Kochi: The SEED APJ Abdul Kalam School of Environmental Design's festival 'Seedgeist 2023', which is being organised at the Ismail Warehouse, Jew Town Road, Mattancherry, has drawn a large number of visitors who like to see and understand architecture as an art.
Over 200 architecture students of the institution are taking part in this event. The fest, which began on April 1, will conclude on April 12.
Kochi Biennale Foundation Chairman Bose Krishnamachari inaugurated the exhibition which is being hosted as part of 'Seedscape', a sub-event of 'Seedgeist'. Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy Chairman Murali Cheeroth has curated this exhibition.
Speaking about the relevance of this programme, Murali said, “When works created as part of academic activities are exhibited in public spaces, they become a celebration of the students' creative and architectural visions, evoking a mindful engagement that stimulates our senses and transforms the space”.
“These works highlight the significance of architectural education, at the same time marking their entry into the public sphere,” he added.
A workshop on ‘Bamboo Architecture’ was also conducted by the institution in association with Ahmedabad-based Thumb Impressions Collaborative. Independent filmmaker Sreeram Pradeep held a workshop on ‘Film Making’ and Prof Saumya Pande's workshop was on ‘Textiles Designing’.'
A 750-square-foot mural, created with the help of Bengaluru-based Aravani Art Project, was among the major attractions of the event.
“Students played a major role in organising this event and making it a successful one. The exposure that we gained through this programme has helped us in getting to know and understand the various perspectives in this industry,” said Nandikesh P Nair, president of the students' council 'Seedsocial' and a fourth year B Arch student.
The fest also hosted panel discussions, led by renowned architects Soumitra Ghosh, Abin Chaudhary, Amrutha Ballal, and Mahesh Radhakrishnan. These experts assessed the students' architectural works on display.