Revive Kozhikode: Shortlisted Entry by A’FACTREE | Reweave Kozhikode Competition

A’FACTREE’ Revive Kozhikode was shortlisted in the Reweave Kozhikode Competition, held at YAF, by the IIA Calicut Centre.

MANANCHIRA – THE CULTURAL HUB OF CALICUT

Mananchira square- the hub comprising the palace, which is the present comtrust factory building, the pond and the park claim a portion of its part in playing a significant role in shaping the lifestyle of the people of Kozhikode.

The palace that served the rulers of the state is now the comtrust weaving factory. Adaptively re-used, the factory retains the characteristics and charm of the palace without much intervention. Operational till the year 2009, the factory was unfortunately shut down due to disputes between the management and the labourers. The properties, machines and other things used by the people till the last day are observed to be kept as it is after one fine day the factory was shut down without any notice.

The tank that was originally built for bathing by the Zamorins, was later converted as the drinking water source for the royal palace by Tipu Sultan. Several activities including lighting lamps on pond steps for an annual festival of Lord Ayyappa were happening here until it was banned to conduct religious activities in the pond in the year 1994.

The public park- once the palace garden, was developed by the collector in the year 1994. The park which confides the stories of the great revolutions that have taken place in the state and congregates the pride of the famous writers, critics and artisans, is zoned to cater to various activities like sports, cultural activities, walking relaxing, playing, gathering, etc. Mostly active in the evenings, the park is a favourite hangout for the locals.

The Proposal: ‘To reweave the past and present.

To reweave Kozhikode, one must revive its lost traditions. The proposal is to revive the Comtrust factory building as a heritage museum and reweave it with the Mananchira pond so that they are all perceived as one and the museum becomes an inevitable component of experience and celebration. In order to achieve the same, it is important to reroute the existing vehicular movement. The road that separates the Comtrust factory building from the park shall be treated as a pedestrian walkway alone.

The proposed entry to the precinct, with a parking facility, will make it the most desired entrance. Hence, it is considered to broaden the neck by removing the compound walls of both the park and the museum in this area. Understanding the commercial prospects of the area, the part of the factory building which is open to the park and the pond shall also be adaptively reused as retail outlets. This increases revenue and also attracts people to the building.

A public plaza, with a food court and small retails, is also proposed in the vacant plot abutting the factory building and accessible from Manachira road. The intention of this open plaza is to invite the public closer to the museum. A part of the factory building which is open to the outside shall also be adaptively reused as retail outlets. This increases revenue and also attracts people to the building.