Published Paper Details:

Athangudi Village, in the Shivagagai district of Chettinad, is home to various crafts from the region that ranges from culinary expertise to exquisite craftsmanship in architectural marvels. A very important contribution to the Chettinad grandeur is the art of developing and sustaining a tile pattern that is unique to this region of India, now known as Athangudi tiles - an art form that is almost 150 years old. A 150-year-old craft that has been revived as a unique art-deco tile pattern technique from India. While it was earlier regarded as a hallmark of quality, today it is also a mark of sustainable design, for longer the life of the initial investment of efforts, energy, and resources, the more eco-friendly is the material. The Athangudi tiles are completely hand-made using local and eco-friendly materials from the region. Deft hands of the craftsmen use cement, sand, jelly, and water to make the dough. The tiles made are very distinctive and have glossy finishing. Tiles have traditional as well as modern motifs. These handmade tiles are very beautiful and unique in their style and are painted using vivid colors. Now with new design intervention by architects and interior designers in the reuse of period style home decor architecture techniques/style, these tiles have been given a fresh lease of life in the world of architecture. Instead of common usage, these tiles can be utilized peculiarly by constructing modifiable wall partitions. The tiles are placed in pre-cast frames made of wooden or other sustainable materials. The main motive behind this idea is to redefine the classic utilization of tiles and to give production opportunities to - a skill that is so unique which has been declining its popularity in the market over a period.