The first edition of SPACES- Kerala Architectural Festival drew to a close on September 1, 2019. Presenting a vibrant literary, architectural and cultural tapestry, SPACES opened its gates in the capital city on August 29, 2019. Organised on behalf of DC Kizhakemuri Foundation and DC Books, the event was inaugurated by the chief minister of Kerala, Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan. The four day long event hosted sessions focusing on art, architecture, design, culture, and politics.
Converging architecture into the realms of politics, culture and designs the event saw an eminent line up of over three hundred literary personalities, architects from Srilanka, Germany and India. The first day of the event saw architect Sathya Prakash Varanashi, astronaut Rakesh Sharma, M.G. Sasibhooshan, Vikas Dilawari, Palinda Kannangara and Vijitha Yapa among the architects who addressed the gathering in various sessions spread across three venues. They spoke about architecture as a symbiotic reflection of culture, carefully weaving in conservation practises for the future.
The event on its second day highlighted the key concept of vernacular architecture and sustainability in a session featuring Dr.Benny Kuriakose. It also traced the legacy of Laurie Baker, the doyen of sustainable constructions, which featured architects Dean D’ Cruz, Jaigopal Govinda Rao, Geetha Narayanan and Vidhya Radhakrishnan. The topics delved into the space of literature by exploring the design of art, theatre, and the dynamics of shared spaces.
The upcoming days witnessed the presence of artists like Riyas Komu, Resul Pookutty and the architects Peter Gast, Prathishta Singh, and Dr. Kasturba A.K, a few among the others. The day also witnessed a video conference with B.V. Doshi. Shashi Tharoor led an insightful talk on the architectural vision post colonization and how building of the city of Chandigarh was a path breaking one in terms of its vision and mode of construction.
The valedictory event on the final day witnessed the 21st DC Kizhakkemuri commemorative oration by T.M Krishna on Fear in Freedom. The winners of the Pavilion design, arch writing and photography competitions conducted on behalf of the SPACES Fest were given the prizes.
All four days concluded with cultural events like drama, shadow puppetry, rock music and a concert by T.M. Krishna.