CASE STUDY 1: KALAKSHETRA FOUNDATION
ABOUT OBJECTIVE
Kalakshetra, as the name suggests, is a centre for artistic
endeavors. The foundation is a vital centre for the study
and performance of fine arts.
HISTORY
The Kalakshetra foundation was founded in 1936 by the
vibrant visionary Rukmani Devi, the institution stands
testimony to her dream of creating a space where the
essence of Indian thought would find expression through
artistic education.
FUNCTIONS
Kalakshetra is a cultural academy dedicated to the
preservations 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
The Foundation of Kalakshetra comprises of a Craft
Education and Research Centre including the Weaving
Department, the Kalamkari Natural-dye printing &
painting unit, the visual art center, The Bharata
Kalakshetra Auditorium, the Rukmani Arangam, four
libraries, the Rukmani Museum, hostels, staff quarters
and guest houses.
The aim is to have an open space
and buildings which are open to
natural lighting and breeze.
Spreading greenery with various trees
and plants around the whole centre
to connect with nature.
Thiruvanmiyur 99 acres
DESIGN ASPECTS
The free-flowing informal pattern that
has organically grown with the needs
of the institution. The campus is lined
by huge neem trees which adds to a
quiet environment.
The Auditoriums were built like a
traditional kootambalam in Kerala
style. The Auditorium building has walls
of wooden slats. The classrooms here
are thatched cottages and the
classroom areas are made with mud
flooring and the different kinds of trees
makes one feel closer to nature.
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