Chaukhat, Darwaza, Jharokha (Self-Paced)
This is a self-paced course by Dr Anuradha Chatterjee on the 'Public Life of Threshold Elements in Historic Buildings'
The course aims to uncover a theoretical history of the elements of the darwaza, the chaukhat, and the jharoka and other threshold elements in historic buildings, which mark and celebrate the passage between the private and public realms. It positions these readings in the contemporary field of surface studies that refocuses surface as substance, and as spatial.
In essence, the learner would be writing a mini theoretical history of architectural elements, which would be assisted by but not limited to formalist and historical readings. The scope of the study may cut across periods, styles, and regions―imperatives that would typically confine the writing or the re-writing of architectural history. The purpose is not to dehistoricize these elements, but to lift off the ‘burden of history’ momentarily, to unlock the potentiality of this ‘past.’
Participants will aim to go beyond description and documentation and make a leap in suggesting a new or alternative meaning, thinking closely about the ways in which these so-called decorative elements do more than decorate: they articulate a connection between the private and the public, as well as position the exterior within the public life in/of the city.
Who should enroll?
B. Arch (fourth and final year); Masters students, and graduates of B. Arch and M. Arch looking for an edge in preparing for research fellowships Scholarships for Masters or PhD, or who are thinking of entering teaching and Teachers interested in Anuradha's methodology.
1. Develop the skills of undertaking original research in historic built environment
2. Advance analytical skills through synthesis of different kinds of historic evidence
3. Refine research skills by using multiple methodologies in a single project
1. Develop in-depth and field-based and text-based knowledge of key elements in historic buildings
2. Build knowledge base in contemporary ways of thinking about buildings
3. Increase grasp of relevant theories in architectural history
1. Take the first step in becoming a theoretician in architecture theory, history, and heritage
2. Develop confidence in articulating and presenting original insights
The research project aims to uncover a theoretical history of surface and decorative elements in historical architecture, which may be entirely exterior (such as frescoes) or in between (such as the darwaza, the chaukhat, and the jharoka). Participants will need to go beyond description and documentation and make a leap into suggesting new or alternative meanings, thinking closely about the ways in which these so-called decorative elements do more than decorate: they articulate a connection between the private and the public, as well as position the exterior to the public life in/of the city.
The learners enrolled will ask the following questions around a particular element. The key questions may be as follows: Do/did these elements mould or inform the interior? Do/did these elements shape the public life of the city? Are these elements capable of suggesting new ways of occupying the city from within? These elements are gendered in that they have fixed ways of presencing and/or obscuring the role of woman as citizens. However, are these elements able to provoke alternative readings that go beyond patriarchal notions of confinement and limited participation? Do these elements have a certain proportional relationship to the building within which it is articulated? What is the relationship of these elements to the human body (male and female)? More questions will be provided NOTE: Participants do not have to answer all questions but may choose to pick one and answer it.
Option 1 The learner/researcher may either take one element and go in depth and answer 2-3 questions as suggested above Option 2 The learner/researcher may take a range of elements and answer one key question as suggested above. All inquiries must be based on evidence which will include the following 1) Documentation – Drawings and photographs [these must be original and created by the learner/researcher] 2) Critical Observation 3) Review of secondary sources where they exist 4) Inclusion of oral history where possible Analytical method should synthesize 1-4.
On an average we expect the learners to invest 2 hours weekly in the course.
A short 500 word Illustrated paper. The content will be used to showcase an online exhibition. We also intend to compile the research into an online journal for public view.
Yes, upon successful completion of the course you shall receive a course completion certificate. In case, you do not complete the assignments but go through all the content and actively participate in sessions, we can offer a course Audit Certificate. Digital certificates will be issued through the Accredible portal, hence can be automatically linked to your LinkedIn profile.