Architects Swathi Subramanian, Savita Rajan, and Ritu Sara Thomas recently achieved a significant milestone in their careers when their restoration of the karnikara mandapam of the Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple earned UNESCO’s Asia Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation. This recognition is a testament to their efforts in preserving the temple’s rich history through sustainable restoration methods.
These architects first came together as “Team Ezha” during their studies at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi. Inspired by a shared passion for heritage conservation and artistic work, they founded Ezha, a team dedicated to the preservation, documentation, interpretation, and restoration of heritage sites and historic interiors.
Their journey into heritage restoration began with the revival of the Comtrust factory building in Kozhikode as part of a national-level competition organized by the Indian Institute of Architects. The project received acclaim, fueling their determination to continue their work in restoring heritage structures.
The Archival and Research Project (ARPO) recognized their expertise and invited Ezha to document and design restoration activities for the karnikara mandapam. When they first arrived at the temple, they were met with a structure on the brink of collapse. Determined to complete the restoration before the temple’s festival in March, the team used the “Jeernotharna” technique, a traditional restoration approach. Local masons and carpenters were engaged to ensure the temple’s architectural style was preserved.
One notable aspect of this project was the predominantly female team involved, including architects and temple committee members, which is a unique representation in this field. The restoration process not only rejuvenated the temple but also empowered women in the preservation of cultural heritage.
Currently, the team is focused on documenting the Sri Mahishamardini Temple in Kasaragod and continuing their sustainable restoration work on the Kunnamangalam temple. The UNESCO award serves as acknowledgment of their dedication and success in restoring and safeguarding cultural heritage.
FAQ:
Q: What is Ezha?
A: Ezha is a team founded by architects Swathi Subramanian, Savita Rajan, and Ritu Sara Thomas, with a focus on heritage conservation, documentation, interpretation, and restoration of heritage structures and historic interiors.
Q: What restoration technique did the team use for the Kunnamangalam temple?
A: The team used the “Jeernotharna” restoration technique, a traditional approach, to restore the temple.
Q: What is the significance of the predominantly female team behind the restoration project?
A: The involvement of a predominantly female team, including architects and temple committee members, is notable and symbolizes empowerment and representation in the preservation of cultural heritage.
Q: What future projects are the architects currently working on?
A: The architects are currently documenting the Sri Mahishamardini Temple in Kasaragod and planning a sustainable restoration model for the Kunnamangalam temple.
