c.Chuttambalam :
The rised platform lying in left and right side from Valiyabalam is called Chuttambalam and it lies
till the Aniyara.

d.Rangamandalam :
The seating place for audience is Rangamandalam.There are two entrance from each side of the
Ankanam.It is half of the length of auditorium.The roof is supported by huge decorated
pillars(1.5mx1.5m) made of stones.Stone consists of different postures of dance forms from
Natyasastra which is written by Baratha Muni.

e. Rangapeedam :
The performance stage is called Rangapeedam.It is 9.6mx9.6m in length and width,and the height is
about 3m.The platform of the stage is 60cm rised from the Rangamandalam. Decorated pillars are
in the 4 cornors.The stage is made of wooden floor.

f. Mathavarani :
The side stage of Rangapeedam is called Mathavarani.It is a stage for orchestra. Decorated stone
pillars supports the roof.

g. Rangasheersham :
The pathway or back stage of Rangapeedam is called Rangasheersham.It have a width of 4.8m.It
consists of large mirror on either side,which gives the full image of the participant and helps to
practice in front of that.The mirror is 2.1m height.The mural painting which applied in the back stage
wall reveals the story of ramayana.

h. Nepathyam :
The green room of the Koothambalam is called Nepathyam.It is 21.6mx9.6m by length and width.It
have walls on 3 sides and wooden batterns on backside,which helps to provide propoer ventilation.
Green room have to entries to the stage and it have rooms separately for girls and boys.Storage
space for instruments are provided here.

The Kerala windws with gable roof and wooden batterns helps to,enter natural light and ventilation.
The gable roof helps to omit hot air through it.The whole structure of Koothambalam is built in a
raised platform of .60m height.The roof is supported by iron rods and wooden batterns.

Kalari :
The performances are practised in Kalaries.There are different types of Kalaries which are made in
different periods. Most of the Kalaries are concrete structures.
Art Gallery :
The building consists of small museum and exhibition area.Small book stall is also provided
inside.The roof is sloped roof with Mangalore tiles.The exterior walls have mural paintings.

Vallathol Smarakam :
The structure is supported by 10 pillars.The flooring is done by granite.This is one of the entry to the
campus.
2.Kalakshetra,Chennai

Kalakshetra literally means a holy place of arts (Kala Arts, Kshetra Field or Holy place).
Deriving inspiration from this noble idea, Kalakshetra was established, in the words of Rukmini
Devi, "with the sole purpose of resuscitating in modern India recognition of the priceless artistic
traditions of our country and of imparting to the young the true spirit of Art, devoid of vulgarity and
commercialism." The training of young and talented people by masters of art, with the background of
a religious spirit, has been its main aim.

Site area : 100 acre

Location : Tiruvanmiyur village, on outskirts of Chennai

Completion : 1962, Koothambalam auditorium in 1985.

Functions : Kalakshetra is a cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in

Indian art, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music.Kalakshetra
focuses on Bharatanatyam, carnatic vocal and instrumental music, the visual arts, traditional crafts
and textile design, textual heritage, aesthetics, history and philosophy.

Components :
Rukmini Devi College of Fine arts.
Rukmini Devi museum.
Koothambalam.
craft education and research centre.
The Besant Theosophical High School
The Besent Arundale Senior Secondary school.

With a huge banyan tree in the center of the Kalakshetra campus, the classes are held in cottages
and in the open sometimes. The institution follows a gurukula system and is associated with the
cultivation and promotion of the ancient cultural traditions of India. The theater within the
Kalakshetra is built according to the Natya Shastra. The institute conducts research into works of
several renowned Sanskrit scholars to stage dance productions, not only for an Indian audience but
also for major world theaters.
 The Craft Education and Research Center of Kalakshetra is famous for reviving traditional South
Indian sari patterns and colors in silk and cotton. The Hand Block Printing Unit works with hand-
carved wooden blocks to create attractive saris, dress materials and home linen. These units are also
a good source of livelihood for destitute women from poorer sect ions of the community.

The site is irregular shape and flat terrain

with wide spread of trees.The school blocks are
the main entrance and parking zones are
provided opposite to the main path. A separate
entry from the N-Eastern side,acts as a service
entry and is also open at time of performances
in theatre,thus it does not obstruct the traffic
along main entry. Hostels and residential areas
are along the eastern side,which is away from
the public areas and provides maximum
privacy.The cool breeze from east could be felt
throughout the campus. The admistrative area
and art institution are opposite to the main path.
Residential zones are located away from the
public areas to maintain privacy levels. Most of
the buildings are single storied,maintain a unified character.There is a lack of massing which loses
the focus to a particular block.
Large open spaces between each defined areas are provided with greenery which creates a village
like atmosphere which supports the gurukul system of learning and living.
10-8m wide roads act as the link along the whole campus.paved pathways were not provided,but
have well defined pathways.All pathways were well shaded and the signages at nodes helps in the
traffic flow.

The Auditorium :
Designed by Appukuttan Nair, the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium was built like a traditional
Koothambalam in Kerala style. Measuring 40'x40', the auditorium can seat 750. There are 428
chairs in the octagonal well of the theatre, 168 chairs on the peripheral veranda, and 104 in galleries
in the balcony. The stage itself is raised only a foot-and a-half from the rest of t he floor, allowing the
audience to clearly observe the footwork of the dancers. The building has walls of wooden slats,
which allows the breeze to blow through, along with sounds from the outside. Dressing rooms are
available for artists, on the ground floor. There are doors on each side for entrances and exits. There
are no pillars that blocks the view of the stage. The stage is equipped with advanced lighting and
sound system.

Rukmini Arangam :
It was designed with the help of architect Kiffin Peterson. Measuring 70'x80', the open-air space
can accommodate 300 and an additional 50 can be accommodated on the floor directly in front of the
stage. Dressing rooms are available, on eit her side of the stage which is covered under a thatched
roof, each measuring 10'x12'. The stage is made of black oxide, suitable for effective lighting.

Padma Pushkarini :
A pond in the campus - a stage for musicians was inaugurated. Three elegant mandapams surround
the pond, one of which is the stage for the musicians. The pond is bordered by granite steps and
terraces. It is named after Dr. Padmasini, who was a revered teacher at Kalakshetra.

Gurukul :

Kalakshetra Foundation is an institution dedicated to the teaching of the arts in a traditional gurukul
setting. The "classrooms" here are thatched cottages where dance Bharatanatyam, and classical
music - singing, and instruments like the violin, veena, flute and mridangam are taught.
- The banayan tree at the centre act as a linking, visual element and is the main focus. This space is
used as a prayer hall.
- Seating facilities are provided around.
- Curvilinear pathways create an interesting path along the area.
- Library and gurukuls are interlinked through this spine.
- Space under banyan tree is of 15m dia. along with seating for teachers.
- All units are single storied and have about 5-6 students.
- All classrooms are single-roomed open cottages with individual plinths,sloping roofs and a small
veranda-like space for footware.
- They are sprawled in a random fashion,one after the other,to create an organic atmosphere.
- They are all roughly of two sizes (8mx4.5m and 10mx7.5m) and each classroom is used for any
kind of teaching - vocal,instrumental,or dance (the bigger ones are usually for dance).
- The units are placed at a good distances from each other,so they do not carry the sound to the next
classroom.
- All units have sufficient lighting & ventilation.
- All units have red-oxide flooring.

Sankara Menon Library :

The Sankara Menon Library, located next to the banyan tree, the hub of the college, is for students,
researchers and staff. The library contains over 10,000 books covering subjects such as dance, music,
painting, literat ure, and religion. It cont ains fiction in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and English, and
some Sanskrit texts.

Rukmini Devi Museum :

The campus is host to a museum dedicated to Rukmini Devi, the founder of Kalakshetra. The
personal office of Rukmini Devi is now the Rukmini Devi Library which has restricted access.

Other components of the campus are:

Reception and resource center

2 guest houses
Administration block
A senior secondary school
Outdoor sports areas
Toilet blocks- 6 in al
Prayer hall
Hostel and dining room