Prof. Shailaja Nair. B. Arch, M. Plan
Associate Professor,
Department of Architecture,
College of Engineering Trivandrum (C.E.T.)
B. Arch (1989) – College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala University; M. Plan (2005) – School of Architecture and Planning, Chennai, Anna University
Career Profile
Joined COSTFORD (Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development) in 1989. Worked both at Head Office at Thrissur and District Extension Centre, Thiruvananthapuram for 10 years; Joint Director, COSTFORD (1995-1997)
Joined College of Engineering Trivandrum as permanent faculty (2000- ); (worked as Lecturer in Architecture (Provisional) for 9 months at College of Engineering Trivandrum previously)
Continued association with COSTFORD and LBC (Laurie Baker Centre for Habitat Studies, Thiruvananthapuram) pro bono. Governing body member of LBC (2017- ) and a resource person for various training programmes conducted by LBC – including LBC Exposure programmes (since 2012) and India Winterim Program, University of Iowa, USA (since 2009).
Involved in both governmental and voluntary initiatives (mainly participatory, local level planning and design, cost-effective design and inclusive design). Have participated in/conducted lectures in conferences, workshops and training programmes in connection with the above interests.
Research interest/ Area of interest
Environment Behaviour Studies, Cost-effective design, Climate-responsive design, Inclusive planning and design, Participatory planning and design. Also, Alternative health (particularly Bach Flower Remedies and Faster EFT)
Awards/ Achievements
HUDCO Design award under Green Building Category 2012, jointly awarded with Ar. PB Sajan for own residence
Research Projects/ Consultancy works
2017 – Submitted Ph. D thesis project (February 2017) titled “Spatiality of ‘Feeling at Home’: A phenomenological exploration within the residential architecture of Laurie Baker” undertaken at JNAFAU (Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University), Hyderabad
2017 – Project under CeDS (Centre for Disability Studies) Thiruvananthapuram – ‘Audit of Accessibility to buildings within an educational campus
2017 – Architect member of KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) team involved in preparation of master plan for four educational campuses
2017 – Project under CCIR (CET-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research) – ‘The WATER project – WATer – our Environmental Responsibility)’
2017 – Consultancy under College of Engineering Trivandrum for providing toilet facilities and access for differently abled persons in all departments in campus
Other Academic activities
Panel member M. Planning (Housing) Dissertation and Thesis valuation
Guide for B. Arch and M. Planning (Housing) students – Dissertation and Thesis
Visiting Faculty Scheme Coordinator (Architecture Dept)
National Service Scheme, College of Engineering Trivandrum (Dept. Representative)
Chairman of S8 B. Arch exams, University of Kerala
On panel of Question paper setters for several Universities