One room rentals to Cultural Icons

Sneha Anil Project Title : From one room rentals to cultural icons: The evolution of Homestays in Fort Kochi City Name : Fort Kochi Typology : Homestay - How evolution of tourism impacted non heritage residential bulidings in Fort Kochi Site Area : 482 sq m

Image of the Project (Image/ 3D/ Sketch)

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1G (1990 to 2000): Home Stays in Fort Kochi

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1G (1990 to 2000): Home Stays in Fort Kochi

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2G (2000 to 2010): Home Stays in Fort Kochi

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2G (2000 to 2010): Home Stays in Fort Kochi

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3G (2010 to 2020): Home Stays in Fort Kochi

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3G (2010 to 2020): Home Stays in Fort Kochi

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Intensity of Use

Present Scenario The homestay typology in Fort Kochi as part of the god’s own country campaign, evolved from one room rentals, enhancing the culture of hospitality and cultural immersion, while addressing privacy limitations and social concerns. Along with the introduction of virtual markets like airbnb, there was a transition to external stairs and access, balancing privacy and interaction as well as expanding the number of rooms and floors, thereby making homestays a primary source of income. The integration of Muziris Biennale, added another layer of art culture, attracting a diverse range of guests through out the year, necessitating the adaptation of homestay offerings to cater to this diversity to ensure continued business.

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Intensity of Use

Different cases of homestays from three different time periods Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin in English, Cochim de Baixo (“Lower Kochi”) in Cochin Portuguese creole, is a neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin,[1] the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies.[2] This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the Kochi Municipal Corporation.

Fort Kochi is rich in heritage and culture, and is a prominent tourist destination for both domestic and international travellers- being ranked as ninth among the top 25 in National Geographic’s Top Tourist Destinations To Explore In 2020 Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin in English, Cochim de Baixo (“Lower Kochi”) in Cochin Portuguese creole, is a neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin,[1] the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies.[2] This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the Kochi Municipal Corporation.

Fort Kochi is rich in heritage and culture, and is a prominent tourist destination for both domestic and international travellers- being ranked as ninth among the top 25 in National Geographic’s Top Tourist Destinations To Explore In 2020 Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin in English, Cochim de Baixo (“Lower Kochi”) in Cochin Portuguese creole, is a neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin,[1] the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies.[2] This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the

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4G : Statement

The main goal when designing homestays for the future is to create spaces that easily accommodate the various needs of visitors and seasonal demands through multifunctional spaces, so as to embrace the two-way impact of the resident host family and the visitor, while also addressing the current generation’s aging, which is driving up the demand for service providers. In keeping with the balance of privacy between the local host family and the visitor, this cultural evolution of hosting preserves the benefits of cultural immersion while also addressing the significance of social immersion.

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Site

Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin in English, Cochim de Baixo (“Lower Kochi”) in Cochin Portuguese creole, is a neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin,[1] the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies.[2] This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the Kochi Municipal Corporation.

Fort Kochi is rich in heritage and culture, and is a prominent tourist destination for both domestic and international travellers- being ranked as ninth among the top 25 in National Geographic’s Top Tourist Destinations To Explore In 2020 Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin in English, Cochim de Baixo (“Lower Kochi”) in Cochin Portuguese creole, is a neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin,[1] the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies.[2] This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the Kochi Municipal Corporation.

Fort Kochi is rich in heritage and culture, and is a prominent tourist destination for both domestic and international travellers- being ranked as ninth among the top 25 in National Geographic’s Top Tourist Destinations To Explore In 2020 Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin in English, Cochim de Baixo (“Lower Kochi”) in Cochin Portuguese creole, is a neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin,[1] the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies.[2] This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities along with a few adjoining areas,

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Site

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Concept

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Ai Generated Images

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Concept development Zoning 1

Zoning 2

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Legends Private Spaces Common Spaces Public Space Service

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Floor Plans

Laundry and Storage Caretaker’s Room Caretaker’s Toilet Kitchen Spill out Interactive Spaces Owner’s Room Lift Owner’s Toilet Gallery

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Owner’s Car Parking Owner’s Entrance Guest Entrance Reception Outdoor Seating Multifunctional Space Pantry for guest Dining

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Floor Plans

Guest Room Guest Room at Mezanine Bay Window Storage Shared Toilet Shared Living Balcony Art Workshop Bridge Connecting Mezanine and first floor

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Floor Plans

Shared Living

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Sections

Section AA

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Sections

Section CC

Section DD 21

Exploded Isometry of Shared Living Space

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Details

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Views

Entrance Verandah

Multifunctional Spaces

Multifunctional Spaces 24

Views

Interactive Spaces

Interactive Spaces

Guest Rooms 25

Project Brief In the heart of Kerala, Fort Kochi’s homestays have undergone a remarkable transformation as part of the “God’s Own Country” campaign. From humble one-room rentals, these accommodations have evolved into enriched cultural experiences, delicately balancing tradition and modernity. The journey has been shaped by factors such as the introduction of virtual marketplaces like Airbnb, the integration of the Muziris Biennale, and the changing demographics of host families.

Fort Kochi’s homestay experience has shifted from merely providing lodging to creating something truly special. Homestay owners, typically comprising 7 to 8 members, have embraced the culture of hospitality and cultural immersion, going the extra mile to enrich the lives of tourists. The personal and intimate interactions between guests and host families create lasting memories, facilitated in part by auto drivers who act as word-of-mouth ambassadors, sharing the warmth and hospitality of these unique accommodations.

The advent of virtual marketplaces, notably Airbnb, marked a turning point in Fort Kochi’s homestay landscape. While opening up exciting possibilities for hosts, it also brought challenges, especially regarding privacy. Host families, aiming for a reliable income source, responded by constructing additional rooms and floors. This expansion not only addressed the growing demand but also transformed family dynamics, leading to the breaking down of joint families into smaller units.

While homestays initially focused on cultural immersion and warm hospitality, the evolving landscape turned them into a business. This blend of tradition and tourism presented new opportunities but also raised essential social questions about the changing face of Fort Kochi’s homestay culture. The integration of the Muziris Biennale added another layer, infusing the region with a vibrant dose of art and culture. This cultural extravaganza attracted a diverse range of guests throughout the year, prompting homestay owners to adapt offerings to cater to this eclectic crowd.

As the younger generation of Fort Kochi sought education and job opportunities elsewhere, the responsibility of running homestays shifted to the older family members. This demographic shift marked a changing of the guard, placing Fort Kochi’s homestays at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. While the art and culture scene blossomed, the generational transition added another layer to the evolving story of these unique accommodations, creating a delicate balance between the old and the new.

Looking to the future, the design of homestays in Fort Kochi aims to create spaces that accommodate the various needs of visitors and seasonal demands through multifunctional spaces. The two-way impact of resident host families and visitors is central to this approach. Simultaneously, addressing the aging of the current generation, which is driving up the demand for service providers, is a key consideration.

In preserving the balance of privacy between local host families and visitors, this cultural evolution of hosting ensures the benefits of cultural immersion are maintained while addressing the significance of social immersion. The typology of homestays has shifted from host families occupying most of the living space to a situation where they gradually pull back, providing guests with increased space in the house. This evolution is a testament to Fort Kochi’s resilience in adapting to the changing dynamics of tourism and cultural exchange, making it a destination that continues to offer unique and enriching experiences

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