The Power of Design: Which made Jawahar Kala Kendra a celebrated Cultural hub for all ages and interests
Falling in Love with a building: A Child’s Perspective
Have you ever felt a deep affection for a building? I may sound a peculiar, but for architects, it’s a familiar sentiment. However, if you will ask a child, they may have very unique answers to this question. Like when I asked my neighbor’s Daughter who is just 6 years old the same question she said “ Nani ka Ghar” (Grandparent house). When I inquired why, she simply said “Kyunki wahan mai mere cousins ke sath khelti hun” (because I can play with my cousins there). Isn’t amusing how, when asked about a building, she referred to experiences and moments around it. But will you not have similar sentiments? Sometimes architectural details and design takes a back seat and experience take center stage, etching memories in our mind.
Reflecting on Cultural identity Embraced by JKK
As an Urban Designer, understanding urban spaces through people’s perspectives have always interested me. Living in Jaipur for a decade now has made me realise cultural values are created effortlessly, transforming them from imposing structures into exploration space. One such architectural project which has always been my go-to place in Jaipur is Jawahar Kala Kendra, fondly known as JKK. It’s a multi-art center which was built by Government of Rajasthan to preserve Rajasthani art and Craft. It’s designed by Architect Charles Correa and inspired by nine square grids of original City plan of Jaipur. The more I see Correa work more I feel the cultural rootedness he had while conceptualizing these projects and envisioning experiences and memories it may create through people’s perceptions of place making adaptations. Since much has been described around the architectural identity of JKK but what has truly made it a cultural center is its welcoming courtyards, navigational elements which leads you to different functional zones.
My First visit to JKK was as an architectural student in 2007. We as group were asked to sketch certain components of the built form to demonstrate importance of form and space in Architecture. However, exploration that started as an architectural observation and understanding meaning of different spaces soon became an element of life and bonding. It was a memorable day as we connected, bonded, and created memories in just a few hours. The space seemed to have a magical quality that brought us together and allowed us to form meaningful relationships. Was this all due to the design of the space? Perhaps the thoughtful layout and welcoming ambiance of JKK played a significant role in fostering a sense of community among us. Over time I realized that JKK had became my favorite place to be, irrespective of the fact that it isn’t a glamorous mall or recreational hotspot. The assurance of finding enriching event like exhibition, craft display, cultural programs like film screening, musical concert or workshop would always be there to welcome me made it a special place.
The Magic of JKK: A vibrant Everyday Urbanism
How beautiful it is to understand that a single architectural endeavor can encapsulate the art and cultural identity of the city and become a vibrant example of socio-cultural everyday urbanism. Rajasthan’s strong commitment towards preserving cultural rootedness and embracing its cultural identity, heritage, artforms, crafts, architecture, cultural practices, resonates well with JKK’s walls. While its architectural elements, beautiful landscaped courts, library, amphitheater, coffee house, mythical murals and wall art may have enriched the architectural quality of the built form. Its the people who breath life into its spaces. This sentiment may resonate with many of us. Just like my neighbor’s daughter found a special connection to her grandparents’ house through the experiences and moments shared there, we all likely have a building or place that holds a similar significance in our hearts. It’s not always about the architectural intricacies; sometimes, it’s the memories and connections forged within a space that truly make it special.
I often visit this place when it holds textile exhibition where I can buy fabric from different states and craftsmen. This place transforms into a vibrant market-place,offering culinary delights from across India and fostering connection with pioneers of craft and textile industry. These Design explorations of cultural uniqueness, design history around textile and craft just makes this experience more enriching in itself since this is what was visioned while designing JKK.
As a Doctoral student in Department of Design, I see it as an opportunity to understand various forms of design heritage we have had through tangible heritage forms like textile, craft, jewelry, and many intangible heritages like storytelling, dance and music practices which is also a seasonal affair for this place. It has recently hosted 19th edition Bookaroo, India’s largest children’s literature festival. This event was for children from age group 4–14 and included art, culture and literature through various forms of art-based learning including dance, drama, storytelling, painting and many more. And seeing the excitement with which children had enjoyed this festival one can only feel the versatility this place can offer. Every time I visit this place, it teaches me a new dimension of designing people’s place.
Reflecting upon the memories I have created in JKK, this place is not just an architectural endeavor; it’s a cultural center which has become a significant part of people’s life in Jaipur. The architectural elements and components do enhance the visual allure, but it’s the experiences and memories which truly makes it a beloved place for many. Despite its openness, JKK’s allure transcends daytime hours, challenging convensional perceptions of enclosed cultural centers. In today’s times where cultural center are more compact, enclosed and thermal insulated what perceptions do people make of them as a functional space is pivotal to understand the reasons behind success of such public spaces.
