KOCHI: Mattanchery has evolved over the decades, from a trading hub to a settlement of sorts with a rising population which has embraced many changes over the years. And for Chennai-based architect Vidhya Mohankumar, Mattanchery holds a treasure trove of stories, developments and wonders.
The urban designer is in Kochi to study the developments that the township has undergone for the past 150 years, especially since Independence. She fell in love with the town after her first visit to Mattanchery for the first edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale.
For her project, Vidya and her team have spoken to residents, Corporation authorities, former and present district collectors and experts. The research findings will be exhibited in the form of graphic designs, maps, statistical data and building models at an upcoming two-month exhibition curated by Riyas Komu in Mattanchery from August 12. “Since we are not from Mattanchery, I was studying its changes from the perspective of an outsider, but yes also as an architect. There is a certain kind of charm to the place, especially its people. All of them are very loyal to their land and don’t want to move away seeking better pastures,” she said.
Vidya’s research is also a critical analysis of how much development in housing, urban infrastructure, transportation and livelihood that has taken place so far. “Our study also analyses the amount of money that has been spent on infrastructure in Mattanchery. We have spoken to various stake holders to find out how many projects are in the pipeline, how many have been completed and how many dream projects are yet to take off,” she said. Devangi Ramakrishnan, Abinaya Rajavelu, Shruti Shankar, Sivagami Periannan and Brandon Persico are the other team members.
Urban Design Collective
Vidhya Mohankumar is the founder of the Urban Design Collective which is a collaborative platform for architects, urban designers and planners. Vidhya has a decade of experience working in India, Ireland and the United States and has a passion for creating livable and sustainable cities. Vidhya also advocates sustainable development through training and capacity building programmes for various stakeholder groups and also within academia through her association with a number of universities as guest faculty. “ The urban design of any city, town or neighbourhood is crucial. The Urban Design Collective works hand in hand with government agencies in implementing economical and sustainable neighbourhoods. We study every aspect and help the government agencies with the initial procedures,” she said.