ABOUT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CENTRE


  • The Sub-centre of COSTFORD at Thiruvananthapuram started functioning in 1990 and is currently operating from ‘The HAMLET’, Nalanchira.
  • Offers consultancy services in engineering, architecture and planning.
  • Types of works: residences, public buildings, institutions, commercial buildings, resorts, slum renewal projects, cluster housing, Renovation and Restoration of Heritage buildings, Environmental restoration, Solid waste management, Rain water harvesting, etc;
  • Carries out research and development activities in the field of alternative construction materials and techniques.
  • Conducts regular orientation and training programmes for Students, Professionals, Artisans, etc; from various parts of the country and abroad. These programmes aim at dissemination of alternative technologies and capacity building. They also provide an insight into the fields of environmental impact, climate change, Solid waste management, Rain water harvesting, alternative and renewable building materials, etc;
  • The Centre presently has 40 fulltime volunteers, including Architects, Engineers and Administrative personnel. About 10 to 15 students of Architecture, Civil Engineering etc; undergo their course related internship each year.

The Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD), is a nonprofit organisation founded in 1985 by Mr. C. Achutha Menon, Kerala’s former Chief Minister; Dr. K.N. Raj, Economist and former Chairman of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS); Laurie Baker, Master Architect; and Mr. T.R. Chandra Dutt, Social Activist.