7.2 Application of Special Topic

7.2 Application of Special Topic

The main idea of studying about this topic was to implement a functional and aesthetic public plaza at the heart of Marine Drive. This has been effectively done through the design of this project. After various case studies done, I learned a lot about how other projects have used the design elements to effectively create active public spaces.

As part of the complex design, an elevated public plaza has been designed at the 1st floor level of the complex, with views to the waterfront and city at both ends. This particular floor serves as the ground floor of the complex for people to get direct views to the backwaters. Various design elements have been included in the design of the plaza setting it up as a go to destination for the people of Kochi.

Figure34: Public Plaza at First floor of GCDA Shopping Complex

A welcoming plaza with elements like retail shops, kiosks, seating areas in the form of tented seating, bench seating were provided. Also spaces like a viewing gallery with telescopic views to the backwaters and a connection at both towards the water deck at the back and a stepped plaza in front of the complex were other design interventions for the public plaza.

SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020