KOZHIKODE: A group of city-based architects under the banner of the Calicut Centre of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), a national body of architecture professionals across the country, has embarked on a mission to make a difference and bring back the lost aesthetic element to the city's urban landscape through a series of architectural interventions.

The IIA chapter, with the backing of A Pradeep Kumar MLA, has drawn up an ambitious project to revive ten key public spaces, including prominent city streets, historical landmarks and museums to make people realize the important role of public architecture in making the city an attractive place to work and live in. The projects will be implemented partly with funds from the local area development fund of the MLA.

The projects proposed by IIA would be discussed in detail at 'Crossroads', a series of seminars and competitions, which will be held at Emerald Ground near Sarovarom from August 16 to 18. The design street build expo and building materials exhibition will also form part of the event.1

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• 1. "Just a casual glance at our public buildings will reveal our total disregard for aestheticsWe intend to redesign at least ten public spaces to make the society realize the importance of public architecture," said Vivek PP, secretary of the Calicutchapter of IIA. Among the projects that will be implemented are 'Streets of Change' aimed at making Kozhikode pedestrian friendly by connecting the important green spaces and urban locations through a network of walkable streets.