Kozhikode: The selection of the Karnikara Mandapam of the Kunnamangalam Bhagavathi Temple for the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation is a very special moment for architects Swati Subramanian, Savita Rajan and Ritu Sara Thomas. A trio of conservation architects were behind the restoration of the 600-year-old temple mandapam using sustainable methods, earning them recognition from the UN body.
His journey towards restoration of heritage sites began when he formed ‘Team Ejha’ while studying at Delhi School of Planning and Architecture. EJHA mainly focuses on conservation, documentation, heritage interpretation and restoration of heritage structures and historical interiors.
“While pursuing our master’s degrees, we shared a common interest in heritage projects and other artistic work. So when we completed our studies, we decided to start Ezha,” said Swati. “Our first project was part of a nationwide culmination organized by the Indian Institute of Architects on the theme “Revitalizing Kozhikode”. His aim was to revive the Comtrust factory building in Kozhikode.
We were part of the entire reactivation process and were lucky enough to receive an award during the Young Architects Festival for our work. Swati said, this project inspired us to continue our passion of restoring heritage buildings. Archives and Research Project (ARPO) invited Ezha to document and design the restoration activities at the Karnikara Mandapam.
“Srutin Lal, CEO of ARPO, contacted us. When we reached the temple, its structure was on the verge of collapse. Since it was a place of worship, we had to complete the work before his feast day in March. We started in January and followed the “Geornotharna” restoration technique. For this, we approached local masons and carpenters to create the architectural style of the temple,” said Savita Rajan.
“During the work we use traditional construction techniques. The main thing was that the entire team behind the project, including the architects and temple committee members, were women, not to mention the deity,” said Savita.
“We are currently working on the documentation of Sri Mahishamardini Temple in Kasaragod. Going forward, we will engage in a sustainable model for the restoration of the Kunnamangalam temple. Ritu said, we consider the UNESCO award as recognition of our work.
