Charles Correira Foundation raised concerns over the going interior renovation of Kala Academy. Based on the limited material CCF has accessed, the structural repairs appear to have been completed in a scientific manner, it appears that by April the structural repair has also concluded. Now the architecture work has commenced, and given the lack of transparency, there are several doubts that have risen over the interior renovation & the auditorium design.
CCF pointed out that till now there has never been a proper repair for Kala Academy; CCF was hopeful that this repair would be holistic and comprehensive.
Convenor Tahir Noronha, briefing the media about the changes in Kala Academy over the years, “Previously, when Kala Academy was renovated for IFFI in 2014, it was wrongly renovated. The waterproofing which needed to be removed, was not and a new coat was added over the old one. This happened twice, thus putting pressure on the structure. The false ceiling of the auditorium had a painted scene which depicts Goan coconut tree which was also destroyed.”
It is important to remember the judgement of the High Court, which said that “no portion of Kala Academy will be demolished but only repaired to preserve and up-keep the same”.
There seems to be little consideration to the three principles of conservation which are necessary for any repair/renovation work (PRESERVATION of what is irreparable eg. Mario Artwork / REPAIR back to original quality of what has been damaged eg. Lobby and slabs / UPGRADATION if there is a technical need, eg. ACs of the Auditorium).
Various sources have informed CCF that there is a discussion of making arbitrary changes to the flooring which will make the lobby spaces dark, dingy and uninviting, changing one of the key appeals of Kala Academy.
The acoustics of the indoor auditorium which had already been tampered with in 2004 are now going to be further interfered with and this time even the Mario Miranda murals may not be spared. Such major changes threaten to erase the very essence of Kala Academy.
In most architectural projects, the original designer is consulted to understand the very layers of the project, the Gujarat Government has consulted CCF on renovation of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Although the primary engineer and architect were different, CCF was brought on board to share records and opinions, this is the norm in most conservation projects of recent buildings. Goa is losing out on an opportunity to retain a building which has been internationally respected and acclaimed.
Charles Correa who built Kala Academy in 1983 is a rare example of an equitable public building and some areas need to be preserved as its a kind of art, this building makes excellent use of Visual and spatial relations which cant be replaced or re-do. art of Mario Miranda on the walls portraying old-timey windows, doors, and staircase will be destroyed as per they have received information
CCF appealed to the press to investigate if the claims are verified, and also to people of Goa to demand transparency as the building is being repaired with their money and to decide for themselves on the form of Kala Academy they prefer.
Charles Correira Foundation raised concerns over the going interior renovation of Kala Academy. Based on the limited material CCF has accessed, the structural repairs appear to have been completed in a scientific manner, it appears that by April the structural repair has also concluded. Now the architecture work has commenced, and given the lack of transparency, there are several doubts that have risen over the interior renovation & the auditorium design.
CCF pointed out that till now there has never been a proper repair for Kala Academy; CCF was hopeful that this repair would be holistic and comprehensive.
Convenor Tahir Noronha, briefing the media about the changes in Kala Academy over the years, “Previously, when Kala Academy was renovated for IFFI in 2014, it was wrongly renovated. The waterproofing which needed to be removed, was not and a new coat was added over the old one. This happened twice, thus putting pressure on the structure. The false ceiling of the auditorium had a painted scene which depicts Goan coconut tree which was also destroyed.”
It is important to remember the judgement of the High Court, which said that “no portion of Kala Academy will be demolished but only repaired to preserve and up-keep the same”.
There seems to be little consideration to the three principles of conservation which are necessary for any repair/renovation work (PRESERVATION of what is irreparable eg. Mario Artwork / REPAIR back to original quality of what has been damaged eg. Lobby and slabs / UPGRADATION if there is a technical need, eg. ACs of the Auditorium).
Various sources have informed CCF that there is a discussion of making arbitrary changes to the flooring which will make the lobby spaces dark, dingy and uninviting, changing one of the key appeals of Kala Academy.
The acoustics of the indoor auditorium which had already been tampered with in 2004 are now going to be further interfered with and this time even the Mario Miranda murals may not be spared. Such major changes threaten to erase the very essence of Kala Academy.
In most architectural projects, the original designer is consulted to understand the very layers of the project, the Gujarat Government has consulted CCF on renovation of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Although the primary engineer and architect were different, CCF was brought on board to share records and opinions, this is the norm in most conservation projects of recent buildings. Goa is losing out on an opportunity to retain a building which has been internationally respected and acclaimed.