KALA ACADEMY

PANAJI, GOA
• Location: Goa
• Architect: Charles Correa
• Site Area: 6.3 acres
The Kala Academy in Panaji is Goa’s premier cultural institution & centre
for performing arts. The programme called for the creation of spaces for
several performance halls, exhibitions galleries, a large auditorium,
amphitheatre, an art gallery, informal public gathering spaces & lounges, in
addition to the administrative block.

The spatial organisation is relatively horizontal, organised around

an orthogonal grid with an interesting play of volumes. The grid allows
Correa the flexibility to manipulate spaces to create a very rich sensory
experience, while at the same time, meeting the functional requirements of
the programme.

Thus, the entrance is through a double height space with an open

floor plan in the ground floor drawing one inside. One moves through a very
interesting series of spaces, a deliberate internal street derived
undoubtedly from the nostalgic past of Goa.
 Correa has successfully managed to integrate an elaborate internal street
like passage into a relatively formal scheme of a performing arts venue and
achieve a delicate balance between inside & outside. One is never really away
from the greenery outside, from the cool breeze coming in over the
Mandovi river, from the sun, from light & shadow.

Correa masterfully unites all these elements to draw one through

the space, the circulatory pathway being one of his special focuses. People are
made to walk through, made to pause, made to walk faster – all through the
careful manipulation of vistas, volumes, frames, colours, light & dark.

Strategically placed platforms & seats allow people to relax and

converse & while time away enjoyably till the start of the function, acting out
a social function which is getting rarer by the day.
 ABOUT

• There are four entries to the site.

• Boat jetty provided on the riverside
• The coverage is about 40% the pedestrian and vehicular systems are
well defined.
• The active area includes cafeteria, garden, and the amphitheatre.
• The site is divided into main building, service building, muktangan,
parking area, the exhibition space
• Charles correa has given prime importance to the process of moving
through the spaces in building
• The built form has been kept low ranging from one to three floor
• This is further enhanced by the use of parapet walls for upper floors
• The pergola above the entrance, acts as an extension to the foyer of
the main auditorium and the amphitheatre
• Use of water slabs and parapet walls are special feature of the
building
• The building acts as a tunnel between the city and the river
AREAS OF KALA ACADEMY
• Art gallery
• D.M Kalamandir
• OAT (open amphitheatre)
• Mini OAT
• Black box
• Rehearsal room
• Meeting room
• Guest room
• Preview theatre
• Cafe
• Library
• Classroom
• Green room
• Kitchen
• Administration
• Reception
• Lounge
ART GALLERY
• Running wall space for display – 51m
• Carpet area – 165 sq.m
• 3 mobile display panels to be used on
both sides – each having a space of 41.5m

MINI AMPHITHEATRE
• It is an open stage without roof/ceiling
• Programmes, conference, meeting and
drama are held here
• Seating capacity- 210
• Seating capacity (without chair)- 300
LIBRARY
• Reading desk for 11 people only
• 44 major shelves
• A cassette shelves

BLACK BOX
• The black box is used for experimental
productions
• Its designed for music, concerts, meetings,
and amateur performances
• Can be used as a recording studio
DINANATH MANGESHKAR KALA MANDIR

• Drama, Khel tiatr, magic shows, professional drama, western music,

concerts, gathering, orchestra, beat show, dance concert, fashion
show, lectures and meetings are held here
• Seating capacity – 954
• Proscenium stage opening – 81cm to 96cm
• Proscenium height – 39cm
• Orchestra pit – 60cm * 18cm
• Number of green rooms – 3
OPEN AIR AUDITORIUM

• Spacious stage of the open air auditorium provides requisite facility for
performance of small and big troupes
• Seating capacity – 1312
• Seating capacity (without chair) – 2500
• Proscenium stage opening – 50ft
• Depth from curtain line – 35ft
• Number of green rooms – 2
ADMINISTRATION SPACE

• Glass and exposed concrete are used

• Septate cabins made of plywood
• Cabins each of 3.5 sq.m
• Main lounge area for visitors
PLAN
Thank You

Manisha Mary Thomas