Design for innovation: an incubation centre to promote culinary and other specialized skills in Pune.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to modernize culinary education and provide avenues for individuals to explore diverse career paths within the food and creative industries. In the present scenario, there is a significant shift towards recognizing the potential of research and innovation in Pune, a city with a dynamic culinary landscape. With the rise of global food trends, evolving consumer preferences, and the emergence of Pune as a hub for innovation and creativity, the city's rapid urbanization, particularly in its northwestern region towards Hinjewadi, has become a beacon of opportunity. The provision of an Incubation Centre in the food processing and culinary field presents an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional culinary education with the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Through tailored programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources, the incubation centre aspires to nurture talent, cultivate expertise, and catalyse the growth of aspiring chefs, food entrepreneurs, and professionals in related fields within the vibrant ecosystem of Pune. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement initiatives, and targeted interventions, architects can unlock new opportunities while addressing pressing issues. Moreover, the design seeks to not only foster innovation and innovation but also contribute to the broader goals of fostering a vibrant and resilient ecosystem for social, economic, and environmental prosperity in Pune and beyond. The scope of work for this thesis includes site planning and integration of farmlands with the incubation centre, and architectural design and detail of the selected individual startup office types and research labs.