Networking of markets and public spaces in Thrissur city

Abstract

The city is built around a 65-acre hillock called the Thekkinkadu Maidan which seats the Vadakkumnathan temple. Thrissur was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history. Thrissur has historically been a center of Hindu scholarship. Christianity, Islam and Judaism entered into the Indian subcontinent through the Thrissur District. Due to this long history and rich culture, it is celebrated as the cultural capital of the state. As an effect of rapid urbanization and unplanned development the, city lacks safe and pedestrian friendly open spaces. Most of the cultural landscapes remain underutilized and hidden from view. A great deal of focus is given to the development of transportation networks and roads but the pedestrian connectivity and amenities are often neglected depriving people of places to walk to. Apart from the cultural landscapes, the cities character is also enriched with its traditional market places and vernacular housing stock. The thesis aims to connect the different layers of cultural spaces, markets and transportation nodes to create a city level public realm that strengthen the sense of identity of the place, elevated the physical and mental wellbeing of the citizens and create an experience for every person that visits the city. The end product of the thesis will have a well-connected series of open spaces transportation nodes and markets with necessary pedestrian amenities that can cater to the local public and tourism.