A confluence of cinema, cultural and architecture: permanent venue for the international film festival of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram/

Abstract

The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is one of Asia’s most significant cultural events, celebrated for its progressive cinematic discourse and inclusive public engagement. Despite its international stature and deep local resonance, the festival continues to operate from temporary venues scattered across Thiruvananthapuram, lacking a cohesive architectural identity. The proposition of this project is to design a permanent world class infrastructural facility as a permanent venue for the International Film Festival of Kerala at the capital city, to become an iconic expression of creativity, face of the city and boost the growth of economy of the state, as well as promote tourism. The program includes concert halls, screening halls, exhibition spaces, learning environments, hospitality facilities, and public zones. A key design emphasis is placed on creating layered interactive spaces—plazas, open-air theatres, shaded walkways, and incidental gathering areas—that encourage spontaneous public engagement and cultural exchange beyond the confines of formal screenings. The architecture seeks to dissolve rigid boundaries between spectator and participant, local and global, institution and city—allowing the site to function year-round as a vibrant urban cultural hub. Connectivity, walkability, and intuitive navigation are prioritized to handle festival crowds while maintaining human scale and intimacy. The spatial character is envisioned as cinematic in itself—framed views, transitional sequences, choreograph the user experience much like scenes in a film. The project aims to foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride, offering not just infrastructure, but a democratic space that nurtures dialogue, learning, and the collective experience of cinema. Ultimately, this thesis aspires to demonstrate how architecture can meaningfully participate in the celebration of culture, creating spaces that are both functionally resilient and emotionally resonant. The proposed venue stands as a long-overdue response to the festival’s global vision and local rootedness—serving as a landmark of cultural continuity and architectural expression in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. Keywords: Film Festival Architecture, International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), Public Interactive Spaces, Cinematic Experience, Architecture and Cinema, User Experience