More Than Just Buildings: A Flora and Fauna Documentation Experience

Internship Diary at Magic Line Studio - Amal Mariya

“The best buildings are those that quietly respect and respond to the land.”

During my internship at Magic Line Studio, I got the chance to be part of something that felt different from the usual architecture work. Instead of sitting behind my laptop making drawings, I found myself out in the field, documenting the flora and fauna of a site buzzing with life.

This wasn’t just any site—it was where the Roots and Rooks Chess Academy was to be built. Part of the larger Soil Stories community event space, the academy was envisioned by a retired teacher Mr. Manoj who dreamt of creating a quiet learning space for both children and adults.

Morning Among the Trees

We arrived at the site around 7:30 a.m. The air was cool, the ground still damp, and before long, we had already recorded over 60 species of plants and trees. Dragonflies hummed nearby, frogs called out in the distance, and even hornbills had made appearances on earlier visits. Every moment revealed how alive the place was.

It was then I realized: architecture isn’t only about what we construct, but also about what already exists.

Learning from the Land

We weren’t just identifying plants and animals—we were getting to know them. Native species like Woodwardia fimbriata (giant chain fern), Luffa aegyptiaca (sponge gourd), and Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) grew naturally across the site, preventing soil erosion and supporting pollination. Alongside these were mango, coconut, bamboo, and hibiscus, planted by people but now part of the ecosystem.

The presence of frogs, snakes, and dragonflies suggested healthy soil and water. Spotting hornbills confirmed mature trees and food sources. It became clear that this was more than a site—it was a functioning ecosystem.

Architecture as Response

The chess academy features classrooms, a stage, and gathering spaces overlooking the fields. What sets it apart is not just the design, but its intent to blend with its environment rather than overpower it.

By documenting biodiversity, we gained insights into how to build with the site instead of over it. The experience reminded me that sustainability isn’t just a checklist—it’s about listening to the land and respecting the small ecosystems we often overlook.

A Moment to Remember

Yesterday, the Roots and Rooks Chess Academy was officially inaugurated by Kozhikode Mayor Dr. Beena Philp, in the presence of MLA Thotthatil Raveendran. It felt surreal to see the project come alive, knowing that our early mornings spent among plants, insects, and birds had played a small part in shaping it.

Reflections as an Intern

For me, this experience changed the way I see architecture. I learned that:

Every plant has a role.

Every creature tells a story.

Every ecosystem shapes how a building can belong to its land.