Case Study Checklist for Living Museum of Malabar

Category Checklist Items Data Notes

Basic - Name of Case Study
Informati
on - Location

- Site Area

- Year of Establishment

- Architect/Designer

- Ownership/
Management

- Objective of the Project

Area Good Poor

cond. cond.

Site - Connectivity to main

Context roads and public
transportation

- Surrounding context
(natural features,
buildings, residential
areas)

- Site topography and

climate response

- Vegetation and water

bodies within the site

Zoning - Entry and exit points

and
Spatial
Organiza - Spatial layout (public,
tion semi-public, and private
spaces)

- Circulation patterns
(pedestrian and vehicular
pathways)
 - Placement of galleries,
workshops, performance
areas, and recreational
spaces

- Hierarchy of spaces
(courtyards, focal points,
nodes, and transitions)

Function - Museum/Exhibition
s and Spaces
Facilities
- Static and dynamic
displays

- Display techniques
(lighting, materials, story-
telling elements)

- Workshops and
Demonstration Spaces

- Artisans’ workspaces

- Live demonstration areas

(arts, crafts, etc.)

- Cultural and Recreational

Facilities

- Performance spaces
(amphitheatre, open-air
stages)

- Event venues for

festivals, workshops, and
community gatherings

- Commercial Facilities

- Curio shops, arts & crafts

stalls, food courts

- Public Amenities

- Seating areas, restrooms,

cloakrooms, water points
 - Signage and information
boards

- Administrative Spaces

- Offices, storage rooms,

workshops for exhibit
preparation

Architect - Built Form and Design

ural
Features - Architectural style
(traditional, vernacular,
contemporary)

- Influence of local
culture and heritage

- Use of courtyards, open

spaces, and verandahs

- Materials and
Construction Techniques

- Traditional materials
(timber, laterite, clay tiles,
etc.)

- Modern adaptations

- Structural Systems

- Roof design (sloping,

tiled, thatched)

- Columns, beams, and

other structural elements

- Aesthetic Details

- Murals, sculptures,
decorative elements

- Integration of traditional
arts and crafts

Environ - Integration with nature

mental (landscape design, water
Aspects features)
 - Use of natural light and
ventilation

- Sustainable practices
(rainwater harvesting,
energy-efficient lighting)

- Site response to climate

and topography

User - Movement and flow of

Experien visitors (ease of
ce navigation)

- Accessibility (universal
design and barrier-free
design)

- Engagement with exhibits

(interactive displays, live
demonstrations)

- Seating/rest zones for

visitors

Cultural - Representation of local

Integrati art forms, crafts, and
on traditions

- Promotion of community
participation and artisans’
livelihoods

- Programs/events
showcasing intangible
cultural heritage
(performances,
workshops)

Maintena - Upkeep of built and

nce and natural elements
Manage
ment - Security and surveillance
systems

- Management of spaces
during events and festivals
 Services
Category Checklist Items Data Good Poor Notes
cond. cond.
Visitor - Ticket counters and entry
Services management

- Information desk or help

center

- Guided tours and audio

guides availability

- Signage and wayfinding

systems

- Cloakroom and storage

facilities

- Seating/resting areas for

visitors

- Accessibility for
differently-abled (ramps,
lifts, etc.)

- Restrooms and water

points

Commerc - Cafeteria or food courts

ial
Services - Souvenir or gift shops

- Arts and crafts shops for

traditional items

- Pop-up stalls for cultural

exhibitions

Educatio - Lecture halls or

nal classrooms
Services
- Demonstration areas
(artisans, craftspeople)

- Workshops and hands-on

learning spaces

- Libraries or archival
spaces for research
Cultural - Open-air theatre or
and amphitheater for
Recreatio performances
nal
- Community gathering
Services
spaces (for
events/festivals)

- Spaces for live

demonstrations (arts,
music, dance)

- Children’s play areas or

activity zones

Maintena - Surveillance and security

nce and systems (CCTV, guards)
Safety
Services - Fire safety and
emergency evacuation
systems

- Regular maintenance of
built and open spaces

- Waste management and

recycling facilities

- Parking and vehicular

management services

Section Aspects
Category Checklist Items Data Good Poor Notes
cond. cond.
Function - Division of public, semi-
al Zoning public, and private spaces

- Integration of service
areas without disturbing
visitor flow

- Location of entry/exit
points in sections

Spatial - Placement of key spaces

Hierarch (museums, galleries,
y workshops)
 - Transitions between
indoor and outdoor spaces

- Hierarchical arrangement
of open spaces
(courtyards, plazas)

Circulati - Pedestrian pathways and

on vehicular access
Patterns
- Nodes and intersections
for gathering or seating

- Design of ramps,
staircases, and lifts
(universal access)

Visual - Views and vistas within

and sections
Physical
Connecti - Integration of traditional
design elements
vity
- Connectivity between
galleries, workshops, and
recreational zones

Structura - Use of
l and traditional/vernacular
Material construction materials
Aspects
- Structural systems (walls,
roofs, and columns)

- Roof types (sloping,

thatched, tiled, etc.)

Environ - Natural light and

mental ventilation in section
Consider design
ations
- Use of courtyards for
passive cooling

- Landscape elements
(trees, water bodies)
within sections
Key - Strengths and
Takeawa weaknesses of the case
ys study

- Applicability of design
principles to the Living
Museum of Malabar

- Unique features and ideas

to incorporate into your
design
Site Visit Checklist - Living Museum of Malabar
Category Items to Check Remarks
Site Location Verify site accessibility
(roads, landmarks)
Proximity to public
transport hubs
Adjacent land uses and
surroundings
Site Dimensions Measure site area,
boundaries, and topography
Climate and Environment Note wind direction and
temperature range
Sun path and natural light
conditions
Soil quality and water table
levels
Vegetation Identify existing trees,
plants, or landscaping
Environmental concerns
(e.g., protected species)
Utilities Check existing water supply
and drainage systems
Availability of electricity
and waste management
Cultural Context Identify heritage structures
or nearby landmarks
Local architectural styles,
materials, and aesthetics
Noise and Pollution Note noise levels from
surroundings (traffic,
industries)
Presence of air or water
pollution
Site Photos Capture key site features
(landscape, access points)
Observations Any challenges or unique
opportunities