Business Line 30.11.2011
Master plan for renovating Kochi
The plan also calls for renovation of the existing boat jetty and beautification of the park.
It proposes creating an urban square adjoining Jew Street, restructuring Bazaar Road and conserving the Coonen Cross Church and Black Synagogue.
A master plan drafted by a group of architecture students calls for concrete steps to renovate and revitalise the once-vibrant coastal township of Mattancherry, an integral part of Kochi, the industrial and commercial hub of Kerala.
HERITAGE TOWN
The history of the township dates to 13th century AD. Though evolved as a modest market harbour town, it became the hub of economic and political activities with the years. The heritage of the township, with its unique and strong linkages to various cultures, plays a crucial role in communicating the diverse social fabric and vernacular footprint.
Due to urbanisation and improper conservation, the town is in a state of urban decay today. The history of spice trade and the power of architectural spaces in Mattancherry provide potent images of marvellous urban typology from the past. The vernacular buildings of Mattancherry offer countless opportunities for adaptive re-use, according to Mr Asif R. Khan, Assistant Professor, MES School of Architecture. “It is high time to combat urban decay, to formulate town planning legislation with respect to revitalisation and guide future development of this heritage town,” says the Master Plan, which envisages specific proposals for the re-use, re-development and regeneration of the heritage-built environments.
The plan proposes creating an urban square adjoining Jew Street, the famous trading walkway of Mattancherry.
ARCHITECTURAL NATURE
It will serve as a major open space, which would encourage interactions, a spine that defines the architectural character. The plan has also come out with specific proposals for renovating and restructuring Bazaar Road, which was once the bustling market place of the region, and the connects Fort Kochi to Mattancherry.
The urban morphology along Bazaar Road is the result of trade activities that took place along the backwaters. Dutch Palace, yet another major attraction of the township, was originally built by the Portuguese in 1557 AD, and later given to the Cochin Royal Dynasty. The palace now functions as a Museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. The proposed development and landscape treatments of the compound premises of the palace is meant to create a new potential inflow of tourists, and rejuvenate the residents of the town to utilise the space as a recreational area.
The plan also calls for renovation of the existing boat jetty and beautification of the adjoining park, conservation of the Coonen Cross Church, a religious monument having great significance to Christianity, and the Black Synagogue — a religious structure of the Jewish community. It also suggests measures for development and beautification of the Manthra Canal, the peripheral areas of which are in a neglected state.
Keywords: Mattancherry, Kochi, Master Plan, Fort Kochi, Bazaar Road, Dutch Palace, Cochin Royal Dynasty
