MARKAZ ISLAMIC RETREAT& CULTURAL CENTRE

Allana College of Architecture, Pune

Project idea

A PROPOSED PROJECT: INDIA'S LARGEST ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE, CALICUT, KERALA, INDIA (14 ACRE CAMPUS).

CONCEPT:
The main Integral ideology behind this design is to create a center where people can enjoy, do their prayer, and learn to spread out the culture.
this topic is a combination of three different typologies of structure but linked with each other which includes a mosque a cultural center and business souks (market).

the first thought which came in mind was the axis of prayer which is a primary step to deal with Islamic architecture (northwest ).

for souks' first thought was to give an essence of typical Turkish style market with the modernistic approach, which runs throughout the site without hampering the other two parts of the design which is a cultural center and a mosque.

for the cultural center, the initial thought was to break down the spaces in two clusters, administration dept and cultural spaces a centrally located plaza connects these two clusters.

for mosque which is a core part of the design placing centrally which has a separate connection and a connection from cultural center and souks.

Project description

ABOUT SITE:
Markaz Islamic college and cultural center project site are located besides Calicut-Wayanad National Highway at Kaithapoyil, just 40 km from Calicut city. The great Wayanad hills which are a part of Western Ghats is just a few kilometers away from the project site and it is generating amazing sight for the city dwellers. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Its scenic view is breathtaking and it throws tremendous opportunities as it is near to Wayanad, one of the finest tourist destinations in the country.

NEED OF CULTURAL CENTRE:
The main purpose of India Islamic Cultural Centre is to promote mutual understanding and amity amongst the people of this country and to depict the true face of Islam which is most tolerant, liberal, progressive, rational and forward-looking religion besides being based on cardinal principles of human values irrespective of faith, caste, creed, and color.

Both the Cultural Centre and its Souk, by their size, conception and activity are superlatives in the making. They’re expected to attract thousands of visitors from around the country and the globe, every day, besides thousands of permanent and semi-permanent residents of the Markaz Knowledge City. The site promises to be abuzz with cultural and commercial activity, generating a non-stop demand for a variety of goods and services.

My thesis is based on a belief in educating people about Islam, Muslims, Islamic art, and philosophy in general and particular about the Muslim community of Kerala, and in a way eradicating islamophobia.
The institute(madrasah) also provides a learning space for students for Islamic theology, philosophy, and arts.

AS A DESIGNER:
To create a center that displays a mix of modern contemporary as well as old Turkish Islamic styled architecture and let the local population explore a whole different style of architecture.

Islamic architecture is referred to as "architecture of the veil" because the beauty of the structure lies in the inner spaces (courtyards and rooms) which cannot be seen from the outside (street view). However, the outside has its own beauty to display with the help of arches, arabesque, and play of heights.

Technical information

SPIRITUAL ENCLAVE:
One of the largest mosque and cultural centers is proposed in Kerela Kozhikode. which includes the space of prayer hall of 6000 people at a time. other space includes multi-purpose hall, accommodation spaces lecture rooms (madarsa facility) and other important spaces.

The spiritual enclave will be supplemented by, an Arabic-style Souk, an international conference center, restaurants, visitor facilities, and parks. besides these, the markaz knowledge city provides the infrastructure for residential, educational, healthcare, and commercial institutions.

CULTURAL CENTRE:
The inner sanctum of the Cultural Centre is the symbolically important Spiritual Enclave.
Adjoining the enclave will be a Research Centre whose focus is on research, education, and dissemination of culture. In the context of information and technology-driven economy, it aims to provide globally competent education with a firm moral grounding and to foster innovation, research, and creativity.

The Islamic Research and Information Center, in collaboration with scholars, professors, and experts in the area of Islam enhances studies on Islam and Muslims through contemporary social, cultural, and religious contexts.

BUSINESS SOUKS:
Providing Business souks with different business opportunities with large scale retail units including educational marts, mini-marts, restaurants, modern parking systems for visitors around the country, and for the permanent and semi-permanent residence of the Markaz knowledge city.

there are around 55 business varieties that will be going to happen(shortlisted by Markaz knowledge City).