Kochi creative catalyst: a hub for creators Willingdon island, Kerala/

Abstract

This thesis presents an architectural intervention that could aid in the creation of more ‘third places in the city and provide opportunities for the growth of local artists by becoming an integral part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The project envisions a port-based Creator’s Hub on Willingdon Island as both a cultural landmark and a functional gateway between the city and the Biennale venues. By utilizing Kochi’s underused water transport network, the proposal aims to reconnect the dispersed cultural spaces of the Biennale through a revived water-based transit system. This approach not only enhances accessibility to the event but also encourages a shift in urban mobility from roadways to sustainable waterways. The Creator’s Hub acts as a catalyst for cultural exchange, urban regeneration, and transportation reform, while fostering informal gathering spaces that strengthen community bonds and artistic visibility. Keywords: creative infrastructure, community engagement, cultural landmark, Third places.