It is evident that the coming of the Biennale has transformed the area of Fort Kochi. One visible change is the way in which the biennale ties together the spaces through an artistic schema. Another important aspect is the release or rather the creation of a public realm in the interstitial space of the home and the street. Numerous independent enterprises, mostly cafes, have come up in the verandahs of houses, run by the house owners themselves. These are generally extensions of the main houses, and thus accommodated in the porches, front yards or backyards. The innovative ways in which people come to inhabit and experience Kochi on one hand, and the utility of a cafeteria on the other is rather unique. I have remained intrigued of the way in which people imagine space to evolve into a new economy.
Another interesting thing is the way in which, in order to cater to such above economies, interstitial spaces - those between buildings get occupied. Left over spaces like passageways, access routes get transformed into inhabitable areas. But these beautifully detailed and carved out spaces envelop the body rather intimately. Smaller lean-to roofs create narrow covered spaces, leaving some gap for the light to enter from above, nestling courtyards within. Corners, window thicknesses, niches, plinths, parapets, all enliven the streets, without the need for people. Traces of habitation can make the experience of streets engaging.
(Geraldine Borio has studied such spaces closely in her recent scholarship - drawing from examples in Hongkong).
Below are some examples of ways in which seemingly left over spaces (my favourite is Kashi Art Cafe)
Another interesting thing is the way in which, in order to cater to such above economies, interstitial spaces - those between buildings get occupied. Left over spaces like passageways, access routes get transformed into inhabitable areas. But these beautifully detailed and carved out spaces envelop the body rather intimately. Smaller lean-to roofs create narrow covered spaces, leaving some gap for the light to enter from above, nestling courtyards within. Corners, window thicknesses, niches, plinths, parapets, all enliven the streets, without the need for people. Traces of habitation can make the experience of streets engaging.
(Geraldine Borio has studied such spaces closely in her recent scholarship - drawing from examples in Hongkong).
Below are some examples of ways in which seemingly left over spaces (my favourite is Kashi Art Cafe)
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