Interweaving Architecture and Performance: A Study of Tangible and Intangible Heritage in Purisai Village, Tamil Nadu

The village of Purisai, located in Tamil Nadu, represents a unique confluence of tangible and intangible heritage, where traditional architecture, cultural practices, and community life are deeply interwoven. This research explores the symbiotic relationship between the built environment and living traditions that define Purisai's cultural identity. The study examines the village's traditional spatial organization, vernacular building techniques, and materials that reflect climatic adaptation and cultural continuity. Equally significant are its intangible aspects --- the rich legacy of Therukoothu (street theatre), oral traditions, and rituals that sustain community cohesion and collective memory. Through field surveys, and documentation, the research highlights how tangible and intangible heritage coexist and mutually reinforce each other in shaping the village's character. The paper further discusses the challenges posed by modernization and the gradual decline of traditional practices, emphasizing the need for integrated conservation approaches that recognize both material and performative dimensions of heritage. Purisai thus stands as a living example of how cultural landscapes embody not just physical heritage, but the living spirit of tradition and identity.