14 Feb 2019
Faculty coordinator: Prof. Shwetha B, Prof. Neeraja Jayan
Course: Structures-IV and AD-IV
Resource Person: Prof. Rajesh Malik
Attended by:
School of Architecture, REVA University organized an expert lecture on ‘Earth as a building material- an objective and subjective analysis’, by Professor Rajesh Malik, School of Architecture on 14th February, 2019 at AV Room 124. This talk was organized mainly for the 4th semester students, as part of their curriculum, where they have to be introduced to the structural integrity of different building materials.
Prof. Rajesh Malik began the talk by explaining the basic components of soil and the fundamental properties including granularity, plasticity, cohesion, thermal properties and insulation properties. He also explained the various methods used to increase the stability of soil. He further explained the different process included in strengthening the stability of soil and also different techniques involved in mud construction such as stacked earth (COB), rammed earth, adobe and wattle and daub method etc.
He also explained the advantages and disadvantages of mud construction. He also gave insights into the various limitations on site, while undertaking a mud construction, which includes structural limitations, performance limitations, over or under stabilization etc. In addition to this he also explained the effects of microclimate on the material.
Prof. Rajesh Malik concluded the talk by showing interior and exterior photographs of different successful built examples all over the world, such as Pinnacle House in Lyme, New Hampshire, the building of Earthen Construction Initiative etc. He also asked the students to refer the works of Hassan Fathy, Kashiv Chaudry, Gerard da Cunha so as to explore more examples of Mud Architecture.
Since the fourth semester students are doing the vernacular architecture documentation of Barkur and Brahmavar, which is located near the coastal area of Udupi, in a hot-humid region; this talk helped the students to understand the importance of Earth in many ways the best material for the humid tropical regions. Mud wall provides good insulation with respect to the outside temperature and improve human thermal comfort. As an outcome of the talk, we hope that Students will be encouraged to explore Earth as a material for their Lodge design located at Barkur.
