KALA KENDRA, GOA

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Designed as a cultural centre in the heart of Panaji, this structure is a symbol of modern heritage designed by architect Charles Correa in the year 1983. Taking advantage of its location on Campal Street, the structure welcomes users with the help of its humble and convivial architecture.

Careful placement of the built and unbuilt spaces creates a perception of nonrestrictive approach towards the building which invites people from the streets into the semi-open area at the entrance of the site. The structure is a modest three storey construction with a double heighted lobby space which allows the user to enter through the interconnected open spaces. The widened vision and openness of the ground floor offers natural surveillance and makes the users always feel safe.

The placement and design of the ground floor allows a direct visual access through the sheltered heart of the structure into the open garden and further towards the promenade. The user goes through a series of spaces designed in accordance with the human scale. This unassuming characteristic of the spaces makes the transition between structures seem subtle and fluid.

As observes by John Gehl, users often pause when they transition from one place to another. Kala Academy breaks down the volume of the structure by modulating the sizes and proportions of the spaces. This break in the monotony of spaces creates opportunities for the user to linger and reflect on the spaces around them. The edge between the entrance and the lobby area, the lobby area and the canteen area, the canteen and the wooded open area, the wooded area and the walkway by the river become areas for the user to reflect on his surroundings. The interconnected open spaces give a glimpse into the multiple pathways that the user can take. The prospect of movement deepens the connection between the user and the built form.

The outdoor amphitheater and open spaces are key spaces to host events. They complement the built form and accentuate the spatial quality by allowing ample amount of light and ventilation to fill the structure and add movement to the spaces.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Kala Academy thus offers a harmony between the positive and negative spaces, indoor and outdoor and horizontal and vertical elements. The composition and designing of spaces have helped preserve the cultural identity of its context and become a public landmark.

FIGURE 58: IMAGE SOURCE- ARCHDAILY

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture