Spaceart

By Editorial Staff - 3 March 2025

The designers at Spaceart envisioned the VKC Cultural Center in Calicut, recognized as a Unesco City of Literature in the State of Kerala, as an inclusive space for all regardless of age, gender, or background. Conceived for meeting up, reading, learning, and reflection, the facility is the brainchild of the VKC Charitable Foundation, an initiative of VKC Group, a prominent player in the Indian footwear industry for over 30 years. The project very much reflects the vision of politician Mammed Koya, who founded VKC in 1984 to provide quality footwear at reasonable prices. It also expresses the design philosophy of Vinod Cyriac and Anita Choudhuri, who established Spaceart in 2000. The design intertwines public and private spaces, promoting a sense of community and rendering the cultural center a natural extension of the city’s spirit.

Seamlessly integrating functionality and esthetics, the center’s sustainable and economical design spans three levels. Despite the lot’s compact size, strategic design choices ensure that the building is able to accommodate a variety of activities. The design envisaged preserving existing trees, effectively blurring boundaries between the built environment and nature, while creating a continuous connection between interior and exterior spaces. Lobby access is via a wide staircase, envisioned as a kind of outdoor auditorium to foster social interaction and enhance accessibility to the Communist Party headquarters found here, thereby strengthening its presence in the city.

A steel tree at the entrance symbolizes intergenerational unity. The ground floor features a variety of gathering spaces, a library, and a small outdoor gym. The first floor hosts an office room, meeting room, and a dedicated art and music area. The second floor features a multifunctional room designed to host cultural events. Outdoor spaces at every level of the building enhance the design, providing spots for relaxation and...