Wallajah Road will soon get yet another landmark with ‘Kalaiarangam’, a state-of-the-art convention centre, being given its final touches.
The majestic structure coming up in the sprawling premises of Omandurar government estate will encompass traditional and modern architecture. About 360 workers are involved in giving shape to the project design provided by C.R. Narayana Rao Associates.
Nearly 100 skilled stapathis are engaged in sculpting various motifs on the exterior of the swanky auditorium, comprising stilt and three floors. It is being built on the site that once housed Kalaivanar Arangam, which was demolished few years ago.
The design of the exterior of the massive building has elements of the Dravidian style of architecture and south Indian temple architecture. The front and the rear portions of the auditorium have been designed with several columns topped by intricate cornice works. The roof portion too has elaborate ornamental cornice pattern works and floral motifs inspired by temple architecture.
Several skilled stapathis from Srivilluputhur are also engaged in carving murals depicting various Bharatanatyam mudras around the auditorium spread over 1.90 lakh sq.ft. “I have been a traditional architect for the past 25 years. I have been working on the complex motifs for nearly six months now. It is a laborious process and done using special materials including cement plastering,” said a stapathi from Srivilliputhur.
Many of them have also been involved in building the diamond jubilee arch near War Memorial and Karikalan Manimandapam in Tiruchi. Sources in the Public Works Department said the architectural works will be completed in 15 days.
Kalaiarangam complex is coming up at a cost of Rs.61 crore. Two halls with a capacity to accommodate 1,000 persons each is being constructed with modern acoustics. Two more mini-halls each with a seating capacity of 115 and a modern kitchen are also being built. Escalators, ramps and ample parking space are also being provided in the complex that would be ready by August, officials said.
The ‘Kalaiarangam’, coming up on Wallajah Road, is likely to be completed by August
