"Expect the Unexpected" - My New Motto

In one of our recent classes, Belinda asked us to bring three household items from our homes. I had a variety of items to choose from, including a deflated basketball, an electric kettle, a broken Xbox, two black plates, an old discarded letterbox, two plastic plates, and a few bricks. I decided to go with a black and silver colour theme and selected a plate, the kettle, and the letterbox.

When we arrived at the EPC studio, Oren explained what we were supposed to do with the items we brought along with the help of materials available at the studio. I started by disassembling the electric kettle and cutting it into three pieces. To my surprise, as I was bending the metal sheet into shape, a metal bug started taking shape in my mind. Despite several cuts on my fingers and torn rubber gloves, I continued to work on the metal bug.

The kettle was originally bought in Adoor, Kerala by my roommate, but once it stopped working, it was discarded. The evolution of the kettle into a new form and purpose mirrors my own personal journey. I realised that just like the kettle, I too can change for the better and adapt to my surroundings when I am taken out of my comfort zone.

For my next piece, I cut apart a piece of wood into different polygonal shapes and drilled holes into them. I inserted a wooden stick through the holes and screwed the whole assembly to the bottom of the letterbox. The letterbox was then attached to a wedge-shaped wood, making it appear as if it was floating. This piece represents the comfort zone and the struggles one goes through to achieve their desires.

Assembling these different materials into something meaningful and descriptive is storytelling in itself. The thoughts and emotions that came up while creating these pieces still linger with me, leaving me wondering about my own evolution and growth according to my circumstances.

In conclusion, I learned that anything and anyone can change for the better if they are removed from their comfort zone. I am proud of what I created and I will continue to strive for personal growth and evolution.

"My Portsmouth Beach Adventure: A Journey of Surprises and Delights."

As a seasoned traveller, having explored all corners of India over the past 12 years, I was excited to set foot in Portsmouth, UK. However, what I found most fascinating about this new place was its unique flora and fauna. In contrast to the many buildings I encountered, I was struck by how different the vegetation was from anything I had seen before. To my surprise, I couldn't identify a single plant species here - a thought that both exhilarated and intimidated me.

While the old buildings in Portsmouth did have some similarities to those in Fort Kochi and Mattanchery back in India, the vegetation was completely new to me. I was also taken aback by the small, round stones that filled the beach - a stark contrast to the black and white sandy beaches I was used to. I initially thought the stones were placed to prevent soil erosion, but I was later corrected that they were naturally occurring.

In my hometown, I have a habit of collecting plastic and other scraps from the beach. However, in Portsmouth, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the beaches were clean and free of any waste. The local community, including the children, was well-educated about waste management and would properly dispose of their litter in recycling bins.

As I walked along the beach, I came across a rock that stood out from the others. Unlike the perfectly round stones, this rock was different. I picked it up and looked at the sun through it - it was transparent and reminded me of an arrowhead. I found myself fiddling with the rock in my hand for the rest of my beach walk.

In conclusion, my journey to Portsmouth has been a journey of discovery and has opened my eyes to the beauty of the flora and fauna in a new place. From the small, round stones to the clean and well-maintained beaches, Portsmouth has been a unique and enriching experience.

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"Sustainable Building Practices: The Power of Lime Chakki"

"Sustainable Building Practices: The Power of Lime Chakki"

http://sacredgroves.in/?p=4557

As a student of sustainable practices, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from expert Carrie Feung on our first day of class. During her lecture, one thing that particularly caught my attention was the significant pollution caused by cement production. This realisation led me back to my experience working with Sacred Groves, a sustainability-oriented firm based in Auroville, Pondicherry, India.

At Sacred Groves, I witnessed the power of a unique building material known as Lime Chakki. Not only is this material environmentally friendly, but it also provides water resistance and breathability. The key ingredient, "kankar lime," is a combination of 20-30% lime and impurities that serve as an aggregate in the mix. To create Lime Chakki, 9 units of lime are mixed with 15 units of quarry dust, which provides a compact binding due to its sharp edges.

Another key component of Lime Chakki is the addition of kadukkai seeds and jaggery. The seeds are crushed or powdered, and 10 kg of jaggery is added to 300-400L of water and fermented for a week in airtight barrels. Once set, this mixture is poured into the lime and chakki mixture and made into a paste using a chakki powered by bulls. According to traditional knowledge, after 150 rounds, the mixture will reach the desired consistency.

What makes Lime Chakki truly remarkable is the way in which the kadukkai and jaggery mixture binds with the lime and quarry sand. This combination gels and creates a sturdy, long-lasting building material that is stored in the same airtight container used for fermentation.

In conclusion, I am grateful for my experience with Sacred Groves and the knowledge I gained about the benefits of using Lime Chakki in construction. Not only does this method minimise the use of cement, but it also creates a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative that has been used successfully for generations.

"Repurposing Materials in Architecture"

Architecture is a form of artistic expression that evolves based on one's personal perspective and understanding of the discipline. Every line drawn on a blank sheet of paper holds meaning, a story, and a thought.

With a family background in design and construction, I have always had a close connection to the world of architecture. Growing up, I would often visit my grandfather's wood workshop and create something from the scraps of wood I collected. Even now, my playfulness in this regard has never waned. Whenever I take a walk on the beach, I still collect driftwood with the intention of using it for a future project. This mindset led to my father proposing that we start our own footwear shop. However, when the cost of the interior design exceeded our expectations, I took charge and decided to use the driftwood I had gathered over the years to decorate the shop's interior.

Repurposing architecture involves taking existing, often neglected or unused buildings and transforming them into functional and environmentally sustainable structures. The goal is to conserve resources and create unique spaces that reflect the cultural and historical heritage of the area. Examples of repurposing architecture include converting former factories into offices or apartments, turning former schools into community centres, and revitalising abandoned churches into art galleries or performance venues. This approach to development is both eco-friendly and reduces waste in the construction industry, while also enhancing communities by preserving historical buildings. In recent years, repurposing architecture has become increasingly popular due to heightened environmental consciousness and a desire for meaningful and authentic spaces.

The Metal Fence

"The Metal Fence"

As I made my way to the beach, I came across a long metal fence. Despite being a seemingly unbroken barrier, the fence was comprised of various sections that deferred in their background. Some sections were veiled in lush vegetation, while others were crafted from wood, and in some areas, both materials were combined to create a new look. The metal fence stretched on without end, but the background changed with each section, creating a striking transformation in colour, texture and nature. Despite the different materials used, they blended together in an incredibly harmonious and aesthetically pleasing way. Each section behind the fence was added at a different point in time, each one telling its own unique story that added to the overall narrative of the fence.