Laurie Baker

Laurie Baker settled in India in 1945 and later did much of his best-known work in Kerala. His buildings used local brick, shaded courtyards, ventilation, and low-cost construction methods suited to Kerala's climate.

Rat-trap bond is a bricklaying method Baker popularized in India to reduce material use while keeping walls strong and insulated. It creates a cavity within the wall, which can save bricks and help with thermal comfort.

Laurie Baker was British-born, but he became deeply identified with Indian architecture after moving to India. He became an Indian citizen and worked for decades on hospitals, homes, churches, and public buildings.

Baker's work was smaller-scale, frugal, and climate-conscious, often using local crafts and exposed brick. Le Corbusier's Indian work, such as Chandigarh, used a much more monumental concrete modernism.