“Freedom Square: An Unbridled Expression of the Values of a City”
Freedom Square, Calicut
De earth, Calicut
Calicut, a quintessential port with a glorious cultural inheritance and widely known for its hospitality, has a treasure trove of unrevealed historical tales yet to be shared with the world. The city, known for its social life, boasts of many lively active public spaces like Mananchira Maidan, S. M. Street, Sarovaram Bio Park, Calicut Beach and cultural venues like Tagore Hall and Town Hall. But even as a city with a rich history, it had, for a long time, lacked built spaces which evoked any sense of history, leaving tourists and travellers to reconstruct the mediaeval splendour of the place by themselves.
The city’s heritage spaces were long overdue for a facelift so that they could stay relevant with the passage of time and yet able to convey layers of its history for the new generation. Out of this shared need grew a beautiful partnership between Shri A Pradeep K, MLA and IIA- Calicut Centre, known for its social and public initiatives. This collective movement by the people’s representative in collaboration with professionals was spurred by a desire to unveil the potential of public spaces and the values embedded in society. This partnership has been exploring the true prospects of design in every facet of life from birth to
death, right from Ammathottatil, anganavadi, primary schools, schools, streets, bus stops, hospitals, parks, old- age shelters and crematoriums. One such initiative, Freedom Square, stands as a testimony of the rich past and of the aspiring future. The multi- disciplinary firm De earth was entrusted the conceptualisation and design of Freedom Square on behalf of IIA- Calicut Centre.
The Past: Kozhikode, the land of the Zamorins, is an abode of historic tales, trade and truth. Rich in art, culture and cuisine, this legendary city has welcomed people from all parts of the world, a glimpse of which is offered through the history walk.
Most of Kozhikottukar or people of Calicut who grew up in the city have childhood memories woven together with the waves, the wind and the familiar sight of dilapidated piers. Dashing into the waves, frolicking on the beach, we only had to look up from our play to see the long piers stretching into the sea. The waves relentlessly rolling on, crowds wavering, times changing and through it all, the piers simply stood in their raw barren beauty, with waves of change relentlessly lashing against their pillars.
The old Beach Stage— once stood where the
Freedom Square is situated now— hosted many historical events and personalities. The Beach Stage was the most prominent and largest venue for cultural programmes and political conventions in the region. The ageing structure of this stage, reminiscent of the past was now sinking and dilapidating.
Kozhikode shore has been a witness to many historic events, including pitched naval battles and the arrival of ships from distant lands. Several national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Indira Gandhi and Krishna Menon have addressed the public on this beach. The road running past this beach, originally called Evan’s Road, was renamed as Gandhi Road after Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in January 1934. The remains of the port and the trading culture can still be seen in the form of two dilapidated piers extending into the sea– the north and the south pier. The pier near the stage was originally of the iron- screw type in the north, built in 1871. It was 400 ft long ( 120 m) with a T- end. Numerous cranes on these piers once loaded spices and other goods destined for foreign ports like Aden, Genoa, Oslo, London, Bremen, Hamburg, New York, etc.
On May 12, 1936, at the peak of the nationalist movement, satyagrahis assembled at this historic beach under the leadership of Mohammad Abdurahiman to break the Salt Laws, and were ruthlessly attacked by the British police who injured more than thirty people. P. Krishna Pillai and R. V. Sharma proudly defended the national flag from forcible seizure. Freedom Square commemorates this heroic fight and all other historic movements for the liberation of our nation that were staged here. Unfortunately, this stretch of space had no landmarks or built space evoking a sense of the historical significance of the place, and hence, Freedom Square.
Wholeness:
This project was conceptualized and realized through its design as an integrated solution: a multifunctional space which could revitalize the entire stretch of the beach as a nodal point, not only from the perspective of public life but also for tourists of history and also for the leisurely travellers as well as the citizens themselves.
The existing stage has been attentively carved to be a multifunctional space, diverging the performance stages with a symbolic spine into the sea creating positive spaces. The built area subtly evokes a sense of the multi- culturalism of Calicut and its openness to new ideas. The large main stage facing south is designed for political events and other large gatherings. The northern stage is for cultural events, and the central walk radiating from the space is designed as a reminiscence of Calicut’s history, with a walking gallery which narrates historical events engraved on curated plates. A curio shop will sell artefacts and collectibles relevant to the region, while the state- of- the- art green rooms will be used in conjunction with the performance areas. Abstract wall sculptures depicting the historic Salt Satyagraha arouses historical memories and points towards the invisible roots of our city. The place created has become an identity for the city for ages to come.
Versatility:
The cultural versatility of Calicut has been thoughtfully incorporated into the design. Freedom Square itself responds to seasons, time, function and users. The space is equally open to political and cultural events of various scales. It also acts as a meeting place, a striking photo destination, an urban gym and more.
In the gentle morning light, the space opens up inner vistas of freedom, openness and possibilities in the minds of people strolling along the path. The poignant evening light adds a subtle depth to the space. The idea of optimal lighting that accentuates the freestanding walls add to the aesthetics as well as the functionality of the place as the people stroll
through the beach till the wee hours of the night.
Locally sourced natural materials add a contextual charm. They not only bring in an unaffected rustic charm but also withstand the harsh sea weather, aging gracefully. Freedom Square along with the lighthouse and cultural beach, welcomes heritage walks that will raise historical awareness and invites and integrates people to support preservation and conservation of historical monuments.
Towards a Design- Inspired City
IIA- Calicut Centre along with the leadership of the local government and bureaucrats could carve out a series of public spaces through thoughtful design with the vision of inspiring a new generation of sensitive citizens. Freedom Square is one such space of learning, sharing, caring, one which will foster higher civic sense and create an everlasting identity for a city. It is a space of togetherness, of celebration, of nostalgia and of immense pride. A garden for art, music, literature and culture to thrive, Freedom Square gives bountifully to the society of Calicut. Simply put, a space designed to raise the happiness quotient of the land, and to give it an identity and pride it deserves.
Beyond the Imagery
Monolith sculptures enhanced by the lighthouse in the backdrop, stand upright as symbol of Calicut’s historical resistance to domination. The walkway through these monoliths has the possibilities of deep personal inner awakenings as well as awakening of civic and public identity. One can only try to capture in words the ethereal feeling of walking through the monoliths inviting us to see beyond what is visible. As one walks, glimpses of the blue- grey emerge, saltiness of air intensifies, gentle music of waves rolling as though from one’s own forgotten memory awakens the senses and then the vast, vast openness of sea envelopes your being completely. At such blissful moments, the space can even act as a place on this earth offering a tiny glimpse of eternity.
Freedom Square is a standing testimony of the endless potential of architecture and urban inserts, in inspiring a better life filled with love, respect and pride.
FACTFILE
Client: Govt. of Kerala
Design team: Ar Vivek PP, Ar Nishan M, Ar Chinnu, Ar Anamika, Ar. Shahim, Ar. Avani, Yadu Pradeep
Consultants: De earth ( Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Interior, Landscape & Plumbing, HVAC)
Contractors: ULCCS ( Structural and Civil)
Built- up area: 3366.61sq m
Year of completion: 2020