Breathing Life back into Changampuzha park
The vision for design at Silpi has always circled around the concept of going a few or more steps beyond the boundary of everyday architecture. Therefore making the needs and goals of the people who inhabit the space the priority while allowing these little steps make bigger impacts.
One among such projects where a few interventions impacted the lives of more than 30,000 residents of Edapally, Kochi, is the revitalization of Changampuzha park, an initiative of the IIA Cochin Centre.
The park is a cultural center at Edapally, established as a tribute to the renowned poet, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai.
The park sits next to the Changampuzha metro station beside the national highway 47, making it the perfect urban park where the bustling city can find tranquility.
But despite its cultural significance and history, the park seemed to be deteriorating due to a number of reasons.
Identifying the Challenges
As the existing site levels are below the road, the area frequently suffers from waterlogging. Brick walkways, slick and uneven during the monsoon season, posed a hazard to visitors, while outdated, dimly-lit lamp posts failed to provide adequate visibility at night, leaving the park largely unusable after dusk. The washroom facilities were cramped, unsanitary, and insufficient for the crowds, and the playground equipment had deteriorated to a rusty, unusable state, eroding the park’s former vibrancy.
Additionally, a need for a spacious gathering area was keenly felt. The existing auditorium was neither soundproof nor acoustically suitable for public events and lacked the seating capacity to accommodate larger crowds. Together, these factors underscored an urgent need for a comprehensive upgrade to restore the park’s functionality and appeal. Several culturally valuable sculptures adorned the park, yet their placement failed to honor their significance, leaving these artistic treasures overlooked and underappreciated.
A Thoughtful Revitalization
The redesign transformed Changampuzha park into a visual craft- It adorns an amphitheater, meticulously designed to screen the park from the road, a remodeled community hall to capacitate larger crowds and wide pathways in a cohesive loop that seamlessly link the residents of Kochi to a thriving hub for art, heritage and nature.
The park was transformed into a dynamic space that retained its heritage while meeting modern needs. By raising the park’s elevation, the risk of waterlogging was eliminated, ensuring year-round accessibility.
The widened pathways now invite a smoother, more enjoyable flow of visitors, while newly added, hygienic restrooms for men and women enhance comfort and convenience.
The auditorium underwent a prominent transformation with advanced soundproofing, featuring dual-layered walls and an upgraded roof, creating a perfect acoustic environment for public events. In response to the community’s call for open gathering spaces, an open-air amphitheater was constructed, incorporating a children’s exhibition area at its base.
Seating areas line the walkways, inviting visitors to pause and relax, while the entire park now follows a cohesive loop layout, seamlessly linking the public restrooms, amphitheater, and auditorium. Modern artificial lighting illuminates the park after dusk, allowing it to thrive as a nighttime destination.
And more importantly the park has regained its vibrancy, with bustling visitors bringing it to life once again.
From battling waterlogging and crumbling amenities to becoming a modern, accessible, and eco-friendly space, Changampuzha park now invites everyone to relax, celebrate, and connect.
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