Abstract:
This thesis aims at designing a Centre for Contemporary Arts in the city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The city of Indore is home to some great categories of artwork such as drawing, ceramics, painting, printmaking, carving, modelling etc. While there are cultural centres in the eastern part of the town, western part is totally devoid of any well-kept galleries or government-managed art centres. This project is located in Scheme 78, Part II, Vijay Nagar, Indore on a site measuring 28,000 sq.mts. The plots in the area have been reserved for PSP development by the Indore Development Authority. The proposed art centre would cater not only to promotion of contemporary art and artists but would serve as a public space transcending the divide between city, people and art. Set amidst an urban area, the centre would have a public plaza, some elements that would capture the attention of a passer-by and draw them into a world of creativity. It would be a place of learning and experience which focuses on artists visitor interaction. It would offer the local and regional artists a place to live and work and exhibit their work alongside. Various art centres like Bharat Bhawan, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Kala Academy and Tribal Museum have been taken up as case studies in order to understand the spatial requirements and functioning of a multi-arts centre in the county. The major spaces included in the design are exhibition areas that would reflect the history of Malwa region and Indore and describe the journey of Indore along with the local arts and crafts of the region. Other spaces include a library, an auditorium, an open-air amphitheatre, workshops, artist’s studios, artist’s accommodation and flexible open spaces.
