Agro based community center for rural development: Kerala/

Abstract

Agro-based Community Center for Rural Development , Kerala. Located in the rural setting of Kannur, Kerala, this thesis focuses on revitalizing two connected areas: a canal junction and a nearby five-acre land parcel, both linked by a nine-meter-wide irrigation canal. The canal junction was once an active and vibrant place where the community gathered for fishing, games, local meetings, and festivals. Over time, however, it has become underused due to changes in generations and the decline of traditional farming and social practices. The area is home to three key communities: farmers who have shifted from paddy cultivation to cash crops due to financial and other conditions; Kudumbashree women engaged in food production, agriculture, and small-scale enterprises; and the wider local population with strong cultural ties to the land. This project addresses their shared needs through a holistic, community-driven development that integrates local economy, ecology, and social life. The design takes inspiration from the traditional Kavu- sacred groves in Kerala known for their natural richness, openness, and spiritual value. Following this idea, the project adopts a decentralized and open layout that blends with the rural surroundings. The five-acre land parcel is planned to include essential spaces such as a rice processing unit to support farmers through value addition, training and production facilities for Kudumbashree groups, healthcare and educational centers, and farming demonstration plots to promote knowledge sharing and skill development. The canal junction is reimagined with improvements to the street and surrounding public areas. Wider walkways, informal play spaces, and gathering platforms are introduced to bring life back to the canal edge and make it a lively public space once again. The main elements of the project - economy, leisure, farming, education, and health - are all carefully woven into the layout and program. At its heart, the project aims to empower the local community by equipping them with modern skills and agricultural knowledge, helping them become self-reliant entrepreneurs and reducing their dependence on middlemen. Shared spaces for workshops and learning encourage everyone - men, women, and children - to participate, collaborate, and take collective ownership of the place. In conclusion, this thesis envisions a regenerative, community-driven development that revives public life, builds social strength, and restores the cultural richness of a place