The story of Kerala’s groundbreaking private sector space park engineered by Design Forum International where innovation meets sustainability

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Indian industrial sector, one particular domain has been capturing significant attention – the private sector’s engagement in space exploration. Spearheaded by Design Forum International and the visionary initiatives of the central government, this nascent entrepreneurial venture is steadily gaining momentum. Recognizing this unique potential, the Kerala government has embarked on a groundbreaking journey – establishing a space park embodying entrepreneurial innovation and developmental collaboration.

Situated on a sprawling 20-acre plot, this innovative project centers around creating an incubation and demonstration center. The Kerala Space Park is poised to ignite the spark of numerous startups within the space exploration industry, laying the foundation for future expansion beyond its immediate impact.

Central to this project is the unwavering commitment to passive sustainability, a philosophy that underscores the developer’s ethos. Preserving the land’s natural terrain is a testament to this dedication. Interestingly, the landscape of Kerala is characterized by intricate inland waterways, known as “Thodu,” which weave through the land and contribute to the area’s distinct character. Rather than viewing the Thodu as an obstacle, the project’s planners recognized it as an opportunity.

This waterway, meandering through the site, has become a central de sign element, guiding the layout of the entire project. It serves as a boundary, a source of aesthetic enhancement, and anavenue for connectivity, all woven together in a harmonious tapestry. The project’s architecture revolves around two primary buildings – an ideation center focused on software development and innovation and a facility tailored for manufacturing, testing, and instrumentation. This thoughtful segregation caters to space exploration’s intellectual and practical aspects, resulting in a cohesive yet dynamic environment.

The architectural configuration of the two buildings forms inward-facing “U” shapes, enveloping the Thodu and giving rise to a landscaped courtyard. A skyway bridges the structures to enhance connectivity and interaction, offering a seamless pedestrian route between them. Central to the project’s success is the fusion of nature and architecture.

In an endeavor to promote sustainable mobility, the project embraces a pedestrian-friendly approach. The presence of the meandering Thodu is capitalized upon by incorporating pedestrian pathways and lush plantations, minimizing the reliance on vehicular access and fostering an eco-conscious mobility pattern. The project’s design tackles the challenge posed by the site’s lower elevation with the adjacent highway.

Through the clever arrangement of building terraces, the complex seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, creating an inviting and non-intrusive presence. This landmark project encapsulates a harmonious blend of innovative design, environmental stewardship, and sustainable ethos. By leveraging Kerala’s inherent features, the space park emerges as a hub where technology, nature, and entrepreneurship converge to shape the future of private-sector space exploration in India.

FACT FILE:

Client: Kerala space information technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL)

Principal Architect: Anand Sharma

Design Team: Chanchal Jain

Consultants: Structural—Technical Projects Consultants Pvt. Ltd; Mechanical—Blue Box, Electrical—Blue Box; HVAC—Blue Box; Plumbing—Blue Box

Site Area: 1,49,500 Sq ft

Built-Up Area: 2,14,000 Sq ft

Ar Anand Sharma
Founder & Partner, Design Forum International

Anand Sharma graduated from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and started the practice Tevatia Chauhan & Sharma Architects in 1995. In 2013, with the rechristening of the practice into DFI, he coined the slogan of “People first” and used his leadership and people skills to mentor and upscale the creative and intellectual horsepower. Apart from being a talented architect, he is also a talented singer and a literary enthusiast.