Coffee House Case Study

3.1 – Criteria for selection of case studies
Selecting a few projects from the vast oeuvre of his works has been a difficult task. The range of programs, sites and Baker’s distinctive way of approaching makes each project a unique one; even though his design vocabulary and the kit of parts is the same. The three projects selected for detailed study show a great diversity achieved in terms of their program, site conditions and the formal expression. These projects also demonstrate characteristics which have remained constant at different stages of his work and got more intricate in these last works. Kerala Livestock Development Board (Trivandrum) and SEWA Rural Centre (Villapilsalla) have been selected for a detailed comparative analysis as
Even while dealing with these varied scales, he has been sensitive to allow his buildings to interact with their context in all his projects. One of the prominent landmarks is in the Thampanoor area of Trivandrum, located opposite to the station is the Indian Coffee House. What one needs to appreciate is Baker’s masterful intervention on a very small plot in the middle of a busy urban area. The solution to the design program is bold and unusual, yet, one which successfully integrates all the elements of the program. The form of the building that gives a symbolic quality and clearly stands out in the otherwise dull urban context; this theme has been persistently used in many of his urban projects which include- St. John’s Cathedral at Tiruvella, Jilla Panchayat Office at Kollam. A detailed description of these two themes is provided in the comparative analysis of KLD Board and SEWA Rural
This form is derived due to presence of rocks and existing trees on site. A small mango shaped water body near the verandah forms the entrance for the guest house. Here also a classic example of generating vistas in the landscape is found. Local features of site have not only given the clues for design but these have been the starting point of organization. He establishes a very sensitive relationship between nature and architecture. This is due to the fact that Baker prefers, whenever possible, to take decisions and modify details on site. His buildings sit easily on the ground amidst all the trees located by him on the spot. The powerful landscape of these sites leads him to an impulse to fuse what is manmade and that produced by nature. His is a passionate quest for an architecture that is in and of the landscape, influenced by the character of the natural terrain and the