REVATHI THE SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
KAMATH "We must look to our past for inspiration, as traditional
techniques offer valuable lessons in sustainability and
THE WOMAN resilience."
ARCHITECTURE
EARLY LIFE
Birth and Background: Born in 1957 in India, Revathi Kamath
grew up in a culturally rich environment in Mysore, Karnataka,
India. This region, known for its historical significance and
architectural heritage, played a crucial role in shaping her
appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and sustainable
design practices. The diverse cultural influences of Mysore
fostered her interest in the intersection of architecture and
community, laying the foundation for her future work in
vernacular architecture.
Education:Revathi Kamath pursued her architecture studies at
the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, where she
refined her skills and cultivated a passion for sustainable and
vernacular design.
Career Beginnings : Revathi Kamath started her career by
emphasizing the integration of sustainability and cultural
heritage in her architectural designs. She focused on traditional
materials and techniques, which laid the groundwork for her
commitment to vernacular architecture and the creation of
environmentally responsible spaces.
STYLE AND CONCEPT
• Vernacular Architecture: Emphasizes the use of traditional
building techniques and local materials, creating structures
that are deeply rooted in their cultural context.
• Sustainability: Integrates eco-friendly practices and passive
design strategies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce
environmental impact.
• Cultural Context: Designs reflect the local heritage and
community needs, promoting a sense of identity and
belonging within the built environment.
• Natural Integration: Creates a seamless connection between
indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a harmonious
relationship with nature and enhancing the overall living
experiencentity and belonging within the built environment.
NOTABLE WORK
>Nalin Tomar House : The best example of vernacular architecture that
integrates traditional materials and techniques with modern design,
centered around a central courtyard for natural ventilation and light.
❑ Mud House in the Himalayas: This showcases Kamath's commitment
to eco-friendly building practices, using mud as the primary material
to create a harmonious structure that blends with the surrounding
landscape and climate.
❑ Akshar Foundation School: Recognized with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific
Heritage Award for its innovative design that promotes education
while preserving cultural heritage and sustainability. A pioneering
educational facility that utilizes sustainable design principles and
local materials, creating an inspiring learning environment that
fosters community engagement.
COLLABORATION
AND INFLUENCE
• Community Engagement: Actively
involves local communities in the
design process, ensuring that
architectural solutions resonate
with cultural and social contexts.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Works with various professionals,
including artisans,
environmentalists, and
educators, to create holistic and
sustainable architectural
solutions.
• Cultural Preservation: Influences
and is influenced by the need to
preserve traditional building
techniques and local
craftsmanship, fostering a deeper
connection between architecture
and cultural heritage.
AWARDS
• IIA Award for Excellence (2010) : For the Nalin Tomar House, recognizing outstanding achievement in architecture.
• Sustainable Architecture Award (2012): Honored for the House for a Painter, celebrating effective use of natural materials and energy-efficient design.
• Indian Institute of Architects Award (2014): Awarded for The Mud House, acknowledging its commitment to sustainable practices and integration with the
local environment.
• UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award (2016): Received for the Akshar Foundation School, recognizing innovative design that promotes education while
preserving cultural heritage.
• Green Building Award (2017): Awarded for the Environmental Awareness Centre, highlighting eco-friendly materials and passive design strategies.
• Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH): Award (2018)Recognized for contributions to preserving architectural heritage through sensitive
design practices .
CONCLUSION
• Revathi Kamath's architectural practice
embodies a harmonious blend of
sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and
traditional craftsmanship, leaving a
profound impact on contemporary
architecture. Her innovative designs, such
as the Nalin Tomar House and Akshar
Foundation School, emphasize the
importance of community engagement and
environmental responsibility. As she aptly
stated, "Architecture should be rooted in its
context, responding to the climate, culture,
and community," reflecting her belief in the
power of design to enhance the quality of
life while preserving heritage.
