After successfully executing a few projects last year, the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Calicut Centre, has come up with fresh concepts for the city and its outskirts.
One of them is a model crematorium at Ulliyeri, to be constructed at a cost of Rs.2 crore. The project has been conceptualised taking into account the picturesque landscape of the region. “It was conceived after Balussery MLA Purushan Kadalundi approached us. The funds will be sourced from his local area development fund,” Vinod Cyriac, chairman, IIA, Calicut Centre, said.
He said that the Elathur legislator, A.K. Saseendran, wanted the IIA to consider a few projects in his constituency. “In fact, it was the Kozhikode (North) MLA, A. Pradeepkumar, who took the initiative for a few projects in the city last year. After all, we are doing it free of cost right from designing, conceptualising, and supervising them. So there was no confusion regarding allocation of funds for project preparation and reports,” he said.
The Chevarambalam Yuvajana Library and Sports Club is another venture. It has been envisaged considering the absence of a public space catering to the cultural and sporting needs of the youth. Facilities include multipurpose halls on each floor that can be utilised by the community as per their requirements for a library space, sports club stock and office, community gatherings, and public events.
The building has been conceptualised as a climate-responsive structure, to be a model for any community centres with emphasis on natural lighting and ventilation and use of vernacular materials.
Improving infrastructure facilities at the Chevarambalam lower primary school is another project. It has been considered for unifying the facilities to give it an infrastructural enhancement such as entry focus, transition control factors, utility buffers, and creation of a wide open activity centre.
A mini stadium project at Chelavoor has been proposed in the existing open space along the side of the Punoor river. The project will have exclusive grounds for cricket, football, and other events. The riverside will be secured by means of high fencing while retaining the river side for recreation and sightseeing. The river edge shall be treated to provide seating facility and pedestrian mobility.
