Narrative embodiment: exploring spatial transitions in a tamil culture centre and training facility in chennai.

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced society, everyone is occupied with one thing or another that they have little time to care about or perceive what is happening around them in their day to day life. An important part of the complex fabric of Indian life is culture. However, the understanding of cultural spaces among the current generation is often limited. This project proposes a cultural centre and training facility in Chennai, dedicated to celebrating and promoting Tamil culture. The design aims to create a dynamic space for learning, exchange, and expression along with a focus on transitional spaces. The background study explored existing cultural complexes that promoted cultural identity and heritage, such as the DakshinaChitra Museum, Kalakshetra, Triveni Kala Sangam, and Kerala Kalamandalam. These institutions provided valuable insights into program requirements, spatial organisation, and the role of cultural centres in fostering community engagement. Additionally, "Threshold Spaces" by Till Boettger informed the understanding of designing effective and engaging spatial transitions within the project. The interconnected focus of spatial transition and cultural spaces underscore the need for a more conscious and comprehensive understanding of these elements in our daily lives and societal structures, promoting a more inclusive and enriched societal experience. The goal is to uplift the role of a cultural centre in a metropolitan city which lacks the social infrastructure for exchange of intellectual values and to intervene at the city level so that the public space developed promotes the expression, learning, exhibition and exchange of all cultural values alongside focusing on the spatial transitions. The project's design process began by deeply understanding the site's unique characteristics within the urban context. Nestled within an urban forest, the design prioritises seamless transitions between the external and internal spaces. To create a dynamic user experience, the site is divided into distinct zones with varying treatments. This intentional segmentation, coupled with the introduction of two levels, fosters a sense of discovery and transition as visitors move through the centre. This approach also addresses the site's specific challenges. By prioritising user experience and employing thoughtful spatial transitions, this Tamil cultural centre and training facility aims to transcend the boundaries of a typical cultural centre. It envisions a vibrant space that not only celebrates Tamil heritage but also serves as a catalyst for ongoing cultural exchange, learning, and community engagement within the urban fabric of Chennai.