The thesis focuses on establishing a comprehensive literature, cultural, and heritage centre in Kozhikode, renowned as the “City of Literature.” It proposes a forward-thinking approach to conservation, preserving the heritage value of the site through circular conservation principles. This involves repurposing materials from the demolished factory to create gabion structures and artistic installations, integrating elements of the factory into the new building’s architecture. Through this innovative approach, the thesis aims to convey the rich narrative of Kozhikode’s literature and heritage, celebrating its cultural legacy while revitalizing the urban landscape.
The proposed initiative aims to establish a vibrant cultural space in Kozhikode, India, dedicated to celebrating its rich literary heritage as a UNESCO City of Literature. This transformative project seeks to create a dynamic hub for intellectual exchange and community engagement, featuring reading spaces, a curated library, and a dedicated literary museum chronicling the city’s literary evolution. In addition, the space will include exhibition spaces to showcase new art forms and styles, as well as comunity spaces integrating a park and pond. Furthermore, heritage restaurants and public spaces will enhance Kozhikode’s culture and uniqueness. Emphasizing inclusivity and economic growth, the cultural space will serve as a year-round venue for literary activities and events, providing affordable platforms for local authors and contributing to the city’s cultural legacy and UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.
1. The Town Hall
2. The Crown Theatre
3. Comtrust Textile Factory
4. SM Street
5. Palayam Bus Stand
6. The Vegetable Market
Muthalakulam Ground
The CSI Church
Temple
The Stadium Junction
Ashoka Hospital
Kumari Chips
1. Main Entrance 1 - Pedestrian Entry
2. Main Entrance 2 - Four Wheeler parking and Pedestrian Entry
3. Entrance 3 - Parking Facility
4. Service Road Cum The Exit From Basement Parking
5. Service Road Cum Employeers Entry
6. Servce Road for The Kitchen Purpose (Restricted)
Author Dona VS
Author Dona VS
Author Dona VS
Author : Dona VS
Author : Dona VS
Author : Dona VS
Author : Dona VS
VELLORE NEXUS
TYPOLOGY : Institutional LOCATION : Vellore, Tamil Nadu
INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC PROJECT : Semester v | 2021
SUPERVISOR : Prof. Hareesh | hareesh.haridasan@vit.ac.in
Given Vellore’s significant attributes, such as its educational institutions, industrial prowess, and cultural landmarks like the Sripuram Golden Temple, there arises a compelling case for the establishment of a cultural center in the region. Such a center would serve as an informative hub, catering to the diverse interests of Vellore’s population and visitors alike.
With institutions like the Christian Medical College & Hospital and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) drawing students and professionals from across the country, a cultural center could offer enriching programs and exhibits that reflect the academic and intellectual vibrancy of the city. Additionally, Vellore’s status as a major exporter of leather goods underscores its industrial significance, making it pertinent for the cultural center to showcase the city’s industrial heritage and achievements.
Moreover, with Vellore being selected for the Smart Cities Mission, there is a growing emphasis on innovation and urban development. A cultural center could play a pivotal role in fostering creativity and community engagement by hosting workshops, seminars, and events focused on sustainable practices and technological advancements.
Overall, a cultural center in Vellore would not only fulfill the need for an informative and user-friendly space but also contribute to the city’s identity, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its residents.
GANDHI MARKET
TYPOLOGY : Public Project, Urban Design
LOCATION : Vellore, Tamil Nadu
YEAR : Semester IX | 2023
GROUP WORK OF TWO : My Involement in Research, Illustrations, Visual Respresenatation
Designing a market is a pivotal aspect of urban development, especially in a burgeoning region like Arcot. It entails creating an efficient system that ensures the health, hygiene, and seamless flow of raw perishable products, diverse people, and various vehicles. An inefficiently planned market can lead to food wastage, increased labor, energy consumption, and health hazards, which are undesirable outcomes for a growing region like Arcot.
The objectives of the project include decongesting the current market complex, transforming it into an active public space, preserving the traditional market system, providing a self-contained workspace for vendors, and enhancing the overall transaction experience for buyers and visitors.
The project’s impacts on people and the place are substantial. It will facilitate hassle-free transactions of essential perishables, improve vendor livelihoods, sustain market communities, and bolster the local economy. By revitalizing the market as a vibrant social and economic hub, the project aims to address the loss of inherent social values in public realms and restore the city’s meaningful gathering spaces.
In today’s urban landscape, rethinking the role of markets as integral components of urban transformation is imperative. They serve as new types of social areas that uphold urban traditions, facilitate economic and social exchanges between communities, and address sustainability challenges. Therefore, establishing a market in Vellore is essential for its urban revitalization and transformation.
PINARAYI POLICE STATION
TYPOLOGY : Public Project
LOCATION : Kannur, Kerala YEAR : 2024
PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL WORK : Working Drawings, Detail Drawings
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT : Dr. Benny Kuriakose | Benny Kuriakose & Associates
The Pinarayi Police Station in Kerala, designed by Benny Kuriakose & Associates, exemplifies the fusion of Kerala’s vernacular architecture with sustainable design. The project employs locally sourced materials like terracotta, jallies, and exposed bricks, chosen for their sustainability, aesthetics, and compatibility with the region’s tropical climate.
The design draws from Kerala’s architectural heritage, with jallies enhancing natural ventilation and passive cooling, while creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Terracotta and exposed bricks lend the structure an earthy warmth, reducing embodied energy and aligning with the environment.
As part of the project, I collaborated closely with the principal architect to refine the design approach, focusing on blending traditional materials with modern construction methods. My responsibilities included producing detailed construction and working drawings, ensuring seamless translation of the design into a buildable format.
Balancing functionality with sustainability, the project meets the specific needs of a police station while preserving cultural identity. Contributing to this endeavor deepened my commitment to creating architecture that bridges tradition and innovation, offering timeless solutions rooted in local context.
